To the Editor,
I will be voting yes on MBTA Zoning changes because I believe it is in the best interests of seniors, families, and the stability of our town government. Passing MBTA Zoning on our terms helps us to retain local control. This personal opinion is based on what I have learned from town documents and attending many Manchester MBTA Task Force meetings and public forums.
Our town MBTA Task Force went pretty much lot-by-lot to figure out how to strategically limit the potential for development and maintain the character of the town. Development that is allowed will be restricted by a number of rules in the new by-law. These rules include minimum lot size and other dimensional requirements re: building height, frontage and lot coverage, a site plan review with a significant design component and provisions for parking per unit.
The additional residential units allowed under the law can create a bit more housing at different price points in town over time. This can benefit seniors looking to downsize and stay in town, as well as families looking to rent or buy. The Task Force’s proposal includes a requirement that, for projects of 5 or more units, 20% must be affordable and eligible for listing on the state’s Subsidized Housing Inventory.
Crucially, it can also keep our town budget stable and taxes manageable as we will retain our access to millions in state grant money and avoid a potential lawsuit by the state. Stability also comes from maintaining local control over multifamily zoning, something the state may do for us if we do not comply.
Each town is in a unique situation as it grapples with MBTA Zoning Laws. Manchester’s situation requires a Manchester solution with Manchester residents working together to move forward. There is a limit to the relevance of opinion pieces and resources from regional networks or surrounding towns.
While this is not the first contentious issue for our town, it is what is before us now. Respectfully engaging with the resources and people relevant to our town—Manchester’s MBTA Task Force and Planning Board, town officials, and each other—can help us move forward in a productive way.
Lindsay Banks
Manchester
