Milton’s Jewish congregation, Temple Shalom, is placing their property at 180 Blue Hill Avenue up for sale.

An article before Town Meeting for a zoning proposal that would have allowed commercial development of the property and provided the Temple with the financial resources to stay at that location failed to get the necessary 2/3 votes needed. Lacking any other viable options to address their financial pressures, the Temple is following through on “Plan B.”

Temple President Lynda Packer, who resides in the neighborhood said, “We brought before the community a zoning proposal that we believed was in the best interests of the town, the Temple and the Campbell School, but we fell short of the sufficient votes needed at Town Meeting to pursue this option. So, as we clearly stated at Town Meeting as to what a “No” vote would signify, we are moving forward with Plan B— the imminent sale of the property under the current zoning. We are very optimistic about being able to manage this process for the Temple’s continued viability.”

Packer reiterated that the goal of the Temple leadership is what it has always been; to remain in Milton. It is the hope of the congregation, which is comprised of approximately 140 families, that the proceeds from the sale will enable them to do so.

The zoning proposal was a contentious one.  A number of neighbors were concerned about the impact that a commercial development consisting of a CVS and another commercial business, likely a food market, would have on their immediate community. Concerns included safety, traffic, pollution (noise and light), and general quality of life. Other neighbors advocated for the development and the amenities it would provide in shopping convenience, jobs for teens, and vitality to the neighborhood. In the end, town meeting deemed it was not to be. And many in town also supported it because it would guarantee the congregation a home in Milton.

The Temple has retained the services of Hunneman Realty. The broker handling the listing is David Ross who can be contacted at 617-457-3400 x2610.