RE: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Zoning Article

Dear Planning Board and Warrant Committee members:

We write in support of the Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw, as proposed by the Planning Board on January 5, 2022, to be sent to a vote at the next town meeting. As stated in the article, the zoning would:

“(1) increase the range of housing choices; (2) encourage a more energy efficient and economical use of the current housing stock; (3) develop housing units on single-family residential properties that are appropriate for households at a variety of stages in life; (4) encourage greater diversity of population with particular attention to young adults and senior citizens; and (5) help the Town meet its housing needs without detracting from its historic character and existing patterns of development.”

As the average number of people per household has decreased over time, homeowners, especially those on a fixed income, are often forced to sell a house that is too big for their needs. This further worsens the scarcity of affordable housing options. The special permit process, in the case of ADUs, is expensive and overly burdensome for Milton residents. The proposed bylaw change would make the application more accessible and equitable.

Accessory dwelling units are not only in line with Milton’s Housing Production Plan but would blend into existing neighborhoods while allowing for a gradual and incremental expansion of housing opportunities. In addition, many municipalities around the Commonwealth have already adopted ADU’s, often with less restrictions than what has been proposed by Milton’s Planning Board.

We ask the members of the Planning Board and Warrant Committee to send this article to Town Meeting without further change.