Governor Patrick signed the Transportation Bond Bill originally authored by State Senator Brian A. Joyce. The bill addresses infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth. Among them are projects in Milton including $1 million to fund expanded parking in East Milton.
The funding will enable construction of parking on the East Milton deck and preserve the Representative Joseph Manning Park. The status of the park was an issue. The solution ensures that 40% of the space will be preserved and enhanced. The topic came up at last night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting during an update from Bill Clark, Town Planner. Member Sweeney said it represented an opportunity to improve the current tribute to Representative Manning and others. It will also be great news for merchants in the area who had been seeking improved parking for years. Chair Hurley said that he would ask Senator Joyce to attend their next meeting to walk them through the legislation and process. Member Keohane has been a proponent of addressing the parking issues for the merchants and has voiced his support for it during his campaign.
There is now $2+million available in state and federal funds to address the traffic and parking issues in East Milton. There has been an ongoing experiment that closed Adams across the expressway and routes eastbound traffic in a circle around the square. The experiment has been viewede by officials as successful.
Yesterday Senator Joyce toured with square with Transportation Secretary Richard Davey. They also reviewed Brush Hill and the T surplus yard on Granite Ave. About the bill Joyce has said, “The new investment in East Milton Square will provide an economic boost for the area’s small businesses and greater convenience for residents while the potential for commercial development of the state highway department yard on Granite Avenue could benefit the town for generations in tax revenue.”
Senator Brian A. Joyce, Secretary Richard Davey, and Selectman Denis Keohane