Letter: ‘Vote “No” to protect Shrewsbury from hasty and irreversible decisions’

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Letter to the Editor iconAs concerned residents of Shrewsbury, we are writing to urge our fellow neighbors to vote “No” in the February 4 special election. This is a pivotal moment for our town, and we must carefully consider the long-term implications of the decisions being rushed through by our local leadership.

Shrewsbury’s select board had the opportunity to place the referendum question on our annual May town election ballot at no additional cost to taxpayers.  In addition, a May election would have expanded voter access by utilizing standard polling hours instead of the limited hours of 2-8PM the expedited February 4 date requires. Holding this special election with minimal polling hours exacerbates concerns that leadership is prioritizing expedience over transparency and the good of the residents.

The MBTA Communities Act mandates compliance with zoning changes to encourage housing near transit, but the Supreme Judicial Court found it’s guidelines ineffective and unenforceable.   This ruling prompted the state to publish “emergency” regulations until the proper regulatory process could be completed. 

Our officials are using fear to misrepresent the risks of losing current and future grants. The “emergency” regulations created a new compliance deadline of July 14, 2025 eliminating any potential loss of grant funding. Governor Healey has confirmed in writing that Shrewsbury is not at risk of losing grants.

By voting “Yes,” Shrewsbury will create an as-of-right zone for high-density, market-rate apartment complexes. Once this zoning is approved, it cannot easily be undone, even if future state guidelines change. We’ve seen how unchecked development has strained our town’s infrastructure, traffic, schools, and green spaces. This law does NOT create affordable housing, it creates dense, market-price expensive development.

We chose to live in a town, not a city. Instead of approving unnecessary growth without the guarantee of compliance to future guidelines, our officials should focus on listening to the needs of residents, rather than consistent knee-jerk reactions to false fears of “compliance.”   We need leadership that listens to residents, respects our concerns, and prioritizes sustainable development.

On February 4, vote “No” to protect Shrewsbury from hasty and irreversible decisions. Together, we can chart a thoughtful path forward.

Sincerely,
Brian Costello, Chairman – Vote No 4 Shrewsbury
Caroline Macomber, Treasurer – Vote No 4 Shrewsbury

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