A contentious debate over the state’s MBTA Communities Act culminated in the defeat of Articles 37 and 38, which sought to repeal the town's previously adopted multi-family zoning overlay district. Proponents of the repeal, led by Select Board member E. Kelly, argued that the state mandate was an inappropriate overreach and that the town should stand its ground against the legislature.

However, the Planning Board and Town Counsel B. Galvin warned that a repeal would likely be rejected by the Attorney General and could jeopardize millions in state grant funding. Galvin read a letter from the Attorney General’s office stating that rescinding the bylaw would conflict with state law. Resident B. Deu urged the meeting to know when to fold 'em, arguing that the town could not afford to gamble with its fragile financial situation. I'm not about to gamble considering where we are financially in this town on losing another dollar, Deu said.

While S. Lynch supported the repeal as a message to the state regarding local democracy, other residents argued that losing access to 17 different grant programs was too high a price to pay. The motion to repeal failed to reach the required two-thirds majority. Article 38, which would have removed the overlay from the town map, was subsequently defeated as well.

Motion: To repeal the adoption of the MBTA overlay district.

Vote: Failed