Rockland Approves MBTA Zoning Changes in Close Vote

Town Meeting narrowly passes new multi-family housing district near park and ride to avoid costly legal battles with state

ROCKLAND, MA - May 6 - Rockland Town Meeting voted to approve zoning changes to comply with a state law requiring multi-family housing near public transit, despite concerns from some residents about the impact on infrastructure and town character. The vote, which took place during the Annual Town Meeting on May 6, aims to bring the town into compliance with the MBTA Communities law and avoid costly legal battles with the state.

The zoning articles, numbered 40 through 44, establish an MBTA community mixed-use development district in an area north of Hingham Street, near the park and ride. Town Planner Allison Quinn explained that the proposed zoning is "only zoning" and does not require the town to provide water or sewer infrastructure to the area.

Quinn, who has been working in municipal government planning for about 20 years, emphasized that the proposed zoning includes provisions to limit building heights to four stories and require a minimum of 50% open space on any developed parcel. She also noted that the town would maintain local control over any potential development through the planning board and other committees.

Despite these assurances, some residents expressed concerns about the potential impact of the zoning changes. Mary Parsons, a former selectman, questioned the number of housing units required by the state and raised concerns about increased traffic. "It's going to open us up to a lot of traffic. That's the issue I have. And how are you going to mitigate that, you know?" Parsons asked.

Fred Mendez, a resident of Tansy Lane, warned of the long-term costs associated with potential population growth. "Short-term costs, not a problem. Long-term costs, infrastructure, police, fire, schools. That's where the cost is going to come from," Mendez said. "The state doesn't care about that now. Sure, no sewer, no water hookup. They're going to pay for that. But the long-term costs, I don't know about you, but right now my taxes is more than my mortgage. It's only going to increase."

However, other residents spoke in favor of the zoning changes, citing the potential benefits of increased development and an expanded tax base. Ben Leatherman, who lives near the proposed district on Hingham Street, said, "It would be great to have businesses in that end of Rockland. It would be great to have additional development there. And, yes, there would be additional people, but that's additional tax base as well."

Quinn and Assistant Town Administrator Courtney Burgard emphasized the consequences of non-compliance with the state law, including the loss of over $19 million in state grant funding and potential lawsuits from the Attorney General's office. Chris Kenny, the town's land use counsel, warned that failure to comply could result in the appointment of a receiver to choose an area for development, potentially in a less desirable location.

Ultimately, Town Meeting voted to approve the zoning articles by a simple majority, as required by the state law. The vote brings Rockland into compliance with the MBTA Communities law and allows the town to maintain control over potential development in the designated area.

In a separate vote, Town Meeting rejected a proposal to extensively revise the town's charter, which would have changed several elected positions, including the treasurer, collector, and highway superintendent, to appointed roles. Proponents of the charter changes argued that the revisions would improve efficiency and allow for better coordination between departments, while opponents raised concerns about losing voter input and concentrating power in the hands of the town administrator and selectmen.

After lengthy debate, the proposed charter changes were voted down, with many residents expressing a desire to maintain their ability to elect key town officials. The vote leaves Rockland's current government structure in place, with a mix of elected and appointed positions.