Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 6, 2025 TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 1 of about 177 communities that are subject to the MBTA Communities Law, and it had a July 14 deadline to enact a compliant zoning district. “If we fail to comply, the town would face serious risks, the potential cost of litigation from the attorney general and the likely loss of eligibility for a range of state funding,” Planning Board Chair John O’Brien, also a Precinct 1 Town Meeting member, told colleagues, explaining the Planning Board’s 4-0 vote recommending the article’s passage. O’Brien noted the multi-family overlay district was “carefully targeted,” covering 13 parcels along Route 1 that are already developed or approved for multi-family mixed-use or commercial uses. O’Brien said the approach allows the town to meet state requirements “without opening up any new areas of the town to unwanted or inconsistent development.” “It also helps preserve our single family neighborhood by focusing on new housing opportunities along Route 1 corridor. After considering the testimony of legal requirements, the Planning Board voted unanimously, 4-0, to recommend passage of Article 1,” he said. Serious financial risks for fighting state Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree spoke at length in support of the article, while acknowledging “this isn’t a great situation,” while noting the town has worked closely with a Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net MINIMIZING THE RISK: Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is shown during Monday’s Special Town Meeting advocating for the article establishing a multifamily overlay district on Route 1. He urged Town Meeting members to pass the article to protect the town from undesirable development while complying with state regulations. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) consultant and special counsel over the past year in crafting an article which makes the best of the town’s circumstances. “The MBTA Communities zoning requirement (known as Section 3A of Chapter 40A) is a state law that mandates cities and towns served by the MBTA to adopt zoning that allows for by-right multifamily housing development,” Crabtree said. “The Town’s goal with this zoning article is to get credit for housing that is already built, approved, or in the development pipeline — so that we can meet the state’s reAerial view of MCMOD subdistricts quirements without opening the door to unplanned, unexpected, or inappropriate new development,” Crabtree said. “By creating this overlay district on Route 1 — away from our established residential neighborhoods — we are taking a targeted approach that protects the character of our community,” the town manager said. “If we do not comply by the state’s deadline of July 14, 2025, the Town faces the risk of a lawsuit by the Attorney General’s Office, which could be very costly and difficult to defend. In addition, we would risk losing access to key state grants and other funding sources,” he said. “While no plan is perfect, this approach minimizes the risk of unwanted development and brings us into compliance so we can move forward and protect the Town’s future.” A resident speaks her mind in opposition Kerry Hogan, a Maple Street resident, was the only nontown official representative who spoke about the article. Hogan said she would have preferred to see the town fight the state. “I personally see no benefit to our town by passing this. But I understand that due to the overreach of the state, we have almost no option but to comply,” Hogan said. “I look at this and I see a bill that is designed to improve TOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 3
3 Publizr Home