Halifax Considers MBTA Housing Law Compliance Amid Resident Concerns

Proposal to rezone Twin Lakes area met with strong opposition

HALIFAX, MA - October 10 - Halifax officials presented a proposal Thursday night to comply with the state's MBTA housing law by rezoning an area including the Twin Lakes development, but residents expressed strong opposition during a contentious public meeting.

The proposal would create an overlay zoning district encompassing about 194 acres, primarily consisting of the existing Twin Lakes condominium development and an adjacent undeveloped parcel known as the Halifax Garden Company land.

Town Administrator Cody Haddad said the plan would bring Halifax into compliance with the law while minimizing potential new development, as most of the rezoned area is already built out or consists of wetlands.

"We think that the Twin Lakes property is pretty much already developed, so it's not like there can be anything else to go in there," said John Bruno, chair of the Board of Selectmen.

However, many of the residents in attendance voiced strong objections to complying with the state mandate, which requires certain communities to zone for multi-family housing near MBTA stations.

"We can't build our way out of this problem," said one resident, Andrew, who argued the law could lead to overcrowding. "You know, we talk about 15 units per acre and densities, but if the door is still open and we're dangling pork chops for these people, of course they're going to come here."

Several speakers urged town officials to reject the state's requirements outright, even if it means losing access to certain state grants.

"We're worried about losing $250,000 from the state," said resident Amy Troup. "And my final remark will be, we do not live in Britain. We don't have a tyrant. What we have is a government of the people, by the people."

Officials estimate Halifax could lose access to about $1.38 million in potential state grants if it does not comply. However, some residents argued that cost would be worth maintaining local control.

"Most people would rather pay an excess of $250 more a year in taxes, not that I want to pay any more in taxes," said resident Robert Hughes. "That's the first time I've come close to saying that, versus the possible outcomes for rezoning this area and seeing the population of the town significantly and the resources of the town significantly strained."

Town officials emphasized that rezoning does not require any new housing to actually be built. The law only mandates zoning changes to allow multi-family housing.

Of the proposed 194-acre overlay district, officials said only about 5.5% - or 9.7 acres - would potentially be developable land not in wetlands or already built out.

But some residents expressed skepticism that rezoning would not lead to unwanted development.

"If we rezone this, now you're going to classify part of Twin Lakes under this zone," said resident John Badot. "Are they affected by the housing that comes out? Well, you could put illegals in their buildings."

State Sen. Michael Brady and state Rep. Kathy LaNatra, who both voted for the original MBTA communities law, attended the meeting. LaNatra said she is now co-sponsoring legislation to repeal the law.

Town officials said they will put the rezoning proposal to a vote at a special town meeting in December. If approved, it would bring Halifax into compliance with the state mandate. If rejected, the town could face penalties from the state.

Selectman Thomas Pratt said he will vote against the proposal in December, calling it an overreach by the state. "I don't support the mandate at all," Pratt said. "They should not be allowed to tell us how to govern our own town."