35:50At the forefront of the meeting was the contentious MBTA zoning plan, which drew public scrutiny. Residents voiced a desire for a more equitable distribution of housing density, particularly concerning the concentration of proposed units in the Elliot Street and Blue Hills Parkway areas. This plan has been a focal point of community debate, with many arguing that it disproportionately affects certain neighborhoods. A resident underscored the human element involved, stating, “this isn’t just a math problem. These are people’s homes that we’re talking about.” Another resident, an affordable housing developer, supported the MBTA zoning but stressed the need for a fairer distribution of density across the town.

03:38The public comment period of the meeting revealed a consistent theme of dissatisfaction with the current zoning proposals. Residents like Karen Freriedman and Regina Campbell Malone expressed their support for the MBTA Communities Act but raised concerns about the zoning plan’s impact on their neighborhoods. They called for a more comprehensive review to ensure equitable zoning changes throughout Milton. This sentiment was echoed by other speakers who questioned the planning board’s approach, citing inconsistencies in proposed minimum lot sizes for triplexes in different areas. The notion that these changes could lead to negative economic impacts and a reduction in green space further fueled community concerns.

17:43Residents like Scott McKay highlighted the need for a more balanced allocation of housing units across different neighborhoods, arguing that the current concentration of proposed units was not in line with state guidelines and community needs. Many speakers reiterated their support for the MBTA Communities Act while demanding a more inclusive planning process that considers the implications of zoning proposals on individual neighborhoods.

30:16The board meeting also delved into administrative matters, including a discussion on the reorganization of the board and the approval of future meeting dates. The board scheduled upcoming meetings to continue discussions on zoning articles, including those related to accessory dwelling units, which are set to be presented at the town meeting.

The board confirmed the timeline for finalizing the zoning by June 16th and highlighted the urgency of these discussions as they approached decision-making deadlines. A comprehensive overview of the MBTA communities analysis was presented, reviewing density and lot size requirements currently set for the Elliot Street corridor and considering alternatives for zoning adjustments.

The discussion also explored potential changes to the zoning boundaries, such as swapping out certain geographies with alternatives like the Blue Hills area and the Fairmount Station District. Statistical data highlighted the differences in unit densities and parcel sizes, emphasizing the importance of setting appropriate minimum lot sizes to ensure parcels are not excluded from potential development. The presentation aimed to inform both the planning board and community members as they approached the zoning decision deadlines.

21:20In addition to the zoning discussions, the board addressed concerns about the potential impact of increased residential units on local traffic and parking issues. The implications of new developments on school-age children and the broader community were also considered, with participants acknowledging the need for careful deliberation and community engagement in shaping Milton’s zoning landscape.