State Finds Nahant in Compliance with MBTA Communities Act

The state has certified that the Town of Nahant’s new zoning bylaw meets all requirements of the MBTA Communities Act of 2021.

Section 3A of the Act mandates that all MBTA service communities, or those adjacent to these communities, allow multi-family housing development near transit service without need of a special permit.

Nahant receives MBTA bus service and is considered an “Adjacent Small Town” because it has fewer than 7,000 residents. Nahant had until Dec. 31, 2025, to comply.

Town officials and committees began an extensive review of options and solicited vital community feedback. This process led to the creation of an 8.3-acre Multi-Family Overlay District on Bass Point – the area of Sea Breeze Lane, bordered by Bass Point Road and Gardner Road. The area was selected because it allows multi-family housing by special permit and was determined to have the smallest impact on the town.

Voters at the Special Town Meeting on Nov. 19, 2025, approved amending the zoning bylaw to allow the overlay district, then approved placing the Sea Breeze Lane area into the district.

The overlay district is anticipated to allow up to 84 multi-family units.

The Town was notified of the acceptance by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on Jan. 22.

The approval allows Nahant to access grants through the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund. This program assists communities with funding infrastructure that supports new housing initiatives.

“This was an incredibly challenging process, given its size and current housing density,” Town Administrator Alison Nieto said. “Our many town boards, staff, and community collaborated to develop the best possible plan to meet the law’s requirements and maintain Nahant’s character.”

To learn more about Nahant’s efforts to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, click here.