The most interesting agenda item at last night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting was arguably Citizens Speak. Residents voiced concerns on three issues and urged the Selectmen to act.

Steve Freedman of Gulliver Street argued that the Selectmen should move forward on designating the Stoughton Land known as the Town Farm as historic. All it requires is a simple majority vote and will qualify the town for a range of grants once so designated. He was concerned that the town not wait on the submission and approval of a plan for the property whether from Mr. Krasinski or some other entity. Freedman said it could take 2 years for anything to happen. Krasinski is a local resident who is formulating a proposal to use the property as an educational center that “revitalizes” the land as a farm. Mr. Freedman said that the designation would not hurt potential developers and that they might actually favor it. He did not identify any specific grants or funding sources in terms of amounts and criteria for qualification. This is a concern for the Selectmen. Ms. McEttrick stated that the board needed to understand how the designation “might be a burden to the property.” Selectman Sweeney was vocal in his support of the historic designation. Mr. Shields was noncommittal but has voiced concerns in the past about the limitations and restrictions an historic designation might impose. He did take issue with Freedman’s stating that tax dollars currently supported the farm. He said that was not the case.

A couple of residents spoke regarding the traffic issues on Governor’s Road. The street has a long history of traffic issues that have only increased over time with the construction of Quarry Hills and some large condo developments in Quincy. The street has often been used as a cut through. The MWRA construction has only made a difficult situation worse. Greg Hall who has lived on the street for some time reviewed the history of neighborhood concerns and municipal commitments made by Milton and Quincy. He is at a loss as to why nothing has ever been done. Selectman Sweeney recounted his time living on Governor’s Road and the traffic issues he dealt with. “We need to do something and not talk about it.” Two specific measures that had been discussed long ago but never followed through on are speed bumps and signs posted to restrict access during certain times of the day.

At the time speed bumps were considered there were none in town; but we now have speed bumps on Eliot, Thacher, and Harland Streets.  The Selectmen will follow up and also contact the Traffic Commission with regard to the signage.

The thrid issue pertained to the DOT project to improve Central Avenue with a multi-use path and other improvements such as drainage, improved cross walks, and traffic calming measures. The issue the resident raised was with regard to lack of information on progress or status. As it happened Joe Lynch, Director of the DPW, was on the evening’s agenda to discuss the issue.

It was unclear precisely what the hold up was. The issue appears to be in a bit of a limbo. There was opposition to the multi-use path because it would remove parking and introduce safety issue for homeowners backing out or pulling into their driveways. According to Lynch there would also need to be substantial tree removal. Exactly how the state funds it and what it takes to get on the DOt’s TIP (priority project list) was confusing. It involves earmarks and who knows what. Lynch stated, “We do not have an earmark to attach to a budget.” The consensus seemed to be that before anything can happen there needs to be outreach to the primary stakeholders (i.e. the residents along Central Ave). As McEttrick noted, “We have to win support from everybody.” While there were a lot of benefits to the project it was the bike path that distinguished it and would likely earn it support in competition with other state projects. However, it is that aspect of the project that generated the most objections. With the support in hand then the town would contact Congressman Lynch and review next steps in the process.

In other business the Selectmen:

• Acknowledged Alison McIntyre who won the student category for best picture in the recent photography contest, “What I Love About Milton” sponsored by the Board of Selectmen.
• DPW Director Lynch announced a donation from the Copeland Foundation to purchase 4 Ford Fusion automobiles to replace aging Crown Vics. Lynch estimates that the cars will save the $4000 just in fuel costs. McEttrick was succinct in her appreciation, That is just terrific.”
• There is some residual funding available to renovate the parking area on Wharf Street. The contract has been awarded to P.A. Landers of Plymouth. The construction will be complete in early September and the contract requires that parking be made available during construction and that construction ill not occur on Thursdays when the Milton Farmer’s Market takes place. The work will “open up it up and make for a safer spot,” according to Lynch
• Ewan Innes, new Chairman of the Warrant Committee, addressed the Board and said they would essentially be working non-stop to prepare the articles for special town meeting in September. However, given the timing of the Special Town Meeting and the hearing that need to take place for certain articles (e.g. Stretch Codes) it is highly unlikely that the Warrant Committee will have recommendations in the warrant. This is due to press schedule. he warrant needs to go to print before the hearings occur. The WC cannot make a recommendation prior to a hearing. Innes confirmed that there would be members of the Warrant Committee present at all hearings.