Boston Globe: "Here are the 12 communities that haven’t passed a new state-approved housing plan yet"

"Five years after it began, the fight over a controversial state housing law is nearly over.

The final compliance deadline for the MBTA Communities Act — the 2021 law that requires cities and towns served by the T make room for more multifamily housing — came and went at the end of 2025. And after a series of sometimes-bruising local fights, 165 of the 177 cities and towns the law covers have passed zoning intended to comply with it.

The remaining noncompliant towns are: Carver, Dracut, East Bridgewater, Freetown, Halifax, Holden, Marblehead, Middleton, Rehoboth, Tewksbury, Wilmington, and Winthrop.

That just 12 communities are considered out of compliance represents significant progress for Governor Maura Healey’s administration, which embraced the nearly-passed law when Healey took office in 2022."

Continue reading the article online with this 'sharing' link ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/07/business/boston-housing-mbta-communities-law-towns/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Note: the map is 'inaccurate' at least as far as Franklin is concerned. While we have made zoning changes, there are a couple of technical changes out for Planning Board approval to come back to the Town Council for approval to bring us into full compliance. We were almost there when the whole MBTA community thing started due to the work we had already begun with Franklin For All.  Prior maps usually were shown as compliant, or pending, or not. We were in the pending status previously.

Monday: Commuter Rail will operate on regular weekday schedule for MLK Day - Jan 19, 2026

On Monday, January 19th, for MLK Day, all Commuter Rail line trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

Affected lines:

• ALL

Franklin/Foxboro, Providence/Stoughton and Fairmount Line passengers:

The Amtrak infrastructure repair work has been completed and effective Mon. 1/19, trains resume operating on Fall/Winter schedule available now at mbta.com/cr.

Keep your commute on track and sign up for T-Alerts!

Go to https://alerts.mbta.com and subscribe to receive relevant, real-time service alerts via email or SMS.

Last Updated: Jan 16 2026 01:54 PM

Reminder: Fare gates at South Station have begun being activated incrementally

Fare gates at South Station have
 begun being activated incrementally

"Fare gates at South Station have begun being activated incrementally. Riders will need to tap or scan to exit and enter the track area. "

Visit MBTA.com/CRGATES for more information.

Thursday, January 1, 2026 -> Commuter Rail to operate on Weekend Schedule

The Commuter Rail will be operating on a weekend schedule on Thursday, January 1st, in observance of New Year's Day.

Affected lines:

Fall River/New Bedford Line

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line

Fairmount Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Dec 31 2025 08:00 AM

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Reminder: Fare gates at South Station will be activated incrementally this week, beginning on Tuesday, December 30. 

Riders may encounter active fare gates and will need to tap or scan to exit and enter the track area. Visit MBTA.com/CRGATES for more information.

All gates at South Station are expected to be in service during the first week in January.

Thursday, January 1, 2026 -> Commuter Rail to operate on Weekend Schedule

MBTA: Thursday, December 25 - Commuter Rail changes to weekend schedule

On Thursday, December 25th, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule in observance of Christmas.

MBTA: Thursday, December 25 - Commuter
Rail changes to weekend schedule

Affected lines:

Fall River/New Bedford Line

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line

Fairmount Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Dec 21 2025 06:00 PM

Shared from -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

WBZ NewsRadio reports on the Franklin/Dean Station ribbon cutting Monday (audio)

(WBZ NewsRadio) — The MBTA unveiled new upgrades Monday at its Franklin Station it says will improve accessibility.

The upgrades include the completed construction of a mini-high platform which provides stair-free, level boarding for all passengers, including those with disabilities as well as those using strollers and luggage with rollers.

Franklin's Commission on Disability Chairperson Alison Rheaume said the upgrades are game changers. "So many residents in this very neighborhood were told to just go to another station," she said. "However, for those navigating disability, nothing is ever just that easy."

Now, Rheaume said better access to the station is improving people's lives. "There's one lady who lives just down the street, and for the first time, she was able to go into the city independently."

Along with upgraded station accessibility, artist Kayla Jean Nisbet was commissioned to create a mural on the station wall of a vacant coffee shop.

She said not only does the painting bring new life to the empty store front, it also celebrates the town's history. "As the story goes, the donation of 116 books that Benjamin Franklin gave to our town went on to establish America's first public library."

Town officials said they are hoping the upgrades will also attract a new tenant to the building.

