Rep. Cusack Behind Bill to Require Local Approval of MBTA Billboards
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court four years ago that the MBTA could put up billboards on its property without local zoning review.
Legislation filed by state Rep. Mark Cusack, D-Braintree, that would require the MBTA to receive approval from local officials before placing above-ground advertisements in their communities received a hearing before the Joint Committee on Transportation earlier this week. The bill stems from a decision four years ago by the Supreme Judicial Court that said the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority could place billboards on its property without local zoning review. Following that decision, the MBTA announced that it would begin to erect advertisements throughout its properties to generate millions of dollars in new revenues. In spring 2009, the agency said it would auction off space for 60 billboards worth $6 million annually, …
