Hanover Approves MBTA Rules, Punts on Recall Petition

Hanover voters approved zoning reforms at a Special Town Meeting on Monday night, securing the town's compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Act following a notice of non-compliance received in August.

The vote to approve the newly proposed "overlay district," which is situated at the same location as the recently rebuilt Hanover Crossing shopping center, came after warnings about the consequences of inaction.

Prior to the vote, Advisory Committee Chair Emmanuel Dockter delivered a prepared statement emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Dockter argued there was "no viable path" for Hanover to avoid adopting a bylaw that allows for multi-family development, warning that rejection would lead to state intervention.

"Either Town Meeting approves this proposed bylaw, or a Special Master will create one," Dockter stated. "If a Special Master creates the bylaw, Hanover faces serious risk of losing control over the location and restrictions for any development."

The 2021 state law requires MBTA communities to establish at least one zoning district of reasonable size where multi-family housing is permitted "as of right." The statute stipulates specific criteria for these districts, including a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre. Additionally, the zoning must not have age restrictions, ensuring suitability for families with children, and must be located not more than 0.5 miles from a commuter rail, subway, ferry terminal, or bus station, if applicable.

Hanover was designated an “adjacent community” because of the commuter rail station in Hanson. It was noted that meeting that, while the legislation mandates the necessary zoning, the law does not require any actual housing to be built.

No Further Action on Recall Petition

Town Meeting members voted to take no further action on an article that would have created a mechanism to recall elected officials. The petitioner, Walter Dixon, asked for the article to be passed over in order to allow more time to collaborate with town officials on the wording of the measure. It is anticipated that a redrafted version will be put before voters at the full Town Meeting this Spring.