Town planners give preliminary ok for Milton Theatre addition

Milton Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously gave preliminary site-plan approval to Milton Theatre for a proposed addition, provided the theater meets certain conditions.

Before final approval can be granted, the theater must get approval for multiple waivers regarding the sidewalks, as well as approvals from state and local agencies.

John Falkowski, an engineer speaking on behalf of the theater, said the addition will be 2,850 square feet and will include rehearsal spaces, green rooms, offices and new bathrooms. The theater has described the addition as its “education wing,” as its spaces will be used for the theater’s summer programs and are also aimed at improving the experience for performing artists. 

Falkowski said the theater will need two waivers — one from town code that requires sidewalks to have a cross drainage of at least 1/4-inch per square foot. Falkowski said some areas of the sidewalk have less than that. The other waiver would be for having a sidewalk less than five feet wide. Falkowski said the width of the sidewalk in the northeast portion of the property is restricted by the common parcel line and a staircase. 

Brian Miller, representing the town’s engineer Pennoni Associates, said the waivers are justified. Sidewalk waivers have to be approved by town council. 

Commission members had questions regarding some of the plan’s architectural designs but were satisfied enough to move forward with preliminary approval, including the waiver approval as a condition.

The addition is Phase 2 of a massive theater renovation project. Its estimated cost is $3 million.