What the MBTA Communities Act Means for Towns Like East Bridgewater

Housing Matters — But So Does Local Voice

The MBTA Communities Act raises a question we shouldn’t ignore: What happens when state-level policies begin to reshape our towns — before we’ve had a chance to speak for ourselves?

This law was designed to address a real issue: the lack of affordable housing in Massachusetts. But it does so by requiring or pressuring cities and towns to create zoning for high-density, multi-family housing “by right” — with little to no input from local boards or residents.

It’s not just about housing — it’s about who decides what our communities look like, and whether the people who live in them still get a say.

Let me be clear: I’m not against growth. I’m not opposed to affordable housing. I understand the need for communities to adapt and expand in a way that reflects the changing needs of our state. But I also believe in something else — something essential: the right of a community to protect its character, to decide its future, and to speak for itself.

What the MTA Communities Act Means for Towns Like East Bridgewater

Technically, East Bridgewater isn’t currently mandated to rezone under the law. But as an “adjacent community” to towns with commuter rail stations, we’re on the edge of the policy — and the pressure is mounting.

The law requires many towns to create zoning that allows multi-family housing “by right,” meaning no special permit, no local board discretion, and no say from residents. It’s meant to increase housing density near transit — but as the law expands, so does its reach.

While East Bridgewater isn’t currently mandated, we are still classified as an “adjacent community.” That means we aren’t bound by the full legal requirements today — but we’re not exempt from the pressure either. The state is encouraging towns like ours to comply voluntarily. And it’s tying access to certain grants and funding programs to that cooperation.

So while the law stops short of forcing our hand — for now — it’s clear the expectation is growing. And when state dollars are on the line, voluntary compliance can start to feel a lot like obligation. East Bridgewater residents have already voted twice against rezoning proposals tied to this law. That matters. But even when a town says no, the pressure to say yes doesn’t always go away.

What could the actual impact be?

If East Bridgewater were eventually required to comply, we could be asked to rezone for 750 to 1,250 multi-family units, depending on how the formula is applied.

That could mean 1,500 to 2,500 new residents — a population increase of 10–15% for a town of roughly 14,000.

That kind of growth doesn’t just add housing. It adds pressure:

• On our schools, which may already be stretched

• On our roads — like Routes 18 and 106 — that already carry too much traffic

• On water, sewer, and public safety systems that weren’t designed for sudden surges

  
  

It’s not just numbers. It’s the character of our neighborhoods, the rhythm of our town, and the shared understanding of what East Bridgewater is — and what we want it to remain.

We’re not ignoring the issue — we’re already addressing it.

East Bridgewater has taken thoughtful steps toward smart growth. We developed a new Master Plan — the first in decades — with strong public input. We’ve supported affordable projects like the Meadow Brook development. We’ve explored bylaw changes to allow second-floor residential use and accessory dwelling units.

These aren’t signs of a town resisting progress — they’re signs of a town taking initiative. We’re not avoiding responsibility. We’re doing our part. We’re just asking to do it on our own terms.

Why This Matters to Me

I didn’t grow up in East Bridgewater — I chose it. I chose the small-town feel, the quiet streets, the close-knit schools, and the simplicity of local government. This is where I wanted to raise my family. But for my wife, it was something even deeper.

She once told me a story from when she was a young woman. She had been invited to someone’s home for a Bible study. That night, she whispered what felt like an impossible prayer:

“God, one day I want to live in a place just like this.”

Today, we live in that house.

That story reminds me: this isn’t just a town we moved to. This is a prayer that was answered.

And that’s why I find myself asking: If all of that changes — what does that mean for us? Do we just adapt? Do we move? Are those the only options we’re left with?

Maybe I should’ve gotten involved sooner. Maybe I should’ve spoken up at earlier meetings or learned more about the decisions being made.

But now, I feel a responsibility to be part of the conversation. I see what’s happening — not just in this town, but across the state and the country — and I don’t feel right just complaining from the sidelines.

I don’t claim to have all the answers. I’m still asking questions. I’m searching for truths.

But I do know this: if I have a voice, I want to use it — for my family, for my neighbors, and for those who don’t feel heard.

There’s a principle I try to live by, rooted in my faith: If you’re ever in a position of influence, use it to help those who can’t speak for themselves. Not for attention. Not for personal gain. But to protect the good — and to preserve what matters.

Working Together Toward Real Solutions

I believe we can find solutions that work — for the state, for towns like East Bridgewater, and for the people who are struggling to find a place to live.

In business, I’ve always said: the best outcomes are when both sides walk away feeling like they’ve won. I think that’s true in government too. We don’t have to choose between helping people and protecting our town — we can do both, if we’re willing to listen, lead, and work together.

“This work isn’t just about defending against what could be lost — it’s about honoring what’s already been built and shaping what’s yet to come.”

If there’s a housing crisis in Massachusetts — and maybe there is — then it deserves a solution. But one that respects local identity, not overrides it.

One that empowers towns, not pressures them into compliance. A solution where East Bridgewater contributes in a way that reflects our values, our needs, and our voice.

Because we’re not just fighting for zoning — we’re fighting for the right to shape what kind of community we leave for our children.