Freetown Among 15 Towns Still Defying MBTA Communities Act

Freetown has a long and fascinating history. First settled by the English in 1659, Freetown is one of the oldest communities in the United States. The people of Freetown took up arms to defend their land, first during King Philip's War and then during the American Revolutionary War.

Palo Alto Pierce wrote all about it in his book, A History of the Town of Freetown, Massachusetts: With An Account of the Old Home Festive, July 30, 1902.

Freetowners are facing a new battle. The town is among 15 Massachusetts communities that have yet to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, and they could face sanctions.

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What the MBTA Communities Act Requires

CBS Boston reported, "The law, designed to boost the stock of affordable housing, affects any community that has an MBTA stop." According to the station, "Communities with an MBTA station in a neighboring city or town are also impacted."

Some communities have pushed back against the law, signed by Governor Charlie Baker, fearing a loss of local control and the character of their town.

Communities that refuse to comply with the law face the wrath of Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who has threatened legal action, and Gov. Maura Healey, who vows to withhold funding for programs and projects.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has upheld the MBTA Communities Act. However, appeals and challenges are pending.

Local Pushback Across Massachusetts

Joining Freetown in refusing to comply with the law thus far are Dracut, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Holden, Marblehead, Marshfield, Middleton, Tewksbury, Weston, Wilmington, Winthrop and Wrentham.

Some of the same politicians who are threatening to withhold funds from local communities as a punitive measure have criticized the federal administration for using the same approach.