Community Preservation Committee: October 28, 2026

The Milton Community Preservation Committee met on October 28, 2026, to hear presentations on three potential community-preservation projects; no funding decisions or procurement awards were made. The Neponset River rowing club presented options for a boat-storage and training facility at Milton Landing: purchasing Dexter Southfield’s existing structure, if it relocates, or building a tented boathouse. A vendor’s estimate for the tent option was approximately $238,000. Members discussed the town lease, permitting and infrastructure requirements, the structure’s durability, and the need for a longer-term arrangement. The club also noted that winter boat storage currently costs about $8,000 annually. The committee heard a request for support for a Brooksfield athletic-field LED retrofit. Musco quoted $221,565, down from an earlier $450,000 estimate that included replacing poles and wiring; the presenter retained a $250,000 request as a contingency. The proposed LEDs are expected to reduce energy use and light pollution, and state energy grants were reportedly unavailable because the field is not used frequently enough to meet eligibility thresholds.

American Baseball presented proposed Mary C. Lane field improvements, including a convertible baseball diamond and additional fencing, estimated at about $57,000; the organization reported approximately $20,000 in sponsor and other contributions secured. The committee discussed maintenance, safety, community use, and project costs, but took no action on the request. Members also reviewed work underway on a CPC project tracker and a proposed grant-agreement process to improve oversight and transparency, including tracking awards and payments and obtaining written reporting on affordable-housing funds. Separately, members noted that the Tucker playground project previously recommended by the CPC received overwhelming support at Town Meeting. Votes during this meeting were limited to approving prior meeting minutes and adjourning.