$6.5 Million DPW Budget Approved as Members Question Crumbling East Milton Deck
Key Points
- The $6.5 million DPW budget was approved unanimously by the members present.
- MassDOT has acknowledged concrete failures on the new East Milton deck and plans to replace the panels.
- State Chapter 90 funding for Milton road repairs has risen to $1.2 million.
- Residents praised the effectiveness of speed humps on Governor's Road as a model for future traffic calming.
Town Meeting members approved a $6,495,834 budget for the Department of Public Works (DPW) under Article 11, following a discussion that touched on infrastructure quality and traffic calming. Outgoing DPW Director Marina Fernandez reported that the town's Chapter 90 state funding for roads has increased to $1.2 million. However, Member Brian Kelly raised concerns about the condition of the East Milton deck, noting that the walkways are already crumbling
despite being relatively new. It absolutely amazes me that this is such a new redo that it’s not lasting,
Kelly said.
Director Fernandez confirmed that MassDOT is aware of the issue, which she attributed to errors in the concrete specifications. Concrete is very finicky... MassDOT understands that issue,
she said, noting that the state is expected to replace the flaking panels. The conversation also turned to traffic safety, with Member Bill White advocating for the expanded use of speed humps. White cited the success of the installation on Governor's Road, which he said reduced average speeds to between 12 and 15 miles per hour.
Motion: To appropriate $6,495,834 from the tax levy.
Vote: Passed 200-0-0