The Select Board finalized a decade-long effort to transform the town's landfill into a recreational asset this week, securing a deal that promises to reshape Milton’s financial landscape. By authorizing the Quarry Hills lease, the board effectively cancelled the need for a looming April override and freed up $9.2 million in previously authorized bond capacity for other municipal projects. Member Richard Wells, who spearheaded the negotiations, outlined a massive financial windfall for the town, noting that the combined project would result in a cash expenditure savings of $13 million. Wells remarked that the town will save in excess of $500,000 a year from that aspect alone, while also highlighting the addition of varsity-level soccer and lacrosse fields and a plan that ensures Milton retains a viable nine-hole golf course should the town ever separate from the regional agreement in the future.

Beyond the balance sheet, the board emphasized the significant public safety benefits of the landfill capping project. Wells calculated that the agreement would remove 29,000 truck trips from Randolph Avenue, reducing the potential for accidents on a dangerous stretch of highway. In total there is an immeasurable saving in terms of the quality of life for Milton residents, Wells said. I don't know how you measure the value of a life who may not be struck by one of those 29,000 truck trips. Motion Made by R. Wells to sign the Quarry Hills lease. Motion Passed (2-1-0), with Member Meghan Haggerty casting the dissenting vote.

Haggerty explained her opposition by citing concerns over liability and the speed of the approval process. She noted that the town had not yet met with the Pine Tree Brook Neighborhood Association and questioned the specifics of the $44 million performance bond provided by McCourt. I did take the difficult position to vote no because of the few concerns that I still have, Haggerty said, adding that she felt uncomfortable with the 14-month window of liability should state regulations change retroactively. I would have been more than happy to have signed a contract with the city of Quincy... But there is an extra individual company in here that has always raised many questions.

Town Counsel John Flynn addressed these concerns, describing the performance bond as highly unusual because Milton is receiving coverage without a direct financial contribution. McCourt paid, so everyone has to sign off on allowing us to be on the bond since we didn't put anything up, Flynn explained, noting that the lease is contingent upon all parties, including the City of Quincy, signing onto the bond. Bruce Haskell, serving as a consultant on the project, was also present for the finalization of the language.

Chair Benjamin Zoll characterized the milestone as a hard-won victory over a decade in the making, tracing the effort back to a failed 1993 override. He credited the Landfill Study Committee and key residents for keeping the project alive when it nearly collapsed under the weight of opposition last summer. Zoll also addressed the project's expansion to 102 acres, explaining that the increase was necessary to navigate archaeological constraints and protect historic tribal lands discovered on the site. By signing this lease, we avoid putting an override question on the April ballot, Zoll said. We avoid thousands of truck trips on Randolph Avenue, and we will turn an ugly landfill into an attractive golf course. The board recognized resident John Cronin as a hero of the week for his contributions to the project, with Cronin offering a brief Thank you very much to the board. Construction is slated to begin no later than August 1st, with the landfill expected to be fully capped by September 1999.