Milton Wants Feedback on Green Space Preservation Efforts

Staff Report

As part of the city's ongoing green space preservation efforts, Milton will hold a public open house Wednesday, July 30 at Milton City Hall to discuss the city's forthcoming green print plan.

The meeting will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at City Council Chambers of Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway Suite D.  

Led by Tom Daniels, a professor and conservation planner at the University of Pennsylvania hired to draft the plan, the open house will allow residents to learn about and give input on the direction of conservation in Milton.  

"The development of this green print will give us an actual plan to guide in the establishment and implementation of the best strategies for conservation of Milton's unique, rural character," said Laurel Florio, a Milton resident and conservation law expert who joined the city in April to help guide the city's conservation land use planning. "We know this green print process has been highly anticipated and look forward to input from all citizens, regardless of the type of land ownership or area in which they live.  

"All residents will benefit from the sought-after balance between development and land protection. It's about preserving what makes Milton special and we want to hear from every stakeholder out there."

The meeting marks the start of the newest effort in the city's growing list of conservation and lifestyle initiatives, including: International City and County Manager Association (ICMA) consultancy on innovative strategies for green space protection from the Leadership ICMA program; a six-month moratorium on rezoning applications across multiple residential districts in the city; and smart growth strategies like form-based coding, transfer of development rights and community-based master planning.

Discussion will also take place shortly regarding a proposed conservation subdivision ordinance.