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Massachusetts AG Sues Towns Over Housing Zoning Noncompliance

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Andrea Campbell (Massachusetts Attorney General's Office) filed a lawsuit against nine Massachusetts towns, including Marblehead and Winthrop, for noncompliance with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Law.
The MBTA Communities Law requires MBTA-served municipalities to create zoning districts for multi-family housing.
The lawsuit seeks a court order for compliant zoning plans by the end of 2025.
The Healey Administration noted that 12 communities remain noncompliant.

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Story summary

Attorney General Andrea Campbell (Massachusetts Attorney General's Office) filed a lawsuit against nine Massachusetts towns, including Marblehead and Winthrop, for noncompliance with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Law.
The MBTA Communities Law requires MBTA-served municipalities to create zoning districts for multi-family housing.
The lawsuit seeks a court order for compliant zoning plans by the end of 2025.
The Healey Administration noted that 12 communities remain noncompliant.