The Milton Traffic Commission moved a comprehensive town-wide traffic calming proposal forward to the Select Board on Wednesday, though officials warned that a critical piece of the town’s safety infrastructure remains stalled by a lack of funding. While the commission approved a study scope from Tool Design, Department of Public Works Director Marina Fernandez clarified that the town’s existing traffic model is currently too outdated to be used for precise calibration. Fernandez noted that while the department has received a scope to bring the model up to speed, there isn't enough funding currently to complete the work, meaning the traffic model will not be part of the immediate project.

During the review of the Tool Design proposal, Director of Planning Liz Manning pushed for a more inclusive approach to community data. Manning advocated for the inclusion of GIS shapefiles and argued that the study must prioritize reaching Milton’s diverse populations. I’d like to see language access needs addressed—Haitian, Creole, Mandarin, Spanish, and others, Manning said, adding that she wants to see more qualitative analysis regarding environmental justice communities rather than relying solely on numbers. Motion Made by J. Calabro to send the Tool Design study, scope, and fee, along with L. Manning's comments to the Select Board for review and approval. Motion Passed (7-0).

Safety concerns and return-on-investment dominated a debate over a proposed mid-block crosswalk on Canton Avenue near the Eustace Estate. While a design has been drafted to connect the estate to a historical site across the street, some commission members questioned if the pedestrian volume justified the installation. Resident representative Steve Gester noted that he rarely sees pedestrians in the area, asking, Is that a good return on investment? I don’t know if we have criteria for that. However, Wiring Manager Jack Calabro countered that the current road conditions make crossing dangerous for those who do attempt it. I've crossed over that street before. It is a difficult crossing to make. Folks are traveling pretty fast. I believe there’s some weekend flurry of activity, Calabro said.

Police Chief John King expressed reservations regarding the winding nature of Canton Avenue and the potential for driver surprise. I always worry somebody doesn't see it and all of a sudden they're coming around a bend and don't expect to see a person crossing the street, King stated, though he added he would defer to the judgment of traffic engineers. Fernandez emphasized that a crosswalk is a safety tool rather than a deterrent for speeding, stating, A crosswalk should never be used as traffic calming. The commission opted to hold the proposal while Fernandez seeks feedback from the Eustace Museum and reviews scenic roadway requirements with the Planning Department.

The commission also received an update on the long-awaited Chikatabit roundabout. Fernandez informed the group that MassDOT is currently evaluating a road diet pilot for at least six months before moving forward with permanent construction. While the roundabout is fully permitted, Fernandez noted that construction is unlikely this summer and may be delayed until next year. Despite the delay, Sergeant Ernst reported that interim measures are providing relief to the neighborhood. I've had a conversation with a couple of residents... they've all been very happy with how things have been going, specifically on Clifton. The volume has significantly been reduced, Ernst said regarding the recently implemented "No Left Turn" signage.

The meeting concluded with a series of questions submitted via text by new commission member Judy Orlando, who sought information on the process for placing stop signs and addressing truck accidents with better signage. Fernandez planned an offline meeting to orient Orlando to the commission's procedures, noting that many of the resident's concerns regarding the flow of traffic would be addressed within the upcoming Tool Design study.