Read https://www.lexingtonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13804/MBTA-Zoning-Impact-Memo to learn about the significant fiscal risk posed by Lexington’s local zoning which attempted to (over)satisfy the MBTA Communities Act. This report, unanimously approved by the Appropriation Committee, shows that significant operating shortfalls will occur, not to mention capital costs associated with additional public infrastructure (e.g., schools, policing, fire).

Last week, the Planning Board hosted an engaging five-hour community session on a proposal to scale back Lexington’s MBTA zoning, adhering more closely to state requirements. You can listen to this meeting on demand at LexMedia.org.

At that meeting, I was moved by Carol Sacerdote declaring, “I am an idealist … but we also have to be pragmatic” (4:23). The current process is uncontrolled; In fact, four hours into the meeting, the Planning Director mentioned that additional projects have been proposed in the last 24 hours.

Lexington’s current MBTA zoning act aligns with ideals of housing advocates: a great expansion of housing opportunities in Lexington, seemingly reversing earlier periods of NIMBY. Even if unaffordable and unsupported by everyday public transit, the trickle-down theory is that housing prices will fall from added supply.

However, critics point out that Lexington’s adoption of the MBTA fails to provide affordability and may disrupt the town’s finances for years to come. Lexington is now among the top ten towns in Massachusetts for real estate taxes, and with the proposed Bloom project on the radar, we could find ourselves vying for the top tax spot.

Are you comfortable with the trajectory Lexington is on?

This March 3, or earlier, you have the opportunity to impact Lexington as you vote for candidates for Planning Board, Select Board, School Committee, and Town Meeting. Visit candidate websites, watch streamed video, and learn their positions.  Ask how they plan to vote at Special Town Meeting.

2025 Special Town Meeting will present Article 2 to propose rolling back the 250 acres zoned as “by-right development”—meaning that property owners and developers can develop dense housing with limited setbacks, overshadowing neighboring properties at increased heights in Lexington’s residential districts.  

Article 2 proponents seek to meet the Massachusetts requirements to expand housing, while avoiding unfettered development.

If Lexington fails to reach consensus on a pragmatic adjustment to “by-right” zoning, Lexington may experience irreversible change.

Your voice matters.  

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