Milton Rejects Affordable Housing Plan, Faces Funding Risks

By Patrick Wilson

Milton, MA – Voters in Milton soundly defeated a plan to increase affordable, multifamily housing, jeopardizing access to state funding. The community-wide referendum saw residents vote 54% against the measure, which aimed to comply with a state law mandating more housing near transit lines.

State officials expressed disappointment, with Housing Secretary Ed Augustus calling it “a loss for our entire state.” Failure to comply with the MBTA Communities Law could see Milton lose “significant grant funding,” Augustus warned.

The plan originally passed at a town meeting in December, authorizing over 2,000 units of multifamily housing. However, residents opposed to the changes gathered enough signatures to force a vote.

Despite Governor Healey’s pleas for approval, highlighting the need for affordable housing, voters ultimately rejected the plan. This decision may have major financial repercussions for Milton, potentially hindering future infrastructure and community development projects.

** This piece was created with the help of ai.