City faces loss of $600K funding if City Council doesn’t pass state-mandated zoning law

By Barbara Taormina

A new state law requires Revere to amend its zoning ordinances to allow more multifamily development by right. The city’s Chief of Planning and Development, Tom Skwierawski, appeared before the City Council this week to explain zoning changes the city must make to comply with the new MBTA Communities Law, which requires communities to allow multifamily development by right in order to relieve the state’s housing shortage. Failure to comply with the law by Dec. 31, 2023, would mean a significant loss in state grants and would open the door to civil liabilities.

Skwierawski explained that the best way to meet the requirements of the new law is to create two 40R smart growth overlay districts for Shirley Avenue and Green Street or the Lee Trailer Park. The 40R districts are located near public transit and require less parking while allowing greater density. To be eligible for the 40R districts, developers must offer 20 percent of the units as affordable for projects that involve eight or more units.

The state requires that Revere zoning allow for development of 6,135 units by right (or 25 percent of the city’s housing stock). Current zoning would allow 4,068 units. Skwierawski continually stressed that the zoning change doesn’t mean 6,135 units would be built, only that zoning would allow for it.

If Revere approves the zoning change and creates the overlay districts, the city will receive up to $600,000 from the state. Additionally, Revere will also receive $3,000 for every new 40R unit once it is occupied.

Conversely, failing to comply with the new law would render Revere ineligible for state grants from a number of different agencies the city depends on for support. Skwierawski explained the city would lose support, such as the $6 million it has received for projects, such as pedestrian improvements to Route 60, a Diamond Creek tidal gate, the boat works at Gibson Park and improvements to the dog park. The city would not lose funding already granted but would lose eligibility for future funding.

Skwierawski said the 40R overlay districts involve enhancements to existing zoning rather than major changes. In the Shirley Avenue district, lot sizes will be reduced from 10,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet; parking space requirements cut from 1.5 spaces for a one bedroom to one space. Setbacks will be reduced from 20 feet to 15 feet and density allowances will be increased. In the Green Street district, housing will be allowed by right; lot sizes will be reduced possibly to 3,000 square feet; height limited to 60 feet.

“The zoning changes are quite modest,” he said, adding that state and local zoning rules will still apply. And while by right means developers will not need variances or special permits, Skwierawski said there will still be oversight by the site plan review committee, public works, the fire department, city engineer and other city departments.