Milton, Massachusetts Development News
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Select Board: July 21, 2026
Published: Jul 21, 2026
New Traffic Mitigation Subcommittee Proposed to Address Growing Concerns
The Select Board discussed the creation of a traffic mitigation subcommittee, aiming to address growing traffic concerns in town. This subcommittee would work alongside the existing Traffic Commission to analyze traffic issues, develop solutions, and prioritize implementation. The proposal stems from a previous, not fully implemented, traffic mitigation report from 2020, highlighting the need for dedicated focus and resources. The subcommittee's tasks include providing feedback on traffic calming policies, analyzing data to monitor outcomes of interventions, and potentially advising on financial aspects of traffic mitigation projects. Membership suggestions include representation from Public Works, engineering, and construction safety, with considerations for inter-agency collaboration on cross-jurisdictional issues. The subcommittee would report to the Traffic Commission and its longevity would be evaluated.
Updates on School Capacity, Playground Funding, Traffic, and Housing Initiatives Highlighted
The Select Board reviewed updates on several community development projects. The Laborate College property is being considered for school overflow needs, with an appraisal pending and offer expected in August. The Tucker School playground project is moving forward with a proposed $300,000 appropriation for the Fall town meeting to facilitate a 2027 construction start. Discussions also included the potential acquisition of Laborate College, fire station improvements, and the regulation of short-term rentals, which may involve new local taxes and fees. A new traffic mitigation subcommittee was proposed to address ongoing traffic concerns, and the re-establishment of a bicycle advisory committee was discussed. Progress on the housing production plan and dispatch center grant was also noted.
Milton Considers Establishing Local Historic District for Village Area
The Select Board discussed the establishment of a Milton Village Local Historic District. The committee leading this effort has spent four years on study and outreach, addressing concerns from the first town meeting two years prior. They are seeking funding for a consultant, Chris Skelly, who has experience assisting towns with this process. Skelly's scope of work includes attending various meetings and presenting at town meeting to answer questions about the pros and cons and how this has worked in other towns. The cost for the consultant is not to exceed $10,000. The committee emphasized that this is a local historic district, which provides tools to protect buildings, unlike a national historic district designation which is only a designation and does not prevent demolition. The concern is the demolition of significant historic buildings in Milton Village. The historical commission has been most concerned about this and notes the two-year demolition delay is insufficient, as developers can still demolish buildings after that period. The local historic district is seen as the only way to prevent demolition of treasured buildings. While builders have expressed concerns about another layer of approval, the committee believes the guidelines will help businesses by protecting the community and keeping its flavor. They plan to hold more community meetings to address concerns and provide information. The consultant will help explain how this has worked in other towns and potential challenges.
Select Board Prepares Budget and Finance Articles for Town Meeting, Including Water Main Upgrades and Reserve Fund Allocation
The Select Board is considering several financial and budgetary articles for the upcoming town meeting. These include an appropriation for water main improvements, utilizing a low-interest loan from the NWR. Additionally, they are reviewing articles related to surplus bond proceeds, current year budget appropriations from increased state aid, and recommendations for the reserve fund. The Board is also discussing a $300,000 appropriation for the Tucker School playground project, an acquisition corporation for Laborate College, and articles related to fire station construction and short-term rental regulations, which may include local taxes and fees. Budgetary impacts on water rates and the potential for unexpected expenses like boiler repairs are being considered.
Laborate College Property Acquisition for School Needs Under Review; Appraisal Pending
The Select Board discussed the potential acquisition of the Laborate College property for school overflow needs. The town is awaiting an appraisal report, expected within the next week or two, before submitting an offer. The sellers are amenable to receiving offers through August. Concurrently, the School Building Committee is finalizing a draft report from architects DRL on test fits for a pre-K building, with a final report expected soon. This report will present options including a pre-K project with no significant building additions, a two-story addition, and a three-story addition, with varying numbers of classrooms. The potential acquisition of the Laborate property and its integration with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process is being evaluated, with the understanding that controlling the site is a prerequisite for MSBA discussions. The timeline for incorporating the Laborate site into the MSBA process is uncertain and could involve delays.
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The Milton News archive
Planning Board - July 23rd, 2026
Steppin' Up To The Plate - July 23rd, 2026
Select Board - July 21st, 2026
School Building Committee: July 20th, 2026
Community Preservation Committee: July 20, 2026
United Congregational Church Service: July 19, 2026
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