Milton Select Board Discusses Conservation Restrictions and Wetland Compliance Challenges
- Meeting Overview:
The recent Milton Select Board meeting addressed issues, notably the ongoing complexities surrounding conservation restrictions on a property at Milton Street and Brush Hill Road. This long-standing matter, complicated by state language requirements, has been in negotiation for over a decade. The board is working towards an agreement that involves the conveyance of approximately half an acre to the town. Town council John Flynn is managing the negotiations.
The board also tackled the challenges faced by a first-time homeowner at Riverside Avenue, who unknowingly violated wetland regulations. The homeowner expressed a lack of awareness about the property’s wetland zoning and the necessary compliance steps, leading to misunderstandings about required documentation. The homeowner had been accumulating fines of $300 per day since the last meeting due to non-compliance. The board emphasized the need for the homeowner to file a notice of intent to rectify the situation and stressed that waivers for the accrued fines were not possible. The board encouraged ongoing communication with Philip Driscoll to ensure compliance and avoid further penalties.
Another topic was the discussion about a notice of intent for a property at Blue Hill Parkway. The board reviewed a tree survey and replacement plan necessitated by the removal of a considerable number of trees. The property owner faced a replacement cost calculated at $79,100 if the trees could not be replanted on-site or elsewhere. The board expressed satisfaction with the revised landscape plan, which included 112 shrubs and 46 trees, reducing the financial burden while maintaining ecological balance. The discussion further involved the ecological restoration plan, focusing on managing invasive species like Japanese knotweed and oriental bittersweet using controlled herbicide application methods.
The board also debated a project at Fuller Lane, specifically addressing the extension of a notice of intent related to construction and pool specifications. The discussion revealed past approvals lacked detailed references to the pool, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts from pool discharge. The board agreed to extend the order of conditions for two years, contingent upon the submission of pool specifications to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
A certificate of compliance was issued for a property at Anquity Road, following a detailed review of historical drainage systems and modifications. This decision was made based on the original work completed, despite subsequent alterations by the town and DCR. The board acknowledged the efforts of Bob Hanigan, the engineer of record, and moved forward with the approval.
The meeting also addressed a demolition permit requiring further clarification due to asbestos concerns in an older home. The board considered continuing discussions to July 14 to allow for consultation with relevant parties. They emphasized the need for asbestos control measures and compliance with open meeting laws.
In addition to these primary topics, the board discussed a request from residents concerning a tree on private property. The board reiterated that the responsibility for the tree’s maintenance falls on the property owners, emphasizing that taxpayer money cannot be used for private property issues. They also evaluated a proposal for sign placement on conservation land, ultimately agreeing on revised locations for better visibility.
City Council Officials:
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/09/2026
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Recording Published:
06/16/2026
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Duration:
177 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Norfolk County
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Towns:
Milton
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