MassHousing greenlights Milton Mews 40B project

The Milton Mews project, a controversial affordable housing development proposed on the border of Milton and Canton, is moving on to the next stage of permitting after it was declared eligible by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MassHousing) last month.

The proposed development, put forth by Texas-based Mill Creek Residential Trust, would add 276 rental units on a 22-acre parcel between Brush Hill Road and Hemenway Drive — a private country way off Green Street. Most of the development site is in Milton, but a small portion lies in Canton, and abutters from both communities have been outspoken in their opposition to the project.

According to Mass Housing, however, the project appears to meet the general eligibility requirements of the housing subsidy program, is financially feasible, and is proposed on a site that is appropriate for residential development.

The agency did say that the developer would have to comply with all environmental orders and resolve all issues pertaining to parking and traffic as part of the public hearing process with the Milton zoning board.

The developers are also likely to face an uphill battle in the court of public opinion, particularly among neighbors and local environmental groups, including the Neponset River Watershed Association and the Friends of the Blue Hills.

Earlier this summer, NepRWA filed a petition in opposition to the project co-signed by 1,328 people, along with more detailed technical comments signed only by the association itself.

NepRWA had hoped to persuade MassHousing to deny the project eligibility application, and while ultimately unsuccessful, the association “remains committed to opposing the project through the many steps of the permitting process which remain,” including the comprehensive permit review by the Milton ZBA and wetlands permitting before the Milton Conservation Commission.

In addition, the developers must also contend with the residents of Hemenway Drive, who have put together an entire binder full of information, complete with maps, charts, and other pertinent documents that outline their chief concerns, including traffic impacts on Route 138, potential damage to the ecosystem of nearby Fowl Meadow — designated by the state as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern — and the lack of adequate access for emergency vehicles.

Other opponents include state Senator Brian Joyce, who lives in Milton, and the Fuller Village independent living community.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Nov 14 2013. Filed under News. Both comments and pings are currently closed.