Three Reasons to Vote YES on Rowley’s 3A Zoning Proposal

Having carefully weighed the short- and long-term implications of the MBTA Communities Act (“3A”) for Rowley, I strongly support a YES vote on Article 2 at the Special Town Meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025 — and a NO vote on Article 1. Here’s why:

1. Rowley needs more housing options — for our own residents

Rowley’s housing stock is dominated by large-lot single-family homes, leaving few options for younger residents just starting out or older residents looking to downsize. Market-rate multi-family housing (that is, townhomes, condos, or small apartment buildings, the type of development that this 3A zoning would allow) is the only realistic way to meet this growing demand. The proposed zoning overlay provides a modest, targeted path forward, requiring only 10% of new units to be affordable, while offering broader benefits to those priced out of today’s market. This is a fair and necessary step.

2. A YES vote protects Rowley from financial and legal risks

Opponents downplay the consequences of rejecting 3A, but the risks are real. Rowley could lose access to critical state funding for schools, infrastructure and emergency services. The legal path some are advocating — as proposed in Article 1 — is costly, uncertain, and has already failed in places like Milton, which spent $275,000 so far unsuccessfully fighting the law. As a taxpayer, I believe Rowley should avoid that gamble. We must remember that major local projects — such as building our new library and replacing storm-damaged bridges — were only possible with state aid. Why jeopardize future support?

3. A YES vote gives Rowley more say over its growth

Contrary to what some believe, adopting 3A doesn’t give control to Beacon Hill — it keeps it right here. The proposed overlay districts maintain Rowley’s authority over key elements like height, setbacks, open space and environmental review. Rejecting 3A won’t stop development. For example, the Rowley Farms developer can already build 200+ single-family homes “by right” if the 3A overlay sub-district fails. With 3A, we can secure an attainable housing future for residents, seniors, and essential workers — not just more cul-de-sacs of luxury homes.

Let’s make the third time the charm. Please join me in voting YES on Article 2.

Tim Young
Member of the Rowley Board of Registrars, former member of the Rowley Historic District Commission and Rowley Historical Commission, served on the Rowley New Library Building Committee, and past trustee of the Rowley Public Library.