by Frank Schroth

At the beginning of this evening’s Planning Board meeting Member Ed Duffy asked for and was granted permission to speak by the Chair. He brought up the issue of the East Milton theater and said that in his 12 years on the board that 6 or 7 traffic studies had been done regarding various developments, all paid for by the applicant. He continued, “No matter what has been stated otherwise.” At this point Mr. Whiteside attempted to say something but Mr. Duffy continued. He expressed regret on his use of vulgarity during the previous session and apologized to the board, the applicant, and the public. He then said “I resign from the Planning Board. I wish everyone well and ask God to bless our beautiful town.” At this point he stood up and left the meeting.

Mr. Whiteside said that there was a procedure you go through when resigning from public office and that he hoped Mr. Duffy would follow it. “I can say nothing beyond that.” It is this observer’s opinion that Mr. Whiteside regretted Mr. Duffy’s departure and hoped he would reconsider.

Mr. Duffy, a resident of East Milton, had serious concerns regarding the traffic and parking impacts of the new proposed restaurant. He had asked for a traffic study to be done at the previous session and Mr. Whiteside said he did not think it would be warranted. A very comprehensive study had been done in 2012 by Howard Stein Hudson as part of the plan for parking on the East Milton deck. It is assumed that is what Mr. Duffy was referring to in his remarks.

Aside from Mr. Whiteside, no other member commented on Mr. Duffy’s departure.