News release from the office of Senator Brian A. Joyce – 5.38-acre state parcel may be conveyed to Milton. Note: You can find coverage of Senator Joyce’s full presentation to the Board here.

State Senator Brian A. Joyce announced at the most recent Milton Board of Selectmen’s meeting that at his request the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will declare the 5.38-acre Granite Ave. Highway Yard “surplus property” will offer it to the town of Milton for development.

“This prime real estate will generate a great deal of interest from developers and job creators, and could help dramatically increase Milton’s commercial tax base and provide millions of dollars to support our public schools, public safety and public works without any additional burden on our residential property taxpayers,” said Joyce. Small business owners in East Milton Square could also enjoy increased business through the development of the site, according to Joyce.

The Transportation Bond bill signed by the governor this summer included a provision authored by Joyce that asked the Commonwealth to review the property to see if the land was needed and to make the 5.38 acres just south of the I-93 interchange available to the town if the property was deemed surplus. The property fronts Granite Ave. and includes 200 parking spaces. It is worth an estimated $6 million and could generate an additional $10 million in tax revenue for the town over the next 20 years.