The controversial MBTA Communities Law is constitutional, the highest court in Massachusetts ruled Wednesday. But for now, the Supreme Judicial Court says the housing guidelines issued to towns affected by the law are "legally ineffective.

The state’s highest court has made clear that communities subject to the law must allow for additional, responsible development – and that the law is mandatory, not voluntary,” Attorney

The decision makes clear the state's authority over Milton and 176 other municipalities affected by the so-called MBTA Communities Act, an effort by the state to address the housing crisis. It was signed into law by former Republican Gov.