The Milton Select Board marked the end of a historic era on Tuesday, reversing course on a major land-use project while bidding farewell to two members whose combined service spans decades. In a pivotal shift during a meeting of the Governor Stoughton Trust, the board opted to halt the current plans for the Town Farm site, citing significant infrastructure hurdles that have complicated the push for affordable housing at the location. Motion Made by W. Daley to withdraw the RFP for the Town Farm — Motion Passed 4-0-1, with Member Meghan Haggerty abstaining and Chair Benjamin Zoll, a long-time advocate for the site’s development, noting his continued belief that affordable housing remains the correct long-term solution despite the current withdrawal.

The decision coincides with the departure of Richard Wells, whose 41 years of service to Milton—including 32 years in the police department and nine on the Select Board—concludes this month. Reflecting on his family's deep roots, Wells noted that next year will be the first since 1949 that a member of his family is not on the town payroll. Today is the culmination of 41 years of service to the town, Wells said. I just consider myself very lucky to have been able to represent the town. Chair Zoll is also stepping down after a three-year term, characterized by fellow members as a period of intense transition. Warrant Committee Chair Jay Funding praised the departing pair, noting they represent a blend of multi-decade, multi-generational commitment and newer residents working in tandem.

Budgetary pressures and infrastructure needs dominated the evening’s departmental discussions. Building Commissioner Michael White presented a comprehensive look at the Inspectional Services Department (ISD), which is currently navigating the strain of 21 new home constructions and several large-scale 40B projects, including 440 Granite Avenue and Winter Valley. To address the mounting workload, Town Administrator Nick Milano confirmed that the FY27 budget includes a $50,000 increase for the building department to fund additional inspector hours. White emphasized the stakes of his role, referencing the tragic Rhode Island Station fire as a constant reminder of the necessity of rigorous safety codes. Every permit I review, I just think of that and make sure I don't make a mistake because if I screw this up, what is the end result to somebody? White asked. Member John Driscoll noted the sheer volume of work, suggesting that big projects should eventually bear more of the cost for the inspectional services they require.

The board also moved forward with a significant regionalization effort, authorizing a grant application for an $11 million regional dispatch partnership with the City of Quincy. The initiative would provide Milton with $2.9 million in critical radio infrastructure and software upgrades, addressing current staffing vulnerabilities where only one dispatcher often mans a shift. Motion Made by R. Wells to apply for a grant for a regional dispatch center with the City of Quincy and an intermunicipal agreement — Motion Passed 5-0-0. While Fire Chief Christopher Madden called the move a tremendous opportunity that gives Milton an equal seat at the table, Wells voiced concern over the long-term financial tail of the project. Three years from now, the cost to the communities is going to fall to you, and it's a higher cost than you pay today, Wells warned, specifically highlighting the potential impact on the town’s police cadet program.

In other fiscal actions, the board acting as Trustees authorized a $25,000 grant from the Stoughton Trust to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s Milton campus. Motion Made by R. Wells to authorize $25,000 to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Milton Campus — Motion Passed 5-0-0. The board also cleared the way for the future of the East Milton Fire Station, authorizing the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) that prioritizes active use of the building. Motion Made by R. Wells to authorize the release of the East Milton Fire Station RFP — Motion Passed 5-0-0. Milano noted the document was specifically crafted to allow for the building to remain as a requirement to prioritize more of an active use than an inactive use.

The legal landscape in Milton is also seeing a tune-up as Town Counsel from KP Law reported on efforts to bring local bylaws into compliance with state mandates. Attorney Carolyn Murray highlighted the complexity of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations, noting that Attorney General letters regarding these bylaws often exceed ten pages. The town is also working to streamline its sign bylaws, successfully reducing the document from 27 pages to 17. I think right now your current bylaw might have a whole three pages dedicated to signs. It doesn't say a whole lot, Murray said, emphasizing the need for a more user-friendly zoning document.

As the town prepares for the May 6 Annual Town Meeting, the board formally acknowledged the very strong performance of Town Administrator Nick Milano. Motion Made by R. Wells to authorize the Town Administrator’s performance evaluation — Motion Passed 5-0-0. Zoll praised Milano’s management of the recent override and MBTA zoning issues, while Member Meghan Haggerty expressed hope that the example set by the outgoing members would inspire new residents to step into public service. I hope that other people will see your example and serve as you have done, Haggerty told Wells and Zoll. Because it really is such a special thing.