An “inner-city church” is seeking to purchase a multi-acre parcel off of Hillside Street in Milton according to Todd Hamilton, a developer who has the property under contract. He said the church, did not identify due to confidentiality concerns, had had contacted him about buying the land and that serious negotiations are underway.

According to Hamilton, the church believes the site is a good fit for its needs. It will allow them to accommodate their growth and is large enough that they can include a swimming pool and recreational area for a children’s summer camp.

Mr. Hamilton had applied to the Planning Board for an open space permit to build 2 or 3 homes on the site. The proposal was strenuously opposed by some residents of the neighborhood and was eventually denied by the Planning Board (see related story here). Subsequent to the Planning Board decision, Hamilton has been exploring the possibility of a 40B. In addition, Mr. Hamilton met on numerous occasions with neighbors and town officials and during the course of those sessions, he presented 5 options which included but were not limited to a town house development, purchase of the property by the neighbors, and the 40B. The neighbors rejected all the the options, Hamilton said.

A purchase and sale has not been signed, but Hamilton said the church is demonstrating serious interest and the negotiations are moving forward.