WBZ NewsRadio's Jared Brosnan (@JaredBrosnanWBZ) reports

Audio link (audio embedded below)  ->  https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/upgrades-improve-mbtas-franklin-station-accessibility/

Franklin Matters photo album (left off the initial post on Tuesday) Photo album of the ribbon cutting in the rain -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7jWAnmrb3fnHm5UA

Ribbon cutting at Franklin/Dean station acknowledges handicap ramp & new mural (photo album)

In the downpour on Monday morning, multiple local officials and supporters braved the rain to participate.

Photo album of the ribbon cutting in the rain -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7jWAnmrb3fnHm5UA

Photo album of the Station mural -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/CwEybFxRWgA4h5Ac7

And the ribbon got cut !!!

Starting Tuesday (Sep 2, 2025): Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule change (again)

A new Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule will be in effect starting on Tuesday, September 2. 

Starting Tuesday (Sep 2, 2025): Franklin/Foxboro
Line schedule change (again)

Some morning inbound trains will serve Forest Hills, Ruggles, and Back Bay. View PDF Timetable on the MBTA website.

Learn more: https://www.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/9-02-2025-cr-franklin-line-amtrak-repair-schedule.pdf

Last Updated: Aug 29 2025 03:53 PM

Note: Until the Amtrak issue is completely resolved there will be as the work progresses.

MBTA Update: Starting Monday (8/25/25) Note there is a Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule change

Effective Monday, August 25, further schedule adjustments will be implemented on the Franklin/Foxboro Line reflecting the progress made by Amtrak repairs.

Train service returns to Forge Park/495. View PDF Timetable on the MBTA website -> (schedule) https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/line   or PDF    https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/2025-06-02-cr-franklin-foxboro-spring-summer-schedule_0.pdf

Train service will resume between Forge Park/495 station and Franklin Station, with inbound trains originating at Forge Park as previously scheduled.

Foxboro Line trains 1765 and 1770 will now complete their trips to Foxboro Station.

MBTA Update: Starting Monday (8/25/25) Note
there is a Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule change

Franklin/Foxboro outbound trains will operate closer to a regular schedule with minor adjustments to allow four trains to make an additional stop at Hyde Park Station, adding approximately three minutes to the schedule and an additional five minutes to the last stop of all outbound trains.

Franklin/Foxboro inbound trains will continue to run via the Fairmount Line and will not stop at Ruggles or Back Bay Station. An additional five minutes will be added to the last stop of some inbound evening Franklin/Foxboro trains.

Mid-day busing between Walpole and Foxboro will continue, as will the cancellation of the mid-day Foxboro trains.

Train 744 (1:59PM Readville) will have a minor schedule adjustment with a three-minute later departure time and three-minute later arrival time, as a result of the changes to the Franklin/Foxboro Line.

The Fairmount Line schedule will be adjusted to accommodate a midday Franklin/Foxboro train (train 744) running as a local via the Fairmount Line.

Shuttle buses will continue to replace service between Foxboro and Walpole on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to allow for construction of a permanent, accessible platform at Foxboro Station. Special event trains for concerts and Patriots games at Gillette Stadium will continue to operate during construction.

Learn more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vImo2cwqQwLiUzzj_yeq_0eqpLHGncJh/view?usp=sharing

Last Updated: Aug 23 2025 11:47 AM

Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair

A downed Amtrak wire set fire to a “key signal bungalow” near Hyde Park Station last week , causing damage that continues to cause delays on three commuter rail lines and may take several weeks to repair, the commuter rail operator said.

“Amtrak maintenance crews are working closely with the MBTA and Keolis to assess the damage and make necessary repairs,” Keolis said in a statement about the wire that came down on Friday. “Fairmount Line, Franklin/Foxboro Line, and Providence/Stoughton Line passengers should anticipate delays and plan accordingly.”

While repairs are made, trains will run on a different schedule, Keolis said.

On the Franklin/Foxboro Line, inbound trains to Boston will bypass Forest Hills, Ruggles, and Back Bay Stations, Keolis said. 

All inbound trains from Forge Park/495 station in Franklin will originate at Franklin station after 9 AM.

Boston Globe coverage ->  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/05/metro/commuter-rail-service-disruptions-downed-wire/?s_campaign=8315:varf

MBTA updates -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair

Starting Monday, Aug 4, 2025 : Franklin/Foxboro Line service change due to Amtrak infrastructure repair work

The Franklin/Foxboro line will experience service and schedule changes due to Amtrak infrastructure repair work. 

Passengers can expect delays up to 20 minutes in both directions. 

• On weekdays, after 9 AM, shuttle buses will replace service between Forge Park/495 and Franklin 
• Foxboro trains 1770 and 1765 will have shuttle buses replace service between Walpole and Foxboro
• Times with a B in Brown indicate the shuttle bus schedule

View PDF Timetable on the MBTA website: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f3F19kRcV44uBn_9n0CkUkbye5zHj6xq/view?usp=sharing

Last Updated: Aug 03 2025 04:22 PM

Starting Monday, Aug 4, 2025 : Franklin/Foxboro Line
 service change due to Amtrak infrastructure repair work

MHP: "Next Steps for Compliant MBTA Communities"

MHP: "Next Steps for Compliant MBTA Communities"

The majority of MBTA Communities are now in compliance with Section 3A of MGL 40A, and cities and towns have designated specific locations as the “right place” to expand housing opportunities for their residents. A significant amount of new multifamily housing is currently proposed or underway in 3A Districts. How are staff and officials from MBTA Communities preparing to manage and benefit from new or existing multifamily districts?

Join MHP, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), and Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities staff to learn about opportunities and strategies for MBTA Communities in a post-compliance world.

Topics will include:
- MHP’s expanded technical assistance program for MBTA communities
- HLC funding opportunities
- Project-focused advocacy and engagement strategies
- Staying in compliance

There will also be time for idea sharing and Q&A.

Register now at the link -> https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YvchCzm6TBSdL8P7Z2oC5g#/registration

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYFZDYs44T/

495 Connector Shuttle Service enables connections across 3 of the spokes to the Boston Hub

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority has launched their new 495 Connector service! Connecting eight 495/MetroWest communities along I-495 and Route 85 with all three commuter rail lines serving our region, this new pilot shuttle service gives commuters and residents at the heart of our service area transit options never previously available.

495 Connector Shuttle Service enables connections
across 3 of the spokes to the Boston Hub

Running between the South Acton MBTA commuter rail station in the north and the Forge Park/ 495 MBTA commuter rail station in the south, the service includes scheduled stops in Hudson, Marlborough, Southborough (MBTA commuter rail station), Hopkinton, and Milford, with riders having the ability to request stops or flag down the shuttle at safe boarding locations. 

The service connects three commuter rail lines, five MWRTA fixed bus routes, two MWRTA catch connect zones, and eight 495/MetroWest communities. 

Learn more about the service and view the complete schedule at the MWRTA's website -> https://www.mwrta.com/routes/commuter-shuttles/495Connector. 

Download the PDF schedule as a reminder or to share ->   https://www.mwrta.com/application/files/4717/4974/7014/495_Connector_Schedule.pdf

Reminder: Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail = July 4 service change

On Friday, July 4th, for Independence Day, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Travel will be free on trains scheduled to arrive or depart North/South Station after 8:30pm. Bikes will not be allowed on board trains after 9:30 pm.

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail: July 4 service change

The last trains on the Rockport, Haverhill, Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin, Providence, Fairmount, Greenbush, and Kingston Line trains will hold up to 30 minutes after the end of the fireworks if necessary. Trains will depart no later than 12:15 am.

Learn more: https://mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jun 27 2025 08:27 AM

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail: July 4 service change

On Friday, July 4th, for Independence Day, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Travel will be free on trains scheduled to arrive or depart North/South Station after 8:30pm. Bikes will not be allowed on board trains after 9:30 pm.

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail: July 4 service change

The last trains on the Rockport, Haverhill, Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin, Providence, Fairmount, Greenbush, and Kingston Line trains will hold up to 30 minutes after the end of the fireworks if necessary. Trains will depart no later than 12:15 am.

Learn more: https://mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jun 27 2025 08:27 AM

A Statement from the Town of Wrentham on MBTA Communities Act Decision

The following is a statement from the Wrentham Select Board and Town Manager Michael King: 

After careful consideration, the Wrentham Select Board has decided not to appeal the recent decision issued by the Superior Court in the case of Town of Wrentham vs. Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, et al.

The Select Board initiated this case to affirm the State Auditor's finding that the MBTA Communities zoning law constituted an unfunded mandate, imposing substantial requirements on municipalities without corresponding financial support. Based on that determination, the Town sought judicial relief from compliance until the economic impacts of the law could be assessed and addressed.

While Wrentham presented thorough arguments to the court, the presiding judge ultimately ruled that the Auditor erroneously determined that an unfunded mandate existed and found that the only mandatory obligation was to establish a zoning bylaw. Although the Select Board is dissatisfied with the outcome, it respects the court's decision.

