In a vote requiring a two-thirds majority, Town Meeting authorized the treasurer to borrow $750,000 to fund a major renovation of Wharf Park. The borrowing is authorized under the Community Preservation Act (CPA), and CPC Chair Tom Callahan emphasized that the debt service will be paid entirely through future CPA revenue. There'll be no impact on your tax bill or future town borrowing, Callahan told the body. The $750,000 loan will support a total project cost of $1.2 million, with the remaining $450,000 expected to come from private donations.

The project faced opposition from some members who questioned the necessity of the renovations and the feasibility of the private fundraising goal. Precinct 7 Member Brian Kelly called the private funding target a red herring and argued the proposal was premature. Precinct 5 Member Carol Stalker also opposed the plan, stating she preferred the park’s natural state over hard paving. In response, Scott McKay of the Friends of the Milton Farmers Market presented designs showing that current slopes and exposed roots make the park inaccessible. He noted that the renovation would provide ADA-compliant walkways, a pollinator garden, and usable green space.

Addressing concerns about the financial risk, Select Board Chair Winston Daily assured Town Meeting that the board would not authorize the treasurer to move forward with the bond until the full $450,000 in private funding is secured in hand. Despite some lingering concerns about interest rates and the preservation of the park's "gem" status, the article passed with the required supermajority.

Motion: To see if the town will vote to renovate Wharf Park and to authorize the treasurer with the approval of the select board to borrow under the Community Preservation Act, a sum of money to find such renovation.

Vote: Passed 141-52-4