Last night’s meeting of the Board of Selectmen had a little bit of everything. Actually, a little bit of some things and a lot about Town Farm.

Local residents Paul Krasinski and Bob Daylor gave a second presentation to the Board that expands on their vision of returning the Stoughton Land to an agricultural base that leverages farming as ” a platform” for education. Their youth development initiative would target middle through grade 11 students, providing after school and summer programs in mathematics, science, and engineering. Preference would be given to students in need.

Mr. Krasinski reviewed this vision for the land and the steps taken to date which included forming a non-profit corporation (Town Farm Educational Trust, drafting a memorandum of understanding between trust and town, identifying initial financing, and development of a phased plan for executing the plan. The presentation was comprehensive in scope consisting of a series of designs done by Mr. Daylor illustrating the phases of the project. The first phase would involve clearing the approximately 5 acres targeted for cultivation and planting some ground cover to help prepare it for the eventual crops to be planted. The existing structures (e.g. Alms House) would be restored and the barn rebuilt (the barn is too far gone to be restored). the second phase would involve initial planting of crops, rebuilding of animal shelter at no cost to Animal League, and creation of an area for a Farmer’s Market. The third phase would see the construction of a new educational facility of approximately 17,000 sq ft and exploring possibility of access via Unquity Road.

The presentation and ensuing discussion went on forever but didn’t get very far. Indian Cliffs residents expressed concerns mostly focused on impact especially regarding access to site and traffic on Governor Stoughton’s Lane. Selectman Sweeney made it clear he favors historic designation for the land and referred to a presentation given by Tim Orwig on Town Farm that was sponsored by The Milton Historical Commission. A DVD copy of Orwig’s talk had been given to Selectmen earlier by a resident during Citizens Speak. Krasinski expressed respect for the historic aesthetics of the property but was concerned that pursuing a historic designation would impede progress on the farming effort. Other questions from another resident, Mr. Freedman, included a timeline of the phases for the projet and costs and revues associated with each phase. Mr. Krasinski did not give specifics regarding those. He had previously noted that certain investment partners sought confidentiality at the moment.

The memorandum of understanding was read aloud but it became clear that the selectmen were in no position to act on it. Shields and McEttrick expressed interest in the idea however, there are too many unanswered questions around financing, general viability,a nd potential revenue to be answered; not to mention addressing concerns of the neighborhood regarding the impact the development will have on the area. As Sweeney noted, the selectmen had just sent months on the Ulin Rink issue and this proposal is much more involved. While he (Sweeney) wants to take the next step he is concerned Krasinski is urging them to move too fast.

There is an informal meeting scheduled with the Attorney General’s office to gauge how receptive they are to the proposal. Krasinski’s team was eager to break ground in October given the agricultural calendar and have an initial understanding signed off on while a more formal agreement was worked out but that is unlikely to happen. A request to Mr. Krasinski to make the presentation public is pending.

Other business included but was not limited to:

• The Selectmen read a proclamation declaring October to be Library Month. Dagmar Pollex of the Milton Library Foundation thanked the board and announced that there would be a range of events throughout October. These would include receptions hosted by patrons of the library. People interested in hosting or attending a party should call 617-696-7987. There will also be special author appearances from local authorities such as Peter Hotten, the Boston Glove’s Handyman.
• A couple of archery enthusiasts wanted to pursue the idea of bow hunting in Milton. This is a notion that had been entertained in the past but safety concerns could not be adequately addressed. Those concerns still exist. When Mr. Sweeney asked about the area being considered for hunting, Shields quickly quipped “East Milton.” The gentlemen were encouraged to submit additional materials but the logistics (e.g. hunting licenses, enforcement) and safety concerns will likely continue to stand in the way of approval.
• The selectmen will be issuing an RFP for use of the East Milton Library. FAV (The Friends and Advocates of Visual Arts) is one of the educational organizations interested in the space.