YAY! LOVIN’ WHAT HOLDEN SPECIAL TOWN MEETING VOTERS DID ON 2 MARCH 2026.
SEE: https://www.thelandmark.com/
Here’s an AI-generated summary derived from paywalled newspaper reports:
Holden Town Meeting voters overwhelmingly rejected a plan to comply with the MBTA Communities Act on March 2, 2026, defeating the proposal by a margin of 520 to 257. The vote came after a year of deliberation and a prior rejection of a similar plan, with residents expressing concerns about preserving the town’s character, traffic, and property values.
The rejected plan, developed by a working group led by Selectmen Vice Chairwoman Linda Long-Bellil, aimed to designate two sites—Holden Trap Rock Quarry and Halstead Apartments—for multifamily housing as a “bare minimum” compliance effort. However, key stakeholders, including the owners of Trap Rock Quarry and Lilac Hedge Farm, were not notified of the proposal, fueling opposition.
Town Manager Peter Lukes confirmed that the state is expected to serve Holden with a lawsuit, as the town remains non-compliant. The Attorney General’s office, led by Andrea Campbell, has already sued nine towns, including Holden, for failing to adopt required zoning changes by the December 31, 2025, deadline.
If the town does not comply, the state could appoint a special master to draw up a zoning plan—without local input—or impose fines. Holden is now among the communities facing legal action, and the next steps will likely involve defending the town’s decision in court.
J.G.
STERLING, MASSACHUSETTS, OVERWATCH 