The debate on whether to form the HPAC highlighted the town’s existing burden of maintaining numerous committees and questioned if adding another would slow progress. A proposal was made to include planning board members and designated representatives to ensure the committee’s effectiveness. There was a call for a follow-up discussion in the next meeting to determine the committee’s composition, emphasizing the need for at least one planning board member due to their familiarity with ongoing projects.

In addition to housing, the meeting addressed resident engagement and infrastructure improvements. A grant of $450,000 from the EOD was announced for infrastructure upgrades on Mechanic and Franklin Streets, aimed at supporting new housing developments. Residents have expressed concerns about congestion and the potential loss of the town’s character, particularly in East Milton, where construction levels are high. The Select Board member who discussed this grant emphasized the necessity of keeping residents informed about such developments and proposed including updates in future meetings.

The meeting also featured discussions on the formation of a zoning audit and subsequent amendments. The first phase involves an initial zoning audit, projected to take a relatively short time, whereas the more detailed zoning diagnostic in phase two is expected to require approximately 40 hours. The third phase, drafting zoning amendments, could take between 60 to 120 hours, with costs potentially exceeding the allocated budget. Concerns were raised about the financial implications, particularly the $20,400 range between the lower and higher estimates for phase three. A “repeal and replace” approach was suggested for the zoning amendments, although some participants questioned whether this would be too comprehensive and costly.

The board recognized the importance of involving the building inspector and zoning board in the zoning audit process, given their daily engagement with zoning issues. The inspector’s existing list of inconsistencies was highlighted as a critical resource for the audit. The meeting concluded with a proposal to encumber $44,200 to cover phases one and two of the zoning audit, with the understanding that these phases would inform the approach to phase three.

In other discussions, the meeting addressed the approval of an ANR plan for a property on Highland Street, where modifications to property lines were necessary due to inaccuracies in a previous survey. Questions about a 10-foot sewer easement were clarified. Additionally, a proposal to amend the sign bylaw was presented, extending the building commissioner’s review period for sign permit applications from seven to thirty days. The amendment received no objections and was praised for its clarity in simplifying the sign review process.

The meeting also referenced a recent Select Board discussion on the Milton fire station RFP, which is under town council review. Concerns were voiced over the Select Board’s lack of acknowledgment of planning board comments on the RFP, highlighting a need for better inter-board collaboration. Furthermore, a language access plan by the Three Rivers Interlocal Council was discussed, with a member questioning the inclusion of sign language to ensure comprehensive accessibility.