The most heated topic was the town’s efforts to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, which requires municipalities to create zoning districts that allow for multifamily housing. This issue has been contentious, with some residents expressing concern that the law could alter Milton’s character by increasing housing density. One resident voiced strong opposition to the act, citing potential changes to the town’s rural character and increased traffic issues as major concerns. This sentiment was echoed by others who feared that the town’s infrastructure might not support the proposed growth.

The planning board presented two plans: a 10% plan and a 25% plan, each with differing implications for housing density and development. The 10% plan, favored by the planning board, proposed a maximum of 30 units per acre with a minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet, whereas the 25% plan allowed for greater density with a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet. The board’s preference for the 10% plan was driven by concerns about overdevelopment and its potential impacts on neighborhood character, particularly in areas like Milton Village.

Residents and board members also discussed the financial implications of non-compliance. The town administrator reported that Milton had already lost over $800,000 in grants due to non-compliance, with additional legal expenses amounting to $275,000. These financial losses underscored the urgency of addressing compliance issues, as further non-compliance could result in more lost funding opportunities and additional legal challenges.

Article Six proposed amending zoning bylaws to create a new MBTA communities multifamily overlay district. There was a suggestion to combine Articles Five and Six into a single vote, though this was met with objections due to procedural concerns and the lack of prior notification to residents. Ultimately, the decision was made to consider the articles separately.

Concerns were also raised about ensuring accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some individuals highlighted the need for the town to establish zoning guidelines that align with state mandates to retain control over future developments.

In addition to zoning and compliance issues, the meeting touched on the town’s financial situation, with the interim superintendent of schools reporting significant grant losses due to designation issues. These financial challenges added to the pressure on the town to address compliance with the MBTA Communities Act to avoid further losses and ensure continued access to important funding opportunities.