The Milton Planning Board navigated a contentious session on March 26, marked by sharp disagreements over a proposed library parking expansion and the strategic allocation of over $52,000 in town funds for zoning and economic development. Tensions peaked during a discussion regarding a potential public-private partnership to build a parking structure on Canton Avenue, a project member Sean Fahy characterized as financially impossible. The feasibility of creating 60 parking spaces on that land is cost-prohibitive, Fahy said, estimating the project could cost upwards of $5 million. No developer is that philanthropic. It's a fantasy.

The proposal, which stems from a Library Task Force looking to solve decade-long parking shortages, explores issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a mixed-use building that could include residential units or office space atop a parking lot. Chair Meredith Hall voiced strong opposition to the potential environmental and aesthetic impact on the historic woodlot. I can't imagine doing that to a National Register location. It would be as bad as tearing down Town Hall, Hall remarked, adding that she favored a road diet on Reedsdale Road to create parking rather than what she described as clear-cutting trees. Member Margaret Oldfield echoed these conservation concerns, noting, I don't want to destroy our green spaces. This has gotten ahead of everybody and no one knows about it.

Member Cheryl Tougias, who serves as an advisory member on the task force, defended the process as a preliminary exploration. There is no project being proposed yet; it's an RFP to see if a partnership would work, Tougias explained, emphasizing that the town needs to weigh the tradeoffs of generating tax revenue from currently exempt land. Member Jim Davis suggested alternative locations, noting, It seems like a no-brainer to build on the wetlands at the Reedsdale site instead, though staff noted the Conservation Commission had previously flagged that as a non-starter. During public comment, Christine Hodlin of the Library Task Force invited further participation, stating, We're planning another public forum to go through the RFP again and get more input. If you would like to join, you're of course welcome.

While the parking debate remained unresolved, the board moved decisively on several financial fronts to secure funding before the close of the fiscal year. Director Liz Manning recommended the board encumber $27,272 in remaining planning study funds to hire KP Law for a comprehensive recodification of the town’s zoning bylaws. Motion Made by C. Tougias to allocate the remaining planning board funds of $27,272 to KP Law for recodification, subject to review of a final scope in April. Motion Passed (5-0). This funding will be combined with a requested $35,000 in free cash to complete the $60,000 project, which Manning described as the quickest line between A and B to modernize Milton’s code.

The board also formally accepted a $25,000 allocation from the Select Board to jumpstart an Economic Development Plan. While the study was originally envisioned with a $99,000 scope, the board agreed to focus the scaled-back version on the town's west side. Motion Made by M. Hall to accept $25,000 in free cash to participate in the Economic Development Plan with the Select Board. Motion Passed (5-0). Member Oldfield stressed the importance of data accuracy in this study, while Member Tougias advocated for including pre-existing non-conforming businesses in the scope to help alleviate the tax burden on residential homeowners.

Zoning updates for the upcoming Spring Town Meeting also moved forward as the board closed a public hearing on proposed sign bylaw amendments. The new rules would reduce the allowed sign area from 2 square feet to 1.5 square feet per linear foot of facade and move the appeals process from the Select Board to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Motion Made by C. Tougias to submit the March 19th proposed sign bylaw to the Warrant Committee. Motion Passed (5-0). Manning noted the goal is to codify the sign review process clearly while providing staff with better enforcement tools.

The board also grappled with the future of the Housing Production Plan (HPP) as they face an expired plan and the looming threat of 40B developments. Staff announced a contract has been signed with consultant Karen Sunborg, but members disagreed on how to oversee the work. Member Oldfield argued against forming a new formal committee, stating, I'm not a huge fan of committees. Sometimes they slow work down because you have to report back and get quorums... Can we just move along faster? Tougias countered that a public process is essential for transparency when recommending zoning changes. Planning Director Manning promised to seek a balance of efficiency and input, noting, I want to get this going as fast as possible because we are exposed.

Finally, the board reviewed a draft RFP for the redevelopment of the East Milton Fire Station. Members were unanimous in their desire for the town to retain ownership of the property. Member Fahy warned that if we sell it, we have no control and the building can be torn down, advocating instead for a long-term lease. The board also recommended including parking relief in the RFP to attract mom and pop retail or restaurants to the small, 1,900-square-foot site. Director Manning indicated she would circulate a draft of these comments to the Select Board to ensure the Planning Board's concerns regarding site geometry and parking requirements are addressed before the RFP is finalized.