Town of Wrentham to Host Outreach Session on MBTA Communities Zoning Ahead of Town Meeting

On Nov. 3, Fall Town Meeting will vote to adopt proposed zoning bylaw changes required under the MBTA Communities Act. The proposal includes 37 acres on Elysium Street and 21 acres on Ledgeview Way. (Photo Courtesy Town of Wrentham)

WRENTHAM — The Town of Wrentham will host another public outreach session this week to provide residents with information about the proposed zoning bylaw changes required under the MBTA Communities Act.

The zoning article will be considered at the Fall Town Meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025.

The Public Information Session will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Fiske Public Library, 110 Randall Road. A previous session was held on Oct. 7.

Wrentham is classified as an Adjacent Community under the MBTA Communities Act because neighboring towns have MBTA transit stations within their boundaries, including Norfolk, Franklin, and Foxboro. As such, Wrentham is required to create zoning that allows multifamily housing as of right, subject to Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board.

The Act does not require the production of any housing units or any upgrades to Town infrastructure. Instead, it requires the Town to “set the stage” through zoning, allowing property owners to construct multifamily developments without discretionary permits.

Developers proposing projects would still need to complete a Site Plan Review with the Planning Board, demonstrate that adequate infrastructure exists, or pay for necessary upgrades. The overlay district will not supersede existing zoning.

Under the Act, Wrentham must zone a total of 50 acres, with at least 25 acres contiguous, and allow an average gross density of 15 units per acre with a unit capacity of 750 units. Additionally, housing suitable for families with children must be permitted, with no age restrictions.

At the December 2024 Town Meeting, the Planning Board presented Elysium Street and East Street as proposed sites for rezoning. Based on resident feedback, the Planning Board revised the plan.

The initial proposal included 37 acres on Elysium Street and 22 acres on East Street. The revised proposal now includes 37 acres on Elysium Street and 21 acres on Ledgeview Way. Of the Ledgeview site, about eight acres are wetlands and protected land, leaving a smaller buildable area. Because the site already contains existing development, the Planning Board was able to increase density there, which in turn allowed for a reduction in density on the Elysium Street property.

“The outreach session is intended to inform residents on what the MBTA Communities Act means for Wrentham and the specifics of the local proposal,” said Town Manager Michael King. “We encourage residents to attend and ask questions ahead of the Fall Town Meeting vote.”

For more information on the MBTA Communities Act in Wrentham, visit the dedicated webpage on the Town’s website by clicking here.

###