Milton’s Town Meeting lasts epic five nights

Town Meeting had a single article to pass on Tuesday, May 9: Article 52. It took just over three hours.

Town Moderator Bob Hiss opened Town Meeting, advising the crowd that 13 citizens had approached him to speak about the Ice House project.

Bryan Furze introduced the discussion, stating that it had been “a very intense process to vet this project carefully.” April Lamoreaux, Planning Board Member and project lead started out by attempting to quell some residents’ worries, “Neighborhood coordination and notification would be required by the new bylaw” during the planning process, and went on to state that there was “no evidence that there would be a change by DCR to Blue Hills Parkway.”

“Neighborhood coordination and notification would be required by the new bylaw.” – April Lamoreaux

Ned Corcoran (TMM P3), attorney for the McKeen family, who own the property, then presented his “Ice House 2.0” iteration of the proposal, stating that he would not accept any amendments, only a “yes or no” vote. He went on to emphasize the positives, including “economic redevelopment, housing variety, amenities for neighborhood, tax base improvement with minimal impact on services, and walkability.”

Resident and Ice House opponent Joe Modugno then spoke: “Our piece of Boston’s landscape history needs our attention and consideration,” going on to state that the “the rezoning article cannot prevent the negative consequences of development on the neighborhood.” Modugno also asserted, “Zoning by popular referendum or threats (40B or citizens petition) is not good zoning.”

“Zoning by popular referendum or threats (40B or citizens’ petition) is not good zoning.” – Joe Modugno

Tom Palmer (TMM P1) then gave a colorful presentation of why he does not support Article 52. “Blue Hills Parkway was built as a park, designed as a park,” said Palmer, adding that “if the ice house were built, I think we would see traffic lights in the middle of the parkway trees.”

Earl Fay (TMM P1) proposed an amendment to ensure affordable housing “if we are only eight or nine units, we don’t have an affordable unit anymore. The article doesn’t compel a housing component.” He moved to amend the article to add at least one unit. After some discussion, the amendment failed.

Milton resident Erin Hardy then spoke of her support for the amendment: “This amendment brings in the walkability of urban living but also stays true to fit with the surrounding town infrastructure,” adding that the “the neighborhood has had a genuine opportunity to shape the article.”

“The neighborhood has had a genuine opportunity to shape the article.” – Erin Hardy

Keith Schleicher (TMM P4) also spoke in support of the article: “People have worked really hard on this. People from all precincts support this. This zoning revitalizes the area and adds to our commercial tax base.” Resident Susan Koch Weiser added, “Having a walkable market nearby would cut down on car trips for me…this promotes health on a community level.”

After several more speakers, Town Meeting voted to limit speaker time to five minutes each.

Joe Murphy (TMM P9) and treasurer of Home Inc., residences for the elderly, said that Home Inc. residents were the closest neighbors to area and that there was “overwhelming support from almost all of them.” Following Joe Murphy, a non-registered voter approached the podium. The speaker was turned down, as Milton’s bylaws require that speakers be registered voters.

Resident Linda Watson then asked of Town Meeting, “How many markets do we really need?” while Brian Kelly (TMM P7) voiced that he sees Milton’s Fruit Center as asset to the East Milton neighborhood and is hopeful that Blue Hills Parkway sees a similar asset.

Board of Health Director Caroline Kinsella (TMM P8) and Roxanne Musto (TMM P5 and Board of Health member) then moved a friendly amendment to eliminate body art establishment from being a possible tenant at the Ice House. The amendment passed with support from the Planning Board and Warrant Committee.

As the line of speakers dwindled, Katie Conlon stated, “the Board of Selectmen unanimously supports this article and the work of Warrant Committee and Planning Board.” Warrant Committee Chair LeeMichael McLean added, “We believe this has been a very thoughtful process.”

The article required a 2/3 vote, which it garnered handily, despite worries of roll call votes.