Vote YES for Gloucester
On April 24th, Gloucester will vote on whether to approve a new zoning plan that allows residents more housing options while making positive capital improvements that benefit everyone.
This plan was unanimously approved by City Council in October 2024 after multiple public meetings and with Mayor Verga’s support.
We need your help to get it across the finish line.
Click HERE to view the Warrant for the April 24, 2025 Special Election.
A YES vote affirms the City Council’s vote and amends the zoning ordinance.
Click HERE to view the City of Gloucester webpage regarding State 40A 3A / MBTA Communities Information.
Vote YES on April 24th to move our community forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out this list of the most commonly asked questions we’ve received from our fellow Gloucester residents as we’ve advocated for a YES vote in the community.
What is the MBTA Communities Act (3A)?
Adopted in January 2021, the MBTA Communities Act, also known as 3A, is a bipartisan law aimed at strengthening our state’s economy by addressing a chronic shortage of housing in the Commonwealth. It requires 177 municipalities to establish at least one area of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted.
The municipalities determine where to locate multi-family districts and how big those districts may be, thus giving them significant discretion to decide what makes the most sense for their community. In fact, the Gloucester City Council approved our plan in a 7-0 vote after extensive public input and deliberation.
When is the special election?
The special election will be held on April 24. You can get ready now by ensuring you’re registered to vote and by signing up to help us spread the word!
Why should I vote yes?
Adopting the MBTA Communities Act (3A):
- Maintains Gloucester’s eligibility for the millions of dollars in grants we rely on for updating aging infrastructure and buildings, funding senior and workforce housing, and maintaining our waterfront
- Is intended to help create reasonably priced housing that meets the needs of Gloucester residents at every income level.
- Increases housing options that bring economic benefits, including an expanded tax base, more support for Gloucester businesses and a larger employment base for local employers.
- Supports Gloucester's environmental goals by reducing residents' reliance on cars, introducing and conserving greenspaces, and reducing carbon emissions.
Why are we voting?
Opponents of the approved Multi-Family Overlay District (MFOD) plan, and of our compliance with the state law, initiated a referendum petition to reverse the vote and essentially bring the city into non-compliance. We must vote YES to stop this misguided effort.
The implications of non-compliance to the city and its taxpayers are severe. Please be aware of the facts and the referendum’s consequences:
- It will immediately cause us to be non-compliant with state law and prohibit us from accessing state grants.
- We will lose two recently announced state grants totaling $900,000 that we’re scheduled to receive early next year for our sewer system work, $1.27 million in new library funding grants, as well as the discounted interest rate for our loan for the $206 million secondary treatment facility, which will result in millions of dollars in excess interest payments.
- Hundreds of thousands more will be lost by the Gloucester Housing Authority for essential services for our most vulnerable seniors and families.
Can you tell me more about Gloucester's plan?
After extensive mapping and testing of design scenarios, draft planning, public input and deliberation, Gloucester’s Planning Board, staff, and consultants presented a modest final Multi-Family Overlay District (MFOD) plan to comply with the MBTA/3A zoning law.
The City Council thoroughly reviewed the final plan, and on October 1, 2024, unanimously approved it 7-0 (with 2 recusals).
Key Benefits of the Approved Plan:
- Allows homeowners in designated zones to expand to 2-3 units
- Maintains standards for parking, public health and height that are consistent with existing neighborhood residences
- Modest changes that preserve neighborhood character
- Developed through extensive public consultation
- Judiciously created sub-zones, mostly near train stations
- Avoids historic district development
- Generally restricts development to three units on 4,000+ sq ft lots
- Two small sub-zones allow 6 or more units
- Creates opportunities for deed-restricted affordable units
- Supports Gloucester Housing Authority’s access to state funds
- Preserves eligibility for various state grants
The zoning ordinance approved by City Council is available here.
I'm not registered to vote yet. What is the deadline to register?
The deadline to register to vote or make changes to your voter registration for the April 24, 2025 Special Election is April 14, 2025. The City Clerk’s Office will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm for voter registration and registration changes. Online voter registration deadline is April 14, 2025 @ 11:59pm. To find out if you are registered and where to vote click here.
I'll be out of town on April 24. Can I vote early or by mail?
We recognize that the election is being held during April vacation week and families may have travel plans. Early voting will be held April 14-18 at City Hall.
Early Voting Hours (April 14-18)
Monday – Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
You can also request your mail-in ballot in writing no later than 5 p.m. on the 5th business day before the election. Your application can only be accepted if it has reached the election office by the deadline.
Don’t delay- complete your vote by mail application today!
By the Numbers
Young people, seniors, and public service employees cannot afford to live here. The MBTA Communities Act can help change that.
Median Sale Price of a Single-Family Home in November 2024¹
The annual salary required to afford a $790,000 house with a 20% downpayment.²
