The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is joining housing advocates and partners in celebrating the decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in upholding the MBTA Communities Law. This policy requires cities and towns with MBTA service, along with neighboring communities, to zone for multifamily housing by right in at least one district.

Governor Maura Healey released a statement on the decision saying “116 communities have said yes to housing and 3,000 new homes are in the pipeline – and those numbers are going to continue to grow…Together, we are going to make housing more affordable for all of the people who keep our communities strong – our teachers, nurses, first responders, small business owners, seniors and families.”

The court decision is in a response to a lawsuit by the Massachusetts Attorney General after voters in Milton denied their proposed multi-family zoning plan.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will be forced to promulgate regulations after the court deemed they initially were not rolled out properly.

Overall, the law stands to support housing affordability and choice, which will be a benefit to older adults looking to downsize or reside close to transit.