0:00One notable issues revolved around the MBTA Communities Act, with a focus on whether Milton should be classified as a rapid transit community. Brian Kelly, a Town Meeting member, vocally opposed this classification, arguing it would place an undue housing burden on the town. Kelly referenced a Supreme Judicial Court ruling that had previously sided with Milton, questioning the legitimacy of state guidelines due to procedural errors. He expressed concern over the state’s attempts to bypass this ruling by declaring an emergency and urged the Select Board to reject the rapid transit designation.

Denny Swanson echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the court ruling to challenge the state’s guidelines. He highlighted the community’s efforts to gather signatures for a referendum opposing a 2,500-unit housing plan. Swanson cautioned against any decisions that might undermine Milton’s autonomy over housing and zoning matters, urging collaboration with the state while respecting the planning board’s efforts.

19:01Concurrently, the school budget emerged as another focal point of the meeting, with discussions around potential overrides and fiscal strategies to address budgetary shortfalls. Janet Fon, a town meeting member, underscored the value of education in the community, noting the historical role of Milton’s schools in attracting residents. Fon’s sentiments were shared by other participants, including Lindsay Bigby, who presented a case for increased school funding. Bigby highlighted the inadequacy of the proposed $9.6 million budget, which she argued would only maintain current service levels without addressing existing deficiencies.

Bigby underscored that teachers were already operating under strained conditions, facing shortages of essential supplies. The potential repercussions of not approving an adequate budget were starkly outlined, with Bigby warning of significant staff reductions that could impact educational quality.

37:35Dr. Burrow reported on the fiscal pressures facing the town, noting significant overspending in areas like substitute coverage and special education transportation. Efforts to bridge a $650,000 budget gap were underway, with a purchase order and hiring freeze in place to manage costs.

52:47The Select Board explored different budget options, including a level service budget and a “Level Service Plus” budget, which would provide additional resources to enhance educational offerings. The need for a sustainable financial strategy was emphasized, with discussions highlighting inflationary pressures and the necessity of rebuilding reserves.

19:01Amidst these discussions, the proposed East Milton Square mixed-use overlay district was presented as a potential avenue for fostering community growth. The proposal builds upon previous recommendations and aims to enhance the area’s walkability and infrastructure while promoting a dynamic business district. The overlay district offers property owners flexibility, allowing them to develop within existing zoning regulations or opt for new mixed-use provisions, thus supporting cohesive development efforts.