Marlborough Will Pursue Apartment Moratorium Extension

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough will pursue an extension of the city's moratorium on multifamily housing projects, which is set to expire in October.

During Monday's City Council meeting, Councilors agreed to hold a public hearing on extending the moratorium in November, setting up the extension for a vote after that. Council President Michael Ossing said Monday the city would advertise the public hearing by Friday, putting developers on notice that the extension is likely coming.

The moratorium is set to expire on Oct. 17. The extension would keep it in place until the end of December.

Mayor Arthur Vigeant sought the extension, he said, because the city is waiting on guidance from the state about a new economic development law signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in January. The law contains a provision called Housing Choice, which officers incentives to communities that meet certain housing production thresholds. Marlborough has been rated as one of the few Housing Choice communities in the state, possibly making the city eligible for grants.

Vigeant first proposed the moratorium April, although it was not approved by the Council until July.