Recent Streetsblog MASS posts about Housing

They’ve Been Warned: Attorney General Says Suburbs ‘Must Comply’ With Transit-Oriented Housing Law

By Christian MilNeil | Mar 17, 2023 | No Comments

On Monday, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell issued an advisory to warn cities and towns across eastern Massachusetts that they “must comply” with the state’s new MBTA Communities Law by legalizing multifamily housing near MBTA bus routes and rail stations. Where many of Boston’s suburbs currently only allow single-family homes with large lawns, the new law […]

An architect's rendering of a new building with a ground-floor space signed "Boston Public Library" and 11 floors of apartments above. The upper floors are clad in green bricks and a small elevated plaza with ramps and small trees leads to the building's main entrance.

In 2022, Boston Planners Once Again Approved More Parking Spaces Than Homes

By Christian MilNeil | Feb 1, 2023 | No Comments

In spite of the city's pressing housing shortage and ambitious climate goals, which call for fewer cars on Boston's streets, the BPDA's project approvals for 2022 include more parking and less housing compared to 2021.

Easy commute, no place to live: the MTBA commuter rail station at West Hingham on the Greenbush Line.

Suburbs Face Their First Deadline for New Transit-Oriented Zoning Law

By Christian MilNeil | Jan 30, 2023 | No Comments

Where many suburbs currently only allow single-family homes with large lawns, the new rules will require new zoning districts "of reasonable size," and generally within a half-mile of transit stops, where builders would be allowed to construct at least 15 homes per acre.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu answers questions from the press after delivering her first State of the City address at MGM Music Hall in Fenway.

Mayor Wu Promises More Housing and Zoning Reform in State of the City Address

By Grecia White | Jan 26, 2023 | No Comments

Last night, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu delivered her first State of the City address to a large audience inside MGM Music Hall in Fenway. Top on the list of priorities was housing, which dominated a large part of her speech. Mayor Wu made big declarations supporting a shift in the status quo and how planning […]

Attorney General Maura Healey speaks at an event launching her campaign for governor outside the Maverick Blue Line station earlier this year.

Gov. Healey’s Inauguration Speech Touches on Housing, Transportation, Climate

By Grecia White | Jan 9, 2023 | No Comments

“If we want Massachusetts to be a home for all, we need to build more places to live, and we need to make sure those homes are within reach,” said Gov. Healey.

Foot and bike traffic in Coolidge Corner. Courtesy of the Town of Brookline.

Two Factions Square Off Over Housing Issues in Brookline Town Meeting Races

By Sam Mintz | Apr 26, 2022 | No Comments

A once-in-a-generation redistricting shakeup means that nearly every member of the Brookline Town Meeting is up for re-election this year, and two factions are squaring off over town zoning laws that prohibit affordable housing.

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