by Frank Schroth

At their meeting as Trustees of the Governor Stoughton Trust the selectmen voted to approve a proposal to have a archeological firm withe expertise in Native American history assess the town farm property. Pulte was aware that residents have voiced concerns that the property may be the site of burial grounds. Pulte has received a proposal from Archeological and Historical Services.

The notion is for a 2 phase assessment of the property. They will do a visual inspection and some testing in the vicinity of two mounds that are possible burial sites. They will pursue a second phase if indicated by the results of what they find during phase 1. The cost quoted to Putle was $8300. They have requested that the town share the cost of the analysis. The board voted to accept the proposal. Member Hurley said “It is short money for peace of mind.” Member Keohane felt the amount and request was “reasonable” and Chair Conlon agreed.

It will now move to a contract stage.

The trustees also went into executive session to discuss “imminently threatened litigation” by Pulte Homes involving an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) and “consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property at 208 Governor Stoughton Lane.” Pulte wants to perform boring tests to determine underlying ledge configuration. The Conservation Commission, responsible for wetlands protection, has expressed concerns with the boring disturbing native wildlife and rare species. Their jurisdiction is within 100 feet of a wetland. Pulte is likely preparing to challenge a decision of the Conservation Commission.

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The Master Plan Committee held the last of three roundtables as part of the second phase in the development of a Master Plan. The topic of the roundtable was housing. The session involved having partipants break out into groups that discussed the housing needs of 5 different neighborhoods in Milton (e.g. East Milton, Brush Hill Road, etc). They reconvened to review the feedback and discussions that took place. Comments included but were not limited to the need for more affordable housing and support for a wider range of housing options such as in law apartments and condominiums, a desire to preserve a sense of open space, and neighborhood amenities. There was concern about the future of estates on upper Canton Avenue. Coincidently the Carberry estate just went on the market. (It can be yours, all 18+ acres, for $7.9 million).

The Master Plan Committee will be hosting an Open House at the Library on June 14th to review status of the plan.