Senator Brian A. Joyce has announced that Milton will receive a $1 million MassWorks grant from the state. The grant represents a significant state investment in the Central Avenue and Milton Village business districts. It comes at a good time. The area is showing renewed vitality.
MassWorks grants are awarded by the state to municipalities in support of their efforts to support economic development and job creation and retention through improved infrastructure, housing development at density of at least 4 units to the acre (both market and affordable units) and transportation improvements to enhancing safety in small, rural communities. (You can learn more here.) Milton obtained the grant to improve infrastructure in the Milton Village and Central/Eliot business district. Specific improvements that Senator Joyce identified include streetscape improvements that will connect the two business districts, sidewalk space at the corner of Central Avenue and Eliot Street, without any parking loss, and a new small park area on the bank of the Neponset River at the trolley station.
Joyce worked town officials to secure the grant. Joyce stated, “I am thankful for the Patrick/Murray Administration’s continued support of small business development and economic revitalization in Milton [and] grateful for the strong support of the Selectmen, Acting Town Administrator Annemarie Fagan and Town Planner Bill Clark toward this effort.”
The grant will enhance an area that is receiving an infusion of energy from new businesses such as The Plate and Steel & Rye that are joining well established businesses such as Radio Coffeehouse, Esprit de Vin and Mackie’s.