As Gloucester faces the January 21, 2023, deadline to submit an action plan for interim compliance with the 3A (multi-family zoning requirements for MBTA communities), Mayor Verga has proposed a master plan update called a Comprehensive Planning Initiative (CPI).
Gloucester’s current master, which was established in 2000, does not account for the new multifamily zoning requirements for the city. As a designated “Commuter Rail” community, Gloucester must create a zoning district (or districts) with a minimum size of 50 acres and a minimum multi-family unit capacity of 2,270 units.
After Gloucester submits the action plan, the city has until December 31, 2024, to create the zoning district. The City Council will hold public hearings to discuss the action plan and will vote on whether to comply with the state multifamily zoning requirements.
If Gloucester does not comply with 3A, the city would not be eligible for funding the following grant programs: Housing Choice Initiative, Local Capital Projects Fund, and MassWorks infrastructure program.
