Town of Dover to Host MBTA Communities Act Public Hearing on Sept. 8

DOVER — The Town of Dover invites residents to attend a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, on Zoom.

The session will provide information on a proposed zoning bylaw and zoning map amendment intended to bring the Town into compliance with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Act. The law requires certain municipalities (including Dover) to create at least one zoning overlay district where multi-family housing is permitted as of right.

Although Dover does not have MBTA services within its borders, it qualifies as an “Adjacent Small Town” under the Act. The deadline for compliance with the law is Dec. 31, 2025.

The Planning Board has been reviewing potential locations for the district for the past two years, including through public surveys and previous virtual information sessions held in the spring of 2025, which can be viewed on the Town’s MBTA website. The Planning Board is proposing that this district be located on Tisdale Drive (AKA County Court), as this was the clear preference throughout the public input process.

Town officials emphasize that the creation of a zoning overlay district does not require that housing be built nor that it include affordable housing. Any proposed development would still be subject to the Planning Board’s site plan review process and all applicable local and state regulations, including (but not limited to) water and septic requirements.

“The Planning Board, along with all relevant Dover boards, committees, and departments, would still review the applications. The site plan review process imposes conditions on the specific project before the issuance of a building permit, which is still required for multi-family housing,” said Planning Board Chair Carol Lisbon. “Site plan review approval criteria typically cover matters such as vehicular access, traffic, circulation on a site, lighting, and  screening of adjacent properties.”

“Not complying with Section 3A is against the law, as demonstrated by the fact that every lawsuit brought by towns and citizens has failed in court,” said Board of Selectmen Chair Robyn Hunter. “If Dover does not comply with the MBTA Communities Act, the Commonwealth may rescind already awarded grant funds, and we will be ineligible for future grants. These grants are critical for necessary infrastructure projects and equipment replacements. The loss of this funding would have to be offset by higher property taxes. Other municipalities challenging the law has proven to be an unsuccessful and costly endeavor, and the Attorney General has made it clear that municipalities subject to Section 3A cannot opt out of compliance by forfeiting access to state funding.”

Residents are encouraged to attend the Sept. 8 public hearing, share feedback on the proposed location and draft bylaw with the Planning Office, and attend the Special Town Meeting on Monday, Sept. 29, where a vote will be taken on the proposed bylaw and overlay district.

For more information, including the draft MBTA Communities Act bylaw, proposed overlay district map, and a Frequently Asked Questions document, visit the Town of Dover’s website.

To join the Zoom for the public hearing on Sept. 8, click here, and enter 076965 when prompted for a passcode, or call into the meeting by dialing 1-646-931-3860, and using the webinar ID: 856 1569 4227.

Questions may be directed to Town Planner Melissa SantucciRozzi at msantuccirozzi@doverma.gov.

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