Seeking to protect residential neighborhoods from aggressive cut-through traffic, the Milton Select Board voted unanimously Tuesday to implement a pilot program banning left turns from four side streets onto Highland Street during peak afternoon hours. The new restrictions, which target Spafford, Buckingham, Martin, and Clifton roads, will be in effect from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and are scheduled for a formal re-evaluation on June 1, 2026. The move aligns with a broader MassDOT "road diet" pilot intended to improve safety on some of the town’s most dangerous stretches of pavement.

The discussion centered on balancing neighborhood preservation with regional traffic flow. Member R. Wells Jr., who has been a vocal advocate for traffic mitigation, emphasized the stakes of the decision. This is about the preservation of life, Wells said, noting that the Police Department has responded to serious accidents and fatalities in the area. They are looking at the 30,000-foot view rather than just ad hoc. While a 3:00 PM start time was initially discussed, the board settled on 4:00 PM to maintain consistency with existing turn bans in East Milton and the town center. Chief King noted that while officers use a learning curve for new signs, the mere presence of enforcement has a tangible impact on driver behavior.

Motion Made by R. Wells Jr. to install do not left turn restrictions from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Highland Street from Spafford, Buckingham, Martin, and Clifton, and to revisit the decision on June 1st while continuing to meet with MassDOT. Motion Passed 5-0.

The neighborhood response was one of relief. A resident from 58 Clifton Road thanked the board for treating the street as part of a community rather than a bypass. I just wanted to thank you all for your support and for working with us on this. It means a lot to our neighborhood... we very much appreciate that this is a pilot, the resident said. Member M. Haggerty urged the board to remain vigilant even after the signs are installed. If we're going to do the left turn restriction, or if there's another solution, we can figure that out. I worry that if we put signs up now, we may feel like the job is done. We need to continue to engage with MassDOT on this pilot and the road diet, Haggerty noted.

Beyond traffic, the board pivoted to Milton’s social safety net, voting to significantly expand income eligibility for the Senior Tax Workoff Program. Currently, the program—which allows seniors to volunteer in town departments in exchange for property tax credits—has 11 of its 25 available slots sitting vacant. Council on Aging Director Christine Stanton requested that the board ditch the current restrictive threshold of $51,777 for single homeowners in favor of the state’s Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit guidelines. I am asking you to consider raising the income guidelines... We are on the lower end compared to other towns, Stanton said, proposing new limits of $72,000 for individuals and $109,000 for married couples. Motion Made by W. Daley to approve the recommended changes to the income eligibility requirements for the senior tax workoff program. Motion Passed 5-0.

The town’s long-term fiscal health remains a primary concern as the Select Board begins navigating the initial phases of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Town Administrator Nick Milano delivered a sobering update on the town’s fixed costs, specifically regarding health insurance premiums. Following a 14% increase in the current year, the town is bracing for another double-digit hike. A major concern is health insurance; we had a 14% increase this year and are looking at a similar increase for the upcoming year. Every 1% increase costs the town about $140,000, Milano explained. This inflationary pressure is a primary driver behind the $2.5 million structural deficit currently projected for the next fiscal cycle. To combat these rising costs, the board gave final approval to a new municipal reserve policy. This will help us have more financial discipline and a cushion for shocks, Haggerty said of the policy. Motion Made by W. Daley to approve our new financial policies, new reserve policy after the second reading. Motion Passed 4-0.

In a potential move to offset rising utility costs, the board reviewed a proposal from ReWild Renewables to enter a 25-year solar net metering agreement. The deal would see the town purchase approximately 4.2 million kilowatt hours of solar credits annually at a 17.5% discount. Milano estimated that while the town would spend $1 million on the credits, it would net between $180,000 and $200,000 in annual savings for town and school electric bills. As the town electrifies, our load is likely to increase, Milano noted, suggesting the long-term commitment is a hedge against rising energy prices. Member J. Driscoll highlighted the importance of protecting town assets, noting that infrastructure damage—such as the recent destruction of two decorative lights costing $25,000 each—continues to strain the capital budget.

The meeting also included the annual renewal of Milton’s business and liquor licenses. Motion Made by B. Zoll to approve the 2026 liquor license renewals contingent upon the receipt of all necessary certificates. Motion Passed 4-0. Additionally, the board approved Sunday opening permits for package stores and entertainment licenses for local establishments. Motion Made by J. Driscoll to approve the renewal of common victual licenses for 2026 as listed on the agenda. Motion Passed 4-0. The board also welcomed four new firefighters—Aiden Smith, Cameron Dickens, John Cloon, and Aiden Hoey—who will begin their academy training shortly. Before adjourning to executive session, Chair B. Zoll celebrated local student achievements, specifically noting the sold-out run of the High School’s production of Frozen and the marching band’s state honors.