Brookline has endured a housing shortage for decades and housing costs are unaffordable for many residents who want to stay here. Since 1973, our zoning has effectively limited the building of multi-family homes near public transit. Now, five decades later, Brookline needs to update our zoning so we can meet today’s challenges.

To address greater Boston’s housing shortage and affordability, Massachusetts passed the MBTA Communities Act, requiring towns like Brookline to permit new multi-family housing near existing transit stops.

This fall, Brookline Town Meeting members will consider the MBTA-CA Consensus Warrant Article (Special Town Meeting 4, Warrant Article 1), which will ensure meaningful compliance with the MBTA-CA. Meaningful compliance will:

• Create at least 900 more units of housing near public transit;
• Help people afford to stay in Brookline;
• Strengthen small businesses on Harvard Street;
• Fight climate change by reducing car dependency;
• Increase Brookline's diversity and vibrancy;
• Comply with state law and avoid costly civil rights lawsuits

Your Town Meeting members need to hear about struggles you or those you care about face finding housing you can afford in Brookline.

Please use the form below to write a quick note that we can send to your Town Meeting Members and let them know you support the MBTA-CA Consensus Warrant Article.