Milton’s vision for a safer, more accessible Blue Hills Parkway moved closer to reality this week as the Planning Board formally backed a design that would transform the historic corridor into a multi-modal hub. Following a four-year feasibility study, the board signaled its preference for Alternative 4, a proposal that introduces a center-running path for walkers, cyclists, and rollers, effectively narrowing the roadway to curb high-speed traffic. The decision follows years of neighborhood advocacy and data collection aimed at connecting the Neponset River Greenway to the Blue Hills Reservation.

Mara Holland, a Senior Transportation Planner with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), informed the board that current traffic volumes on the Parkway are less than half of the road’s actual capacity, making the reduction of a northbound lane a viable strategy to combat dangerous speeding. We are seeing speeds much higher than the posted limits, which is a high risk for fatalities, Holland warned. Andre Surley, Greenway Program Director for the Neponset River Watershed Association, added that 90% of survey respondents expressed a desire for better access to the reservation but currently feel forced to drive. Currently, 91% go by car because biking feels unsafe, Surley noted, explaining that the center-running path would slash potential conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians from 110 down to just 11.

The proposal drew enthusiastic support from residents like Ann Arski of Oak Street, who praised the recent high-school informational session. Everyone was enthusiastic or curious. I believe Alternative 4 was the one people really liked the best. It’s going to really revitalize the Parkway, Arski told the board. Members of the Planning Board were similarly inclined toward the center path but raised specific concerns regarding regional connectivity and long-term maintenance. Member Jim Davis noted his preference for the center-running design over parking-protected lanes, stating I have a hard time with parking-protected bike lanes because of the risk of being 'doored.'

Board members also addressed the dangerous figure-eight intersection where Brook Road meets the Parkway, a site marked by a ghost bike memorial for a fallen cyclist. Member Cheryl Tougias highlighted the urgency of addressing that specific stretch, noting The area from Brook Road to the river is the dicey part. You ride by the white bicycle, a reminder of the person killed there. While Holland noted that the intersection requires a separate engineering analysis due to shared state and town jurisdictions, she urged the town to advocate for the work now. Member Margaret Oldfield voiced concerns about the project’s impact on the reservation’s edge, cautioning that her neighborhood association would oppose any increase in impervious surfaces on Unquity Road. Also, when you increase access, you increase trash. I hope a plan for maintenance and trash pickup is built in, Oldfield said. Following the discussion, the board moved to formalize their position. Motion Made by C. Tougias to approve and submit the comment letter for the Blue Hills Parkway project. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Shifting focus to Town Meeting preparations, the board continued refining a comprehensive Sign Bylaw zoning amendment, a project that was previously postponed last autumn to allow for a deeper legal review. Town Counsel Carolyn Murray presented updates that would strictly prohibit LED price signs—excepting gas stations—and ban neon or marquee signs to preserve Milton’s traditional aesthetic. We don't want neon or marquee signs because they change the character of the town. If one person gets a neon sign, it's hard to deny the next business, Chair Meredith Hall remarked. Member Sean Fahy emphasized the need for clear boundaries for incoming businesses, stating If we set a guideline, let's stick to it. It provides anyone coming into town enough information to know what they can and can't do.

The board also grappled with how the bylaw handles non-residential uses in residential neighborhoods, such as churches and daycares. Member Tougias argued that the bylaw should not be silent on these properties to ensure consistency across town. ZBA Chair Kathleen O’Donnell, participating via Zoom, raised concerns about asking the Zoning Board of Appeals to make subjective findings on aesthetics. I have concerns about the Board of Appeals making findings on aesthetics and 'neighborhood context.' Those aren't decisions zoning boards usually make, O’Donnell said, suggesting that the ZBA instead rely on the expertise of the Sign Review Committee. Member Oldfield supported a uniform approach to the restrictions, noting If it's prohibited for one, it should be for all. I'm okay with no neon. Sign Review Committee member John Cicowitz added that the draft should prevent signage clutter, noting he did not want to see two of the same type of sign on one facade. Counsel will finalize the draft to limit businesses to three total principal signs before it heads to the Warrant Committee in March.

On the financial front, Assistant Director Avante Grady updated the board on efforts to secure state funding for the town’s Climate Action Plan. The town is pursuing a $50,000 planning grant through the Eco One-Stop program, with a deadline of March 20th. Planning Director Liz Manning, who joined the town last October, also presented a $22,000 proposal for a new Housing Production Plan and updated the board on ongoing regulatory agreements for 440 Granite Avenue. This planning work coincides with the department's broader FY27 budget goals, which include a priority request for up to $100,000 to modernize and codify the town’s often-conflicting zoning map. Member Tougias urged staff to prioritize updates to the town’s GIS mapper so residents can easily see overlay options like Milton Village and East Milton Square. It would be terrific if we could update the GIS mapper, Tougias said. You should be able to go there, click on a parcel, and not just see the underlying zoning, but see your overlay options right there.

Earlier in the meeting, the board handled routine business including the approval of several sets of past records. Motion Made by C. Tougias to approve the minutes for February 15th as amended. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Additionally, the board cleared a second set of records. Motion Made by M. Oldfield to approve the minutes for January 29th as amended. Motion Passed (5-0-0). The Planning Board is scheduled to meet again on March 12th to finalize articles for the Spring Town Meeting.