That was the message Tuesday when officials, including Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, gathered in Salem to announce that Salem and Lexington were the first two communities in the state to comply with the MBTA Communities Law.
The law requires cities and towns that have public transit to have at least one zoning district where multifamily housing is permitted by-right. A total 177 communities must comply or face penalties.
While Salem was one of the first to be determined in compliance, it was a bit symbolic because the city already had a zone in the downtown area that meets the requirements of the law. Some other communities on the North Shore, including Peabody, Beverly and Danvers, have said they also believe they already meet the requirements or can do so by making minor adjustments to their zoning laws.
The announcement was held at BRIX, the condominium building that opened in 2021 on Washington Street, not far from the commuter rail station. Grace Duran, who grew up in Salem, said she was able to buy a condo in the building after being chosen in a lottery for affordable units.
Have more mobility news that we should be reading and sharing? Let us know! Reach out to Sage Kashner (kashner@ctaa.org).
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