MBTA zoning debate returns to Marshfield Town Meeting

Marshfield Select Board members voted to place the town’s MBTA Communities zoning district back on the warrant for the upcoming annual town meeting, reopening debate over a state law that requires communities served by the MBTA to allow multifamily housing by right.

The zoning district had previously been approved by voters but included language allowing the town to continue its legal challenge to the law in court.

Chair Eric Kelley said he believes the issue should return to voters so residents can reconsider how the town wants to proceed.

“My look at it is that the citizens of this town should be able to decide again how they want to move forward,” Kelley said.

Select Board member Stephen Darcy opposed the move, arguing that the town currently maintains access to state grant funding while continuing to challenge the law.

“Right now, we have access to grant money and state funding and we’re still fighting it in court,” Darcy said.

After discussion, Kelley and board member Patricia Simpson voted to place the article on the town meeting warrant, while Darcy voted against it.