Monday marked a significant step for Milton's urban landscape with the City Council's approval of a mixed-use redevelopment project, the first since the local community's year-long venture to transform Deerfield into a sought-after locale. According to officials, this blueprint encompasses rejuvenated office spaces, residential areas, retail outlets, and public amenities.
The site, currently dotted with underused office buildings at the convergence of Morris Road, Webb Road, and Deerfield Parkway, received a comprehensive presentation from city staff and the B Developments team at the February 2 meeting, where the proposal faced no public opposition, making way for new multi-use trails, boardwalks, and contributory civic space spanning an expansive 6.15 acres, which translates to 24% of the overall property. This development, championed by Ethan Underwood, an attorney representing the project's team, boasts a tree canopy coverage pegged at around 40%, significantly overshadowing the bare 10% mandate.
With the Council's nod, new construction of multi-family units will spring up, adhering to specific parameters: a trio of stories at most for the buildings peering onto Morris Road, a mix of no more than 84 one-bedroom and 56 two-bedroom apartments, barricading any exterior or open staircases, and incorporating various public utilities that the developers will maintain. Guido Barbagallo from B Developments projected a span of 12 months for land preparation, followed by at least two years dedicated to actual edification efforts, expressing a staunch belief that "this is something we truly believe will fit in Milton and that everyone will be proud of," Barbagallo told the Milton's government publication.
Further adding to the evening's agenda, the council unanimously passed motions within the Consent Agenda fostering an agreement for dental benefits provided by Guardian to city employees and the hiring of RGC Construction for recreational enhancements at Milton City Park and Preserve; on the same breath, it granted a three-day extension of a moratorium on minor plat approvals in the AG-1 zoning district, a stop-gap measure ensuring the Council affords due time for discourse and decision-making when reconvening on February 9.
