*Section 3A MBTA Communities Zoning*
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO REVIEW FOR 2024 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING*
Using survey data and public input, the Planning Board has developed a zoning district to meet the requirements of Section 3A and keep the Town eligible for grant funding. The proposed “MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District (MOD)” has four sub-districts shown on the maps below. The MOD adds an option for developing condos or apartments on parcels within the district. The MOD will be presented for a vote at the May 4, 2024 Annual Town Meeting.
View the proposed MOD zoning text with this link (UPDATED 2/27/2024).
View maps of the proposed MOD sub-districts with this link (UPDATED 2/27/2024).
View the UPDATED Flyer with this link.
What Happens if the New Zoning for MBTA Communities Gets Voted Down?
What is Section 3A? Section 3A of the Zoning Act, enacted by the legislature in 2021, requires that an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right. The district must be without age restrictions, suitable for families with children, at a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, and within 1/2 mile of transit. Wilmington is required to create an as-of-right multi-family housing zoning district of at least 50 acres in size that has a capacity for at least 1,248 units. Half of the zoning district must be within 1/2 mile of a commuter rail station. The zoning district must be approved by Town Meeting by December 31, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.
Additional Information:
- February 27, 2024 Press Release: Wilmington Making Changes to Proposed MBTA Communities Multi-Family Overlay Zoning District Ahead of May 4th Annual Town Meeting
- Survey results can be found here.
- Information Session materials are available by following this link.
- Section 3A Guidelines and other information can be found on the Section 3A website.
- The presentation to the Select Board on October 10, 2023, presented by the Director of Planning & Conservation, can be found here.
- The presentation made by the Director of Planning & Conservation at the June 26, 2023 Select Board meeting can be viewed here, the PowerPoint presentation PDF can be accessed here.
- Attorney General Advisory.
- The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) has been the organization leading the efforts of the new zoning. Here is the link to their website.
Any questions can be directed to Valerie Gingrich, the Director of Planning & Conservation. Email vgingrich@wilmingtonma.gov
The topic was presented to the Economic Development Committee on October 17, 2023 where they also discussed questions and concerns. You can watch the discussion below. Please note that changes have been made to the proposed zoning as stated in the February 27, 2024 Press Release.