State Senator Brian A. Joyce reviewed recent legislative accomplishments in a tightly worded, information rich presentation to the Board of Selectmen last night. It included highlights that benefit all residents of the Commonwealth but had a special focus on Milton and Milton business. Not the least significant is a recent agreement with the Department of Transportation to secure an estimated 5+ acres of land at the Granite Avenue Highway Yard. According to Joyce, estimated to be worth $6 million, the property could generate an additional $10 million in tax revenue over 20 years.
State highway yard off Granite Ave – courtesy of office of Senator Brian A. Joyce
Joyce cited the fact that the relative commercial tax contribution to Milton’s budget has been shrinking. He is seeking to have that trend reversed. The Highway Yard which could host a hotel among other commercial tax generating businesses would be a big step in that direction. Joyce also has secured $1 million in funding to help realize long sought parking and traffic improvements to East Milton. Also present at the meeting were members of the Milton Chamber who reviewed plans for the deck in East Milton. Joyce urged the selectmen to act expeditiously, noting that the town was about to lose ~$1 million that had previously been appropriated because specific plans had not been put in place. Bill Clark, Town Planner, briefly reviewed the process required to obtain funds. It requires submission of a design that is at least 25% of what is planned. The design needs to be vetted and approved and that can take anywhere from 4 months to a year. The federal appropriation expires at the end of the year and there is not enough time let to secure it. The selectmen passed a motion after the Senator left to kick off the design of the project. There are two plans currently being considered. They did not favor one but will issue an RFP to get the process rolling.
Other Milton projects include significant transportation and traffic improvements to the Blue Hills Parkway and Brush Hill Road / Truman Parkway area. Specifically, $2.7 million has been authorized to complete the 2nd phase of the Blue Hills Parkway project which will, according to Joyce, deliver improved traffic circulation, safety, accessibility and aesthetics. The work in the Brush Hill Truman Parkway area will include funding for road, sidewalk, and lighting improvements. Following is an image of the 2nd phase of the Blue Hills Parkway restoration plan. Please click in the image for a larger view.
Phase 2 of Blue Hills Pkwy restoration plan
Joyce is also working with Town Planner Bill Clark to submit a MassWorks grant that will enhance the Milton Village & Central Ave business districts by providing Central / Eliot curb extensions, a pocket park by the Central Ave T stop, extend lighting fixtures along Eliot consistent with those used in Milton Village as a design and infrastructure element that will tie the two areas together, and reconstruct High Street.
Sample rendering of Pocket Park off Central Ave – courtesy of office of Senator Brian A. Joyce
Additional highlights of the Senator’s presentation included but were not limited to:
- a 38% increase in Chapter 90 funds for road and bridge repairs. Milton will receive $619, 943.
- Healthcare cost control measures that will result in an estimated savings of $200 billion over the next 15 years. Joyce cited this as possibly the single most significant piece of legislation this year — a year he believed to be especially productive.
- Legislative implementation of economic and job development efforts that include addition of Benefits Corporations which are targeted at businesses that are form to improve public benefit as well as generating profits.
- Passing “Melissa’s Law” which imposes a 3 strike rule on violent offenders.
Here is the complete presentation:
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