The Milton Planning Board took a firm stand against a proposed mixed-use development at the library parking lot this week, while simultaneously moving to overhaul the town’s aging zoning code. In a meeting marked by sharp critiques of recent town-wide planning efforts, the board moved to allocate thousands in remaining funds to a "recodification" project designed to provide much-needed clarity for local developers and residents alike.

The most heated discussion centered on a proposal from the library parking task force to address a 50-to-60 space shortage by potentially partnering with a private developer for a four-story, 28-unit residential building on Canton Avenue. Board members expressed near-unanimous alarm at the scale of the project. Chair Meredith Hall noted that at a recent public forum, residents spoke out strongly against clear-cutting the local wood lot to make room for the structure. A four-story building sitting on a two-story parking garage... I can't imagine doing that to our historic National Register location, Hall said. It would be detrimental aesthetically.

Member Sean Fahy questioned the financial viability of the project, estimating that site work and structured parking could cost upwards of $5 million. Why wasn't the Planning Board brought into the process? Fahy asked, adding, We have fantasy-like ideas that a developer is going to share a large share of this. I've yet to meet a developer that's philanthropic. Member Jim Davis also voiced skepticism regarding the actual need for the expansion, stating, I have a hard time seeing the need for 50 to 60 more spaces. Every time I drive by, there is parking. Library Trustee Chris Hodlin defended the process, noting that the trustees funded the consultant for the Request for Proposals (RFP) and welcome any input you might have as they prepare to present to the Select Board.

Addressing the town's broader planning hurdles, Director Liz Manning recommended the board immediately tackle the town’s confusing zoning bylaws. Manning proposed using $27,272 in remaining planning funds, combined with $35,000 in free cash, to hire KP Law for a $60,000 "recodification" project. Member Cheryl Tougias urged the director to ensure the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the Building Commissioner remain involved. Tougias shared that she recently spoke with the ZBA Chair regarding the project, noting, I would request you keep her in the loop... because they see the challenges with the code. Motion Made by C. Tougias to allocate the remaining planning board funds of $27,272 for the current fiscal year to the recodification project, with the final scope from KP Law to be reviewed in April. Motion Passed 5-0.

Local businesses will also face significant changes under a revised sign bylaw that the board voted to submit to the Warrant Committee. The new rules would slash the allowed sign area from two square feet per linear foot of facade down to just one square foot. It also seeks to prohibit LED and neon signs while requiring Department of Public Works sign-off for A-frame signs on public sidewalks. Manning explained the goal is to codify the sign review process in a clear way, though the changes will also shift sign appeals from the Select Board to the ZBA. Motion Made by C. Tougias to submit the March 19th version of the proposed sign bylaw to the Warrant Committee. Motion Passed 5-0.

Financial coordination with the Select Board remained a recurring theme. The board agreed to split a $50,000 cost—funded by free cash—to launch an economic development plan. Chair Hall advocated for the study to focus specifically on the West Side of Milton, which she argued has been ignored in favor of East Milton and Milton Village. Member Margaret Oldfield questioned the data used in preliminary reports, requesting a list of the 707 business establishments cited by the MAPC. If we are trying to move the needle, the greatest potential is the West Side, Oldfield said. Motion Made by C. Tougias to accept $25,000 in free cash to be earmarked for the next steps in the economic development plan. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also reviewed a draft RFP for the reuse of the old East Milton Fire Station. Member Oldfield pushed back against any proposal to sell the historic asset. There was an overwhelming desire for the town to retain ownership, she said. We should remove the sale option. Discussion turned to how a mom and pop business could survive in the small footprint given strict parking requirements. Member Tougias suggested the RFP should explicitly state what parking relief the town is willing to offer, but Member Davis cautioned against being too lenient. I have a hard time welcoming other businesses to waive the parking requirement when Novara has to set up parking, Davis noted, citing the potential for unfairness toward established local businesses.

On the environmental front, staffer Avante reported that the town’s Climate Action Plan grant application was submitted with five letters of support. Director Manning added that Milton is participating in a $260,000 regional climate resilience grant led by Norwood. Avante did a terrific job with the scope, Manning said, noting the town is also moving forward with a contract for a new Housing Production Plan with consultant Karen Sunborg. Member Oldfield warned against creating a formal committee for the housing plan, suggesting it might slow work down due to quorum requirements, though Tougias argued that a public representative body is essential for vetting housing strategies before they reach voters.