Middleboro has sued the Healey administration due to what it says is a “great abuse of power” as the state withholds previously committed grant funding in a fight over the controversial MBTA zoning plan.

The MBTA Communities Act requires 177 towns and cities across Massachusetts to create at least one zoning district where multifamily housing is allowed by right. These communities are placed into one of four categories that determines the number of units to be zoned for. Additionally, the construction of these units is not required under this law.

The lawsuit seeks a waiver from the law’s zoning requirements under a recent opinion from State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who called the law an “unfunded mandate."

The town of Middleborough is suing the state, saying it should not have to zone for more housing under the MBTA Communities Act.