Town Meeting members voted overwhelmingly to approve Article 6, authorizing an extension for the reverter clause on conservation land designated for a new school project. The article seeks to amend state legislation to move the deadline for the "land swap" on Gile Road from June 30, 2028, to June 30, 2033. School Building Committee Chair Shaun Oor explained that the extension is vital to align with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) timeline, as the town only received its formal invitation to start the funding process in May 2025.

To protect the project, we need to extend this clause, Oor told the body, noting that neighboring towns like Canton and Dedham have seen similar projects extend well beyond Milton's original five-year window. While the Select Board and Warrant Committee supported the move, Member Diane Agustinino urged a no vote, citing concerns over the preservation of Lamb Woods and claiming the land swap had not yet been finalized in land court. Town Counsel Darren Klene clarified that there is no pending litigation and the article’s scope was limited strictly to the timeline extension.

The motion passed with significant support after additional endorsements from the Conservation Commission and various Town Meeting members who emphasized the importance of securing MSBA funding. We got the MSBA funding. We didn't think we would. Let's do it, said Member Kendra Noff. The approval allows the Select Board to petition the General Court to officially modify the reverter deadline.

Motion: To authorize the Select Board to petition the General Court to amend Chapter 147 of the Acts of 2024 by striking "June 30, 2028" and inserting "June 30, 2033."

Vote: Passed 150-21-12