Woburn council schedules May 7 discussion on MBTA Communities multifamily law amid debate over timing

President Dillon placed a late filing asking the mayor and Planning Director John Cashel to attend the council meeting on May 7 to discuss the MBTA Communities Multifamily Law and related mapping work. The council adopted a resolve to invite the officials and to advertise a May 7 public meeting to share materials with residents.

Councilors sharply debated process. One councilor warned that the law could require the city to accommodate a large number of new housing units and described the potential scale as "a little mini city within a city," urging public awareness. Other councilors said they preferred at least one internal briefing for council members so they could understand the maps and ask informed questions before extensive public outreach.

Several members said maps and supporting materials would be made available at the May 7 meeting and that additional community workshops should follow. The council voted to publish a notice in the local paper and on the city's website and social channels and to continue work on scheduling a larger community meeting with the mayor's office if needed.

The council also discussed drafting a letter to the governor requesting recognition for Woburn's prior housing efforts; one councilor said he would prepare a draft letter for the body to consider.