Halifax Planning Board Unanimously Recommends Against MBTA Communities Act

Concerns over infrastructure, resources cited ahead of crucial December town meeting vote

HALIFAX, MA - November 7 - The Halifax Planning Board voted 4-0 on Nov. 7 to recommend against adopting the MBTA Communities Act, citing concerns about the town's ability to sustain the proposed development.

The decision came during a public hearing at Halifax Town Hall, where board members and residents expressed strong opposition to the state-mandated zoning changes that would allow for increased multi-family housing near MBTA stations.

Board member Amy Troup made the motion "to absolutely not recommend the MCMOD, Multifamily Overlay District," which was seconded and unanimously approved by the four present members.

The vote comes ahead of a crucial special town meeting on Dec. 16, where Halifax residents will decide whether to adopt the zoning changes required by the MBTA Communities Act.

Town Administrator Cody Haddad explained that the law requires towns with MBTA stations or abutting MBTA stations to have a zoning district with a density of 15 units per acre within a half-mile radius.

The proposed overlay district in Halifax would affect four parcels totaling about 194 acres, including three owned by Twin Lakes condominium development and one 47-acre parcel owned by Halifax Garden Company.

Residents packed the meeting room to voice their concerns, with many urging the board to reject the proposal outright.

Van Donnelly, of Cranberry Drive, said he would be "lobbying hard against this zoning act" and criticized the state's approach. "I don't appreciate it… I think the election just confirmed nationwide that we don't like to be told what to do," Donnelly said.

Debra Pasquale, of Ocean Ave., echoed these sentiments, saying, "Most of us here and most of us in the town just do not want this. We feel that our resources cannot sustain this."

Pasquale raised concerns about the impact on local water bodies, first responders, and infrastructure. "We live on practically wetlands. We're surrounded by wetlands that can't sustain this building," she said.

Board members shared similar reservations. Brendon Elliott struggled to find any positives in the proposal, stating, "I don't think anybody in this room is seeing one."

Troup highlighted potential issues with the proposed bylaw, including a lack of specifics on conservation, wetlands, and mixed-use development. She also expressed concern about changing zoning laws with only a 51% majority vote.

"Your zoning bylaws usually have to have a two-thirds majority in order to change them. This is a 51%, which is a direct hit on everybody in this town," Troup said.

The planning board's recommendation is non-binding, as the final decision rests with town residents at the December town meeting.

Haddad emphasized that his role was to provide impartial information to residents. "My job is to make sure that the facts, that the residents in the community have the facts and can make informed decisions," he said.

Some residents, including Karen Fava of Clyde O Bosworth Road, questioned the fairness of deciding the issue at a town meeting, citing concerns about accessibility for those who work nights or cannot attend.

Haddad explained that state law requires zoning changes to be decided at town meetings and that the December date was chosen to meet the state's Dec. 31 deadline for implementation.

The MBTA Communities Act has faced opposition in other towns as well. Residents mentioned that Middleborough and Norton recently voted against similar proposals, while Milton is currently engaged in a legal battle over the issue.

As the meeting concluded, board members urged residents to attend the Dec. 16 town meeting to make their voices heard on this critical decision.