The Milton Planning Board hit the brakes on a critical endorsement of the town’s MBTA community zoning feasibility study after members discovered significant data discrepancies regarding a major local development. Board members were set to vote on a 15 percent affordability requirement for new multi-family housing, but paused when Member Cheryl Tougias pointed out that the data for 648 Canton Avenue reflected 56 fewer units than what had been previously reported to the town. Tougias noted that the project developer had informed the Massachusetts Historic Commission of a 116-unit plan, despite previous iterations being much larger and facing hurdles with the Conservation Commission. It looks like they're pursuing funding for a project that is different than what the ZBA approved, Tougias said, noting the project also lacks a second means of fire access due to the denial of a private road easement.

Planning Director Liz Manning explained that the South Shore Home Consortium application for 648 Canton Avenue included various levels of affordability ranging from 30 to 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). However, the board remained wary of endorsing the state feasibility package without accurate figures. Chair Meredith Hall suggested the board hold off until the next meeting to clarify those tweaks and changes and obtain a full pro forma to ensure the 15 percent mandate remains viable. Member Jim Davis emphasized the need for transparency, stating, I think it would be helpful to have it in the record so that future boards and the Affordable Housing Trust can understand the rate of return and financial scenarios.

The town’s broader fiscal crisis, including a projected $2.5 million deficit for FY27, loomed large during a presentation on Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding. Member Cheryl Tougias reported that the CPC voted to send an article to Town Meeting seeking $750,000 in bonding for Wharf Park, to be paid out of future CPC allocations. This proposal met immediate resistance from Member Margaret Oldfield, who has frequently warned that Milton has a spending problem driven by high fixed costs. Is it a good policy for the town to go out and take on more debt when we are dealing with a shortage of money for the operating budget? Oldfield asked, characterizing the park as a nice to have project. I just wouldn't do a 'nice to have' with debt personally. If we have the money, we should spend it, but don't borrow and incur interest when we have buildings falling apart.

Tougias countered that CPC funds are legally restricted and cannot be used for the general operating budget. She argued that bonding demonstrates a town commitment that helps secure matching grants. Director Manning added that the department is also juggling FY27 requests, including $50,000 for planning studies and $40,000 for zoning recodification. Assistant Director Avante updated the board on the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP), noting that consultants are working on inventory gaps and an ADA transition plan, though the final cost remains under negotiation. Manning expressed a desire to wrap the project up quickly so that we don't hold up the funding for some of these other projects.

The board also engaged in a lengthy workshop to overhaul the town’s sign bylaws, seeking to balance aesthetics with business friendliness. Town Counsel Carolyn Murray presented a draft that would simplify definitions and potentially shift more approval power to the Building Commissioner for simple, compliant signs. Member Sean Fahy pushed for efficiency, noting the town is often viewed as having a restrictive permitting process. If it's simple and in compliance, the Building Department should just approve it, Fahy said. The board debated whether to specifically ban billboards or simply limit sign size to 50 square feet. Member Margaret Oldfield, speaking as a business owner, called the current process awfully cumbersome and advocated for clearer rules that allow owners to work within set boundaries without constant committee oversight.

The board did reach a unanimous conclusion on administrative updates to the Site Plan Review regulations. Motion Made by J. Davis to approve the updated rules and regulations as presented to us for tonight's meeting. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Before concluding, Member Tougias urged the board to act quickly on encumbering $50,000 from the current fiscal year for planning studies to ensure the funds are not lost to the general fund if next year's budget is slashed. I'd rather use it for codification now than send it back to free cash if our FY27 request gets cut, Tougias said.