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H 2340

An Act repealing section 3A relative to MBTA communities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Frost and 11 co-sponsors

H. 2340 repeals Massachusetts' MBTA Communities law requiring transit-adjacent cities to zone for multifamily housing, restoring local zoning control but potentially reducing housing supply near public transit.

Hearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-06:05 PM in Gardner Auditorium and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 2340

Legislative bill overview

H. 2340 seeks to repeal Section 3A of Massachusetts law, which established "MBTA communities"—municipalities served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority that are required to zone for multifamily housing. The repeal would eliminate these zoning mandates that currently affect dozens of communities in the Boston metropolitan area.

Why is this important

Section 3A, enacted in 2020, requires MBTA communities to allow multifamily residential development by right in certain zones, intended to increase housing supply and affordability near transit. Repealing it would restore local zoning control but could reverse progress toward addressing Massachusetts' housing shortage and reduce transit-oriented development opportunities.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing affordability vs. local control: Repeal could undermine state efforts to increase housing supply near transit, but would return zoning authority to individual municipalities
  • Environmental and transit policy: Eliminating the law conflicts with state climate and transportation goals of concentrating development near public transit
  • Regional equity: Communities may worry about development pressure, while housing advocates and transit-dependent residents argue the law addresses legitimate statewide housing needs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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