the following was submitted by the candidate

Cites Master Plan, permitting, smart commercial growth and traffic mitigation as goals

Cheryl Tougias, an architect with 25 years of experience and a resident active in community affairs, is running for a seat on the Milton Planning Board. Tougias, who lives at 660 Canton Avenue, has filed papers with the Town Clerk to be placed on the April 28th town election ballot.
An architect working with individuals, real estate developers, contractors, regulatory agencies and community groups, Cheryl will bring a unique set of skills well suited to addressing the Planning Board’s charge of ensuring the livability, health and character of our community. Cheryl has contributed her expertise, demonstrated her commitment to proactive planning, and developed a broad understanding of budget and zoning issues in town. She served on the Warrant Committee for four years and chaired the School Department and Zoning sub-committees, has been a Town Meeting member since 2011 and served on the Master Plan Committee for the past two years. Cheryl currently serves as a member of the Planning Board’s Condominium Working Group.

“The priorities that I will bring to the Planning Board are to implement the Master Plan, create a transparent and efficient permitting process, encourage smart commercial growth in appropriate locations, and work to relieve traffic congestion throughout the town.” stated the candidate. Cheryl went on to clarify her goals.

Master Plan:
“My commitment is to implement the Master Plan and continue the process that will provide for Milton’s future.”

Permitting Process:
“Milton’s permitting process needs to be more transparent, predictable and efficient. I will encourage the use of clear, consistent submittal requirements, including flow charts, checklists, and design guidelines and will work to increase coordination and collaboration between the various boards and departments having jurisdiction.

Smart Commercial Growth:
“I support smart, strategic development that enhances the community while protecting its local character. The proximity to daily needs such as markets, restaurants and shops is an increasingly important factor in where people choose to live and businesses choose to locate. Re-vitalizing existing commercial districts and targeting new development in those areas will provide needed commercial tax revenue, increase property values and contribute to quality of life.”

Traffic Congestion:
“I will encourage efforts to take a regional approach to mitigating excessive traffic by working in collaboration with town officials and neighboring towns to formulate solutions.”

Cheryl Tougias moved to Milton 16 years ago and along with her husband, George, is raising two children who are enrolled in the Milton Public Schools. Cheryl is a Milton Town Meeting member representing Precinct 9 and a member of the Planning Board’s Condominium Working Group. She served on the Warrant Committee for four years, and is a Master Plan Committee member. She is a member of Sustainable Milton and a board member of Artspace Milton. Cheryl is President of Spalding Tougias Architects and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Architecture from Columbia University. She is a member of the AIA/BSA and ULI, a board member of the Arts & Business Council and Friends of Fort Point Channel. Cheryl designs and participates in community and regulatory approval processes for a broad range of project types including mixed-use buildings with parking, retail, restaurants, office and housing. Her recent work includes a mixed-use, near energy positive submission to Boston’s Energy Positive Green Building Demonstration Program for a brownfield site in Mission Hill, and the redevelopment of a site in the center of Stoughton with retail and residential uses.

For more information, visit Cheryl’s website at www.tougias4planning.com or on Facebook at Cheryl Tougias for Planning Board.