December 29 Select Board Milton Meeting: Covid-19 updates, Local Rapid Recovery Planning applications and PEL for 652 Canton Ave.

The meeting began with a Covid-19 update. Milton is now in the red zone and is one of 188 municipalities’ in the high risk category in the state. Over 3,000 tests have been administered since the free testing sites were set up by the Town. The Town plans to continue to reinforce the Stop The Spread message.

This discussion lead to the approval of the amendment to the agreement between the town of Milton and Fallon Tranformative Healthcare in relation to the Covid-19 testing, as an extra testing date has been added for January.

The CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund has been extended 366 days to Dec. 31, 2021, so the Select Board would like to coordinate a couple of Sundays in January (Jan. 10 and Jan. 17) to continue Covid-19 testing efforts. The Board approved and amended the SOW to include additional funds and testing dates.

Common victualler license transfer-Stella’s

The Select Board approved the transfer of the common victualler license from Stella’s restaurant to TNV Milton LLC, 560 Adams street, doing business as Stella’s restaurant.

The new owners joined the meeting to discuss the menu plans, and other future plans for the restaurant including maybe adding a ATM, extended hours of operation, and possibly requesting a liquor license.

Local Rapid Recovery Planning applications

A Local Rapid Recovery Planning application has been submitted to Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, (Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI) | Mass.gov). This initiative grants funding on an annual basis to economic development planning, design guidelines, parking plans, and market analysis studies. This non-competitive grant focuses on Covid-19 recovery in business districts. Two applications have been submitted, one for East Milton and one for Milton Central Ave. The Select Board motions to authorize and move forward with these applications.

Additional Items of Discussion

An deadline extension was requested and approved for submittal of MassHousing Project Eligibility Letter (PEL) for 652 Canton Ave. The deadline extension was granted for 60 days.

A pilot payment from Milton Academy was submitted for $192,000 in total gifts, and was accepted by The Select Board.

Boston Gas (National Grid), is looking to increase rates. Written comments can be submitted regarding this issue. The deadline for written comments is Jan. 29, 2021.

Future meeting dates for the Select Board are Jan. 5, Jan. 13, Jan. 27.