The Select Board resumed a hearing regarding the application of Eileen and Martin Omali to modify their porch, proposing a four-foot expansion closer to their neighbors, David and Betsy McDermott. The McDermotts maintained their opposition, citing privacy concerns and the potential for increased occupancy and disturbances. They underscored the impending loss of a tree that currently offers some privacy, with future plantings unlikely to address their concerns promptly. Despite these objections and a neutral discussion with another resident, Mrs. Mi, the board approved the proposal.

The chair acknowledged the house’s existing non-conforming status, noting the current legal setback is 15 feet, with the proposed plan reducing it to 11 feet. The board’s approval was contingent on adherence to submitted plans, with the formal decision allowing a 20-day appeal period. The McDermotts expressed dissatisfaction, feeling misled about their influence over the outcome, though the chair clarified the town’s procedures for legal homes seeking modest additions.

Affordable housing was another focal point, with the Select Board discussing findings from the Governor Stoen trustees regarding potential developments. The committee had reviewed the feasibility of an affordable housing project, emphasizing the need for such developments in Milton but highlighting concerns about the proposed scale for a specific site. They deliberated on potential target demographics for the housing, whether teachers, firefighters, or young residents, and the suitability of the site given its infrastructure limitations.

The trustees recommended a feasibility study to assess traffic and infrastructure impacts, given the site’s location on a narrow lane without direct bus routes. They also suggested the Select Board consider reducing the proposed number of units, as consensus on the site’s capacity was not reached. The committee’s discussions included the potential for collaboration with a local developer, though negotiations on unit reductions had not been confirmed.

Concurrently, the board addressed the Neponset River Superfund project, where environmental concerns about pollution and dam removal were discussed. The EPA’s engagement with community advisory groups was noted, with recent remediation efforts and options for addressing the river’s contamination detailed. Among the options presented, the EPA favored a comprehensive cleanup strategy involving dam removal, which prompted discussions about potential flooding and water flow changes.

Concerns extended to long-term implications for downstream marshlands, with suggestions to petition the EPA for further action. The board approved a comment letter to the EPA supporting the TNH dam removal, identifying it as a key component of the cleanup strategy. The logistics of the cleanup, including the use of a staging area near the dam, were also considered, with attention to traffic management during the process.

The Select Board meeting also touched on budgetary matters, notably the need for fund transfers to balance the Milton public schools’ budget and address rising health insurance costs. A financial and operational review by Capital Strategic Solutions was proposed, with the aim of enhancing the town’s fiscal policies and communication structures.

Additional topics included a discussion on the future use of 525 Adam Street, with plans to engage the community before deciding on selling or leasing the property. The construction of a new fire station in East Milton was underway, with progress described as slow but crucial for improving emergency response times. Funding challenges for the project were acknowledged, prompting considerations for additional sources.