by Frank Schroth

A local rectory likely made with local granite and of unique architectural design is being torn down as I write this.

The removal of the rectory has been a contentious point within the community. The archdiocese argued that the property would be more marketable without the building. The parish council lobbied hard along with a developer to put housing on the property. The Planning Board responded by recommending a historic overlay be considered that would preserve the building and allow for 8 residential units. Mr Ruscito, the developer, had been asking for 12. and did not respond to the option of a historic overlay. The zoning currently allows 5 units without a street and 6 with a street. Mr. Ruscito submitted two concepts plans. You can find the first plan here and the second one here.

The Historic Commission had issued a demolition delay. That delay expired and Ruscito was contracted to take the building down. The building is being taken down today.

It is a cold, raw, miserable day, which, for those who sought to save the house, may be viewed as weather suitable for this loss of a piece of Milton history.