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ndrea Campbell's lawsuit against Milton is gaining momentum. The Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) has filed a friend of the court brief in support of the Attorney General's case to enforce the MBTA Communities Act.

    The brief, submitted by Nixon Peabody on behalf of CHAPA and over 30 organizations, highlights the importance of following Massachusetts housing laws. It emphasizes that municipalities play a crucial role in allowing the homes needed for people, communities, and the economy to thrive.

    As home prices and rents continue to rise, Milton's restrictive zoning policies are exacerbating the problem. For too long, zoning has been used as a barrier to limit opportunities for people, harming individuals, businesses, and the environment.

    The MBTA Communities Act is a key tool in addressing this issue. Passed by the Legislature, it establishes by-right zoning for multifamily housing, removing barriers to production and facilitating development. This law is part of a broader effort to ensure Massachusetts is a place where everyone can afford a home in their chosen community.

    Municipalities have a responsibility to foster a healthy and vibrant Commonwealth, which includes allowing the multifamily housing needed for thriving communities. By doing so, they can help create neighborhoods where kids grow up near grandparents, businesses flourish, renters become homeowners, and people stay in the neighborhoods they love.