The Milton Planning Board voiced sharp frustration Thursday evening following a move by the Select Board to allocate $85,000 for an economic development study and a new Master Plan Committee without consulting the elected planning body. Chair Meredith Hall noted that the proposed scope of work covers initiatives the Planning Board already launched in 2024, stating that the Select Board has allocated new funds for work we already started. Member Margaret Oldfield characterized the move as an overstep by town administration, suggesting the project was being taken away from the board. I think you're being too kind, Meredith, Oldfield said. This is another thing they are hijacking from us. To say [the Town Administrator] reached out to this board for input... that is a disingenuous statement.

The debate shifted to the town’s long-term financial strategy, with Member Sean Fahy questioning the logic of relying on commercial development to solve Milton's budget deficit. Fahy pointed out that residential property currently accounts for over 95% of the town's tax levy, with commercial revenue contributing only $3 million to a $101 million total. To find $3 million more, you'd have to double the commercial value of the town, Fahy argued. This idea that we can solve financial problems with commercial tax is a fool's errand. He warned that sidelining the Planning Board in favor of a new committee was reckless given the board's deep familiarity with local zoning.

The board also turned its attention to the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for the East Milton Fire Station redevelopment. Planning Director Liz Manning informed the board that the RFP is being drafted by the Town Administrator’s office, prompting Member Cheryl Tougias to advocate for Planning Board oversight regarding the selection criteria. Often RFPs in the public realm don't have to be just the highest price; they can be based on what the town would like to see, Tougias said, noting that the municipal nature of the RFP could potentially allow for more flexible parking requirements than standard business zoning allows. Manning agreed that it would be silly not to listen to the wisdom and experience here when shaping the goals for the site.

Neighborhood impacts from ongoing construction projects also generated significant discussion. Regarding the Memory Care project on Highland Street, Manning noted the developer might request a second construction entrance. Chair Hall reminded the board that Highland Street is a designated scenic road, emphasizing that we need to know specifically what stone walls are being moved and what trees are being preserved. Member Jim Davis called for a proactive approach to mitigate neighbor anxiety. We should have a public site meeting with the contractor, Davis suggested, noting that communication is key to avoiding surprises during the site-clearing phase.

Regarding zoning changes for the spring Town Meeting, the board moved toward establishing a 180-day annual limit for temporary business signs. Manning explained that legal counsel recommended removing liability insurance requirements from the zoning bylaw and placing them instead within administrative regulations. I agree, Davis noted. We should write less in the bylaw and make it part of the permitting process. That gives us flexibility to change limits without going back to Town Meeting. Tougias added that real estate window displays should be considered part of a formal display system, limited to covering no more than 20% of a window’s area.

In staff updates, Avanti informed the board that the town is finalizing a $50,000 grant application for the Milton Climate Action Plan, which is due March 20. We expect an announcement of awards in the summer, Avanti said, while also noting that deadlines are being finalized for the Open Space and Recreation Plan deliverables. Director Manning also mentioned that projects at 440 Granite Avenue are progressing, though Chair Hall described the process of burying utilities at that site as painfully slow and expensive.