Milton gets to work on affordable housing solutions

Milton officials have begun work on plans to create more affordable housing in and around town, although how that will happen has not yet taken shape.

To shape policy around affordable housing, town council created an ad hoc committee to facilitate discussion. That committee, chaired by planning and zoning Commissioner Lynn Ekelund with Councilman Tom Arkinson also a member, held its first meeting Feb. 29 to organize and lay out priorities. The committee’s goal is to develop an equitable and sustainable method to implement affordable housing without negative impacts. The concept of affordable housing is part of the town’s comprehensive development plan.

Mayor John Collier said, "I envision Milton as an attractive location for small-scale, white-collar industries. However, for this vision to materialize, it is crucial that we demonstrate the ability for employees of such industries to affordably reside within our town. This aspect is inherently linked to the success of attracting and retaining such industries."

As part of council's resolution creating the committee, the group will report its findings and recommendations to council by Monday, Nov. 4. The committee will sunset at the end of the year. 

Collier said implementing affordable housing ideas will likely involve concessions, and it is critical for the town to identify those concessions before moving forward. 

“My primary concern is ensuring that any concessions made by the town are financially sound," he said.

During its process, the committee will hear expert testimony from state and county officials, as well as representatives from nonprofit housing organizations, private housing entities and developers. 

“I hope that by gathering this breadth of information, the committee will be able to formulate a comprehensive advisory opinion, allowing the mayor and town council to make informed decisions on how Milton can effectively support affordable housing initiatives," Collier said.