37:32A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Reedville station subdistrict proposal, which has drawn considerable attention from residents and board members alike. The proposal is part of Milton’s efforts to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, which mandates zoning for multifamily housing near transit stations. However, residents expressed concerns that the proposal does not align with the Act’s intended purpose of creating accessible communities. Anthony Larkin, a resident, highlighted the environmental sensitivity of the area, noting that the pedestrian route to the station extends nearly a mile due to natural barriers, which contradicts the Act’s accessibility goals. Larkin cautioned against spot zoning and urged for responsible development that respects the existing green spaces.

06:57Echoing Larkin’s concerns, another resident, Bernardet Kenny, emphasized the potential impact on local wildlife and habitats, advocating for housing developments that complement the current neighborhood character.

12:25Board members also grappled with technical challenges surrounding the zoning proposals. Discussions included the modification of a special permit for a property on Highland Street, where attorney Ned Corkran presented updates following a series of resolved appeals. The board reviewed changes to the project, such as relocating a wetlands replication area at the Department of Environmental Protection’s request and introducing water quality swales to enhance runoff management. These modifications were part of efforts to mitigate environmental impacts while adhering to zoning regulations.

The board also engaged in a review of the zoning capacity within a half-mile radius of commuter stations. They evaluated several scenarios, ultimately deciding to present only the option that met the statutory requirement of 15 units per acre. This decision aimed to streamline public understanding and focus on viable solutions. However, discrepancies in the definition of multifamily housing arose, with a board member pointing out an oversight in Util’s plan, which incorrectly classified two-unit lots as multifamily housing. This prompted discussions on revising calculations to align with legal definitions, with a commitment to address these issues in upcoming public forums.

The conversation extended to broader zoning adjustments, including changes to unit capacity in various districts. The board contemplated increasing unit allocations in areas like Milton Station East and the Granite AB North site, weighing the implications of these changes on the town’s zoning compliance and community character. The need for a balanced approach that accommodates both residential development and the preservation of commercial spaces was a recurring theme.

Legal and statutory compliance was a focal point, as participants stressed the importance of adhering to chapter 48 section 3A, which mandates zoning for 15 units per acre near commuter rail stations. This legal framework guided the board’s discussions, with an emphasis on ensuring that zoning plans meet statutory requirements while considering local planning principles.

01:45:15The meeting also underscored the importance of public engagement and transparency in the zoning process. The board acknowledged the necessity of providing comprehensive materials, such as detailed maps and visual aids, to facilitate public understanding and participation in future forums.