This week’s key issues: Swift Hat Shop, Teachers contract & possible cuts, Granite ave signage approval

The Park Commissioners are meeting this evening (1/7)40. Among their agenda items is a discussion of the Swift Hat Shop, the red structure at the corner of Wharf and Adams Streets. Mike Roberts, owner of the building, recently met with the Historical Commission to discuss a proposal to move the building from its current location further down Wharf Street to town land managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

According to an article in the Milton Times, Mr. Roberts would pay to have the building moved. However, any additional costs required to bring the structure up to code would need to be absorbed by the town. Re-locating the building would preserve a significant historic structure built in 1815. Mr. Roberts had previously applied for a demolition order for the building.

The school administration has come to agreement with the teacher’s union on a contract. Terms of the contract have not been released pending ratification by the union which is scheduled for today. The School Committee’s agenda for Wednesday 1/8 includes “MEA Unit A agreement (vote)” which will likely be a vote to formally accept the contract. Hinged to this and also on the agenda is the FY15 Budget/Reduction/Cut list.

The Board of Selectmen are meeting this evening (1/7) and are expected to vote on approval for the signage of the Kennedy Carpet building on Granite Avenue. The owner, Jay Kennedy, is in negotiation with Sleepy’s to lease the building. Sleepy’s wants to retain the LED lit sign on the roof and also place a sign on the side of the building. Mr. Kennedy and Sleepy’s are looking for BoS approval as the signs do not conform to zoning. The bylaws do allow the BoS to grant exemptions.

  2 comments for “This week’s key issues: Swift Hat Shop, Teachers contract & possible cuts, Granite ave signage approval

  1. Judy Gundersen
    January 7, 2014 at 12:39 pm

    As a newcomer to Milton (only residing here for 44 years), I have been aware of “The Swift Hat Shop” only as a peeling red building. Was it a pediatrician’s office for some time? I’ve not been able to find out any details about it…can anyone contribute?

  2. Frank Schroth
    January 7, 2014 at 2:29 pm

    Ms. Gunderson,

    The Milton Times article mentions that “the property once belonged to the Sisters of Charity at Carney Hospital.” Maybe someone from the Historical Society can weigh in with more details.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *