How Local Regulations and the MBTA Communities Act Are Changing Commercial Development
By Casey DiMascio, Lead of Broker Partnerships at CommercialGRP
Commercial development in Massachusetts is evolving — and fast. Between zoning shifts, sustainability mandates, and the rollout of the MBTA Communities Act, investors and developers are rethinking how they approach industrial and retail assets. For those of us building partnerships across the industry, understanding these changes isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
At CommercialGRP, we view these policy updates through a lens of opportunity. Our focus remains clear: transforming communities and improving lives through thoughtful commercial investment — particularly in the industrial (15K–120K SF) and retail sectors where our expertise lies
Understanding the MBTA Communities Act
The MBTA Communities Act requires municipalities served by the MBTA to create at least one zoning district where multi-family housing can be built as of right. While this legislation primarily targets residential growth, it’s creating ripple effects across the commercial landscape — from site selection to investor interest.
Industrial corridors once overlooked are now drawing attention as towns work to balance housing requirements with employment centers and infrastructure expansion. In many cases, the same zoning flexibility encouraging housing near transit nodes is also unlocking new potential for mixed-use commercial development.
How Regulations Are Shaping Opportunity
Every local ordinance, zoning amendment, or sustainability requirement affects how deals move forward. But rather than seeing regulation as a hurdle, we treat it as a roadmap for smarter investment.
Our team stays motivated and deeply committed to understanding municipal processes and supporting brokers and investors through every stage — from site due diligence to zoning compliance. This self-reliant and detail-oriented approach allows us to anticipate challenges, identify underutilized parcels, and position each property for long-term community impact.
Transparency is a key part of this process. As outstanding communicators, we make it a priority to keep our broker partners informed, ensuring that every transaction aligns with both the investor’s goals and community priorities.
Integrity and Collaboration in Action
In a market defined by change, honesty and integrity aren’t just values — they’re our operating principles. Whether we’re evaluating a redevelopment site near an MBTA corridor or partnering with brokers on an off-market industrial opportunity, we aim to be the partner you can trust to move deals forward the right way.
That means clear communication, fair expectations, and a shared commitment to outcomes that elevate communities. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about properties — it’s about people, neighborhoods, and the lasting impact of smart development.
Let’s Build What’s Next — Together
As local regulations reshape the landscape, opportunities are opening for those ready to adapt and collaborate. If you’re a broker navigating these changes or an investor exploring Massachusetts’ evolving industrial and retail markets, let’s connect.
I’d love to learn more about your projects, share insights from our active deals, and explore ways we can partner to build stronger, more resilient communities.
👉 Reach out to me directly through CommercialGRP.com — let’s turn policy shifts into possibilities.
