A weekly recap of key events and items of interest to the Milton community:

Recommendation on Temple Shalom

The Planning Board rendered a decision on the overlay proposal from Temple Shalom and their development representative, Coffman Realty. In a verdict that was not surprising, the Planning Board unaminously decided to make the recommendation to Town Meeting that the proposal be referred back to the Planning Board. The Planing Board does not believe that the proposal as presented conforms to appropriate standards and that a more complete site planning process is required. Town Meeting can dispose of this matter in the following ways: approve the proposal, reject the proposal, amend the proposal or refer the proposal back to the Planing Board. They will likely follow the Planning Board’s recommendation.

Harsh News for School Committee

The only thing that can be said with certainty is that the town’s financial picture and specifically that of the School Department is very uncertain. Further complications were introduced this past week in a letter Ms. Gormley, Superintendent of School, received from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

Given the budget shortfalls introduced by the reduction in state aid among other factors, the schools had contacted the MSBA on the possibility of closing a school. Their response was essentially that closing a school was not an option. That would be a substantial change in use and would require approval from MSBA. If a school were closed the funds would need to be refunded Margaret Craven, Executive Director of the MSBA wrote:

“Unless the MSBA agrees with Milton on the parameters of a facility reuse plan, the MSBA will take steps to recoup the grant funds. Just a few short years ago, these facilities were funded in good faith by the state taxpayers at a 90% reimbursement rate, and their needs t be a compelling reason why their originally intended use and operation is no longer locally supported.”

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER HERE.

A Conversation with Charlie McCarthy

We sat down with Charlie McCarthy, candidate for Town Treasurer, last week to discuss his candidacy. You can find the conversation HERE. We also spoke with Town Treasurer candidate, Janet Lorden, that conversation is HERE. Lastly, we hope to speak with James McAuliffe. He has not yet responded to requests for an interview.