Planning Board - October 1th, 2026

The Milton Planning Board met on October 16, 2026 (the title gives October 1, though the transcript identifies this as a meeting in fiscal year 2027). Staff reported that the town had submitted a support letter for a regional 604b watershed-planning grant, and that the final Blue Hills Parkway project report was available; the board supported inviting MAPC back to discuss next steps and funding opportunities. Staff also said the planning-studies budget request was due to town officials, and proposed seeking an increase from $50,000 to $100,000, with time to discuss it at a later meeting. The town’s library parking study was progressing, though staff noted it was behind schedule. No procurement award, bid approval, or spending motion was reported. The board did approve an ADU site-plan review at 599 Adams Street; that approval was not a procurement decision.

The board discussed how to plan for possible future uses of the Labberet property, including a potential consultant-funded process, community engagement, and a possible future RFP if the property is not used for a school. Members cited estimated annual carrying costs of about $445,000 and roughly $500,000 in annual interest on an $11.75 million borrowing; no acquisition or consultant-funding vote was taken. Staff also reported issuing a letter to the Select Board concerning the Milton Fire Station RFP. On short-term rentals, members discussed unresolved administration and enforcement responsibilities and the possibility of a dedicated fund supported by application fees; these remain under consideration, with no policy or funding decision made at this meeting. A Wildlands Trust representative’s proposed GIS-based open-space pilot was described as being offered to Milton at no charge, with a presentation to be scheduled.