EAST BRIDGEWATER, MA – Governor Maura Healey’s administration is facing criticism after East Bridgewater Public Schools were deemed ineligible for ten state education grant opportunities totaling $395,210 for FY2027. The decision follows East Bridgewater voters’ rejection of zoning changes required under the controversial MBTA Communities Act.
In an October 26 letter addressed to Governor Healey, Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez, and local state legislators, Board of Selectmen Chair Carole Julius and School Committee Chair Ellen Pennington demanded that the administration reverse its decision. The grants would have supported early literacy, student well-being, hate crime prevention, arts education, agricultural programs, and Safe Routes to School.
The MBTA Communities Act, signed into law by Republican Governor Charlie Baker on January 14, 2021, requires designated communities to establish zoning districts where multifamily housing is permitted as of right. Although the legislation received bipartisan support, it has since generated significant controversy over local control, housing mandates, and the consequences for communities that reject proposed zoning changes.
East Bridgewater voters rejected the proposed North Bedford Street Housing Overlay District on May 11, 2026, by a vote of 220 to 149. The Healey administration’s grant eligibility requirements have now created consequences extending beyond the original zoning disagreement, with schoolchildren potentially losing access to hundreds of thousands of dollars in educational resources.
In their letter, local officials argued that educational funding should never be tied to a municipal zoning dispute, stating, “A local municipal vote regarding zoning compliance should not influence or penalize over $395,210 in grant funding that directly benefits the education and well-being of our students.” They emphasized that adults, elected officials, and the courts can continue debating the law without making children bear the consequences.
Governor Healey frequently emphasizes her administration’s commitment to supporting students across Massachusetts. Now, East Bridgewater officials are asking her to demonstrate that commitment by restoring the district’s eligibility for these grants. Should students lose educational opportunities because their hometown voted differently than Beacon Hill wanted? East Bridgewater’s children should not be caught in the middle of a political battle over zoning.
Comments