Throughout this process, the Select Board has remained committed to advocating for Wrentham's fiscal and planning interests. The Select Board honored its obligation to the Town to seek financial impact information from the Commonwealth on the sweeping state-mandated changes to the Town's zoning Bylaws. Having pursued the case to a logical conclusion, the Select Board considered all various options, including appeal, and has determined that the most prudent and cost-effective option is to move forward while working proactively to manage future growth in a way that reflects the community's values and priorities. This decision also ensures that Wrentham remains eligible for key state funding opportunities that support infrastructure, public safety, education and other services critical to residents' quality of life.

The Select Board remains dedicated to protecting the interests of Wrentham residents and will continue to engage with state partners to advocate for balanced, sustainable growth that benefits the entire community.

Background:

Boston Globe: "Towns lose their latest challenge to controversial state housing law"  Continue reading the article online -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/06/business/mbta-communities-lawsuit-housing/ 

How to access the Globe articles via the Franklin Library with your library card

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

The Marblehead Current provides greater detail from the court case and decision

https://marbleheadcurrent.org/2025/06/06/judge-rejects-towns-lawsuit-over-mbta-housing-law-as-marblehead-braces-for-vote/

What is Franklin's Status? Per Mass.gov

Franklin Interim Compliance  District Compliance Application in review

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/multi-family-zoning-requirement-for-mbta-communities

Franklin Interim Compliance 
District Compliance Application in review

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: BEAVER STREET 24/7 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Starting Monday (6/16) at 7 AM, Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks.  The area will be closed 24 hours a day until Friday (6/20) at 4 PM.  

 BEAVER STREET 24/7 ROAD
CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Those needing to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use Rt. 140 only.  This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St.

The work on Beaver Street will continue into the week of June 23rd as well.

Monday (6/16) through Friday (6/20): The construction crew will also be working off the road within the Franklin Village Mall area to connect the new sewer main. No traffic impacts are expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure.

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

Boston Globe: "Towns lose their latest challenge to controversial state housing law"

"A Superior Court judge Friday dismissed a group of lawsuits from nine Eastern Massachusetts communities over a controversial state housing law that mandates cities and towns with access to the MBTA make it easier to build multifamily housing.

The lawsuits — filed by the towns of Duxbury, Hamilton, Hanson, Holden, Marshfield, Middleton, Wenham, Weston, and Wrentham — sought relief from the MBTA Communities Act on the grounds that it constitutes an “unfunded mandate,” and that more multifamily development would strain their local infrastructure like roads and sewer systems.

Judge Mark Gildea rejected the towns’ argument as “speculative,” saying they did not provide concrete examples of the costs multifamily housing would inflict on them.

“The Municipalities have neither pled specific costs for anticipated infrastructure costs, nor provided any specific timeline for anticipated construction projects,” Gildea wrote in the ruling. “Instead, the only allegations and averments before the court are generalized comments about large-scale issues they foresee, which are insufficient to sustain the Municipalities’ claims.”

Franklin Interim Compliance 
District Compliance Application in review

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/06/business/mbta-communities-lawsuit-housing/ 

How to access the Globe articles via the Franklin Library with your library card

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

The Marblehead Current provides greater detail from the court case and decision

https://marbleheadcurrent.org/2025/06/06/judge-rejects-towns-lawsuit-over-mbta-housing-law-as-marblehead-braces-for-vote/

What is Franklin's Status? Per Mass.gov

Franklin Interim Compliance District Compliance Application in review

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/multi-family-zoning-requirement-for-mbta-communities

June 7 & June 8: Shuttle buses will run between Forge Park/495 and Readville

Forge Park/495 – Readville
June 7 – 8, 2025, weekend only

There will be no service between Forge Park/495 and Readville to allow for work on the East Street Bridge. Commuter rail service will operate between Readville and South Station.

Shuttle buses will run between Forge Park/495 and Readville.

Check the weekend timetable at MBTA https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

June 7 & June 8: Shuttle buses will run between Forge Park/495 and Readville

MBTA issues alert on the Franklin/Foxboro Line for travel via shuttle bus on June 7 & June 8

travel via shuttle bus on June 7 & June 8

On the weekend of June 7 and 8, shuttle buses will replace service between Forge Park/495 and Readville. 

Commuter Rail service will operate between Readville and South Station. For more information visit MBTA.com/CR.

Learn more: http://mbta.com/EastStBridge

Last Updated: May 28 2025 02:03 PM