Developers, planners, preservationists, community farming and open space advocates, and yes, affordable housing supporters should all rejoice at this opportunity. How often does such a parcel of land come into play? There is a tremendous opportunity to be creative and build a real community at the site which could respect the historic landscapes, restore farmland, and build housing affordable for lower income residents in perpetuity.
Throughout its history, the land has been used to benefit the poor. It was the site of the first poor house in 1805 and was used as transient housing for the poor in the late 1800's. More recently, it was a distribution center for federal aid during the Great Depression. Currently, there are a handful of buildings - most in severely deteriorating condition. Market rent from one of the properties is used to contribute to a trust that provides modest benefit to lower income Milton residents.
Just a year ago, the town of Milton had two very active debates about two critical parcels of land in town and both revolved significantly around the possibility of affordable housing at each location. This past week has brought news that the first parcel, the Temple Shalom site on Blue Hill Avenue, has been sold to the Concord Baptist Church presumably to continue as a religious institution. In a little over a month, the selectman will begin reviewing proposals about what to do at Town Farm. Land is a valuable - some would say precious - commodity in a town that is still has less than 5% of its housing stock considered affordable. With the temple site off the market, Town Farm becomes the best remaining hope as a site for affordable housing in the town in some time. Come on Milton, let's create a great place on Town Farm for generations to come.
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