A major talking point was the MBTA communities initiative, which has been a long-standing concern for Milton’s planning board. The initiative requires compliance with zoning regulations aimed at increasing housing density near transit stations. Meredith Hall, the chair of the planning board, outlined the board’s efforts to prepare zoning articles in compliance with these requirements, noting that the ambiguity surrounding the initiative has been challenging. The board has been awaiting a decision from the Attorney General’s office to clarify whether Milton must adhere to these regulations or if they have the option to opt-in. Hall emphasized that the timing of this decision is crucial, as it may impact the board’s ability to finalize proposals for the February town meeting.

The committee also delved into the complexities surrounding the town’s compliance with the requirement to have 10% zoning by the end of 2024. Concerns were raised about the legal implications if the guidelines were found unconstitutional, potentially altering the town’s obligations.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) were another focal point of the meeting. With new state regulations set to take effect on February 2nd, the planning board is working to establish local zoning language to manage these units. Hall detailed the definition and requirements of ADUs, highlighting the town’s need to develop regulations that address their integration into existing neighborhoods. Questions were raised about the taxation and classification of ADUs in relation to the town’s affordable housing stock. The committee recognized that without proper classification, ADUs might not contribute to Milton’s goal of achieving the 10% affordable housing threshold, which is critical to avoiding certain state-imposed housing pressures.

In addition to zoning, the committee turned its attention to historic preservation efforts in Milton Village. There was a discussion about forming a local historic district to protect significant buildings from demolition. Recent losses of historic properties have prompted the committee to consider this initiative as a way to safeguard the town’s architectural heritage. The Eustus Estate was cited as a successful example of historic preservation efforts that could serve as a model for future projects.

The meeting also covered potential zoning articles related to lighting regulations to address light pollution in new developments. The conversation touched on compliance with dark sky regulations and the need to ensure new projects do not contribute to light pollution, particularly in residential areas.

Concerns about traffic and parking were prevalent throughout the meeting. The committee acknowledged the challenges posed by new developments, particularly in East Milton Square, where the concentration of proposed housing units could exacerbate existing parking issues. Members discussed the need for a comprehensive traffic study to address these concerns and explore potential solutions, such as requiring developers to contribute to traffic mitigation efforts.

The committee briefly discussed the town’s economic development plan, which aims to diversify revenue sources beyond property taxes. This plan includes proposals for commercial development and strategies to improve traffic management. The committee emphasized the importance of community engagement in these initiatives, seeking feedback through surveys and forums to better understand residents’ preferences for future development.

The need for modernization across town departments was also highlighted, with a call for strategic plans to incorporate technological advancements such as artificial intelligence to streamline operations.