by Frank Schroth

At a March 4th meeting of the Planning Board the developers of the DeWolfe property said “We have concurrence on the direction we need to go.” They are going to “preserve the [building’s] facade.” So some were surprised to see the building torn down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some residents have complained about the building’s height. However, according to Bill Clark, Town Planner, the building inspector has confirmed that the height conforms to plans. The new building does have greater bulk and this may account for the perception that the building is higher than it actually is. The building at 36 Central Avenue gives a similar impression.

The two Planning Board members who voted to deny a special permit to the estate of Joseph Fandrey and Todd Hamilton for the development of 3 single family homes on 13 acres off Hillside Street finally signed the decision. It is a decision that is almost certain to be appealed.

The decision states that the length of the driveway “is not  in keeping with the rural residential character of the neighborhood.” and that “the width and layout of the proposed new section of the driveway, and the fact that no street lights will be provided, would make it unsafe for vehicular traffic.” Another factor that may have influenced the decision of these two board members is a show of hands requested by Member Lynch during the session at which the vote was later taken. Lynch had asked members of the public attending the session to raise their hands if opposed to the development. You can find the full text of the decision here.

The town is still waiting on a recommendation from the Attorney General’s office regarding the sale of a large portion of the Town Farm to Pulte Homes. Pulte won the bid for the property which was put up for sale  by the Trustees of the Town Farm left to the town by Governor Stoughton. The Milton Board of Selectmen serve as the trustees. Stoughton’s will stipulated that the land benefit the poor of Milton. The sale needs to proceed to probate court for a final decision but before it can the Attorney General needs to make a recommendation, which may or may not be favorable. It is still the the AG’s office.

Likewise, there is still no final decision from the arbiter in the appeal filed by Granite Links regarding the construction of a wind turbine. The Milton Times reported and Bill Clark, Town Planner, confirmed that the initial draft decision favored Granite Links in that it ruled the turbine could not operated during hours the golf course was in operation. This would significantly reduce the revenue potential of the turbine. The town is waiting for a final decision.