Duxbury Seeks Extension on MBTA Zoning, Unveils $45M Snug Harbor Plan

Selectboard votes to request more time for compliance, hears proposal to address sea level rise

DUXBURY, MA - September 16 - Duxbury's Selectboard voted Monday night to request a one-year extension from the state for compliance with the controversial MBTA Communities zoning law, citing concerns about the rushed timeline and potential impacts on the town.

The law requires MBTA-adjacent communities like Duxbury to create multi-family housing districts. The current deadline for compliance is Dec. 31, 2024.

"This constrained timeframe has been particularly difficult and is going to set us up, I think, unfortunately for failure," said Selectboard member Brian Glennon, who proposed the motion to request an extension.

Town officials expressed frustration with the state-mandated zoning changes and tight timeline. Selectboard member Amy MacNab said, "Having this mandated to our community just goes against so much that we've worked for."

The town could lose access to certain state grants if it fails to comply with the law. A report presented at the meeting showed Duxbury has received over $2.3 million in grants over the past 24 months that could be at risk.

However, board members and residents raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of the required zoning changes on town character and property values.

"This forcing zoning upon us has the ability to significantly devalue our properties," MacNab said.

The board also heard a presentation on plans to redevelop the Snug Harbor area to address sea level rise, with an estimated price tag of $45 million.

Carlos Peña of Foth Infrastructure & Environment outlined proposals to raise the parking lot, seawall, and other infrastructure in the area. The plan would elevate structures to 11.5 feet above sea level, with seawalls at 13.6 feet.

"We're raising essential infrastructure, which the town needs to respond to emergencies, to have parking areas, to be able to use the programs," Peña said.

If approved and funded, construction on the Snug Harbor project could potentially start in 2028. Officials hope to secure state grants to help fund the work.

The Selectboard and residents raised questions about both the MBTA zoning requirements and Snug Harbor plans. Concerns included whether the town's proposed zoning would be approved by the state and the feasibility of funding such large infrastructure projects.

Town Counsel Amy Kwesell provided an update on potential legal challenges to the MBTA Communities law, noting that several towns have filed briefs in an ongoing court case.

"It's a very hot topic," Kwesell said of the legal challenges.