In 2021 the State Legislature adopted Chapter 40A Section 3A to the General Laws requiring that cities and towns served by, or adjacent to communities served by the MBTA to create a zoning district of "reasonable size" for the construction of multi-family housing near MBTA stations, where practical.
Due to the Lunenburg's proximity to Leominster, Fitchburg, and Shirley (all of which host at least 1 MBTA station) the Town is considered an MBTA Community (as defined in Chapter 161A Section 1 of the General Laws). Under Guidelines issued by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) the Town is required to develop a zoning district that permits development of 15 units per acre and would allow the creation of a minimum of 250 housing units, by December of 2025.
There is no requirement that any of the housing units be constructed in any specific timeframe, only that they could be constructed under the zoning bylaw.
Town Officials have begun work with the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission to understand the Guidelines and work towards compliance with the requirements. On this page you can find links to the Guidelines, the Town of Lunenburg's Action Plan, and other compliance documents as they are created.