Hear from your neighbors

Johanna McCarthy

Milton town’s Treasurer/Collector

  • “We are voting YES as Milton must be part of the solution to our region’s housing shortage.”

    Jen & Bill White, Precinct 6

  • "I’m voting yes because I think it is important to follow the law and do our part to address the regional housing crisis. Voting yes also provides our Planning Board the ability to continue to work on possible improvements to this zoning without jeopardizing important funding for our town."

    Mark Loring, School Committee Member, TMM Precinct 8

  • "We purchased our home specifically because we are within walking distance of the trolley and strongly support a plan that allows our Milton community to grow in a sustainable and inclusive manner. A yes vote to the proposed zoning will allow Milton to have a say in its future growth, both for residential and commercial use, while also ensuring the furtherance of state funding for schools, roads, and grants to address climate change impact. Please join us in voting yes!"

    Leslie (P4 TMM) and Brendan McCarthy, Tucker Parents

  • "I am voting "Yes." I don't agree with the law, but it requires us to make these changes. The town committees spent 2 years figuring out how best to comply with the law. If the town votes "no," the changes will be made for us, without consideration for our local needs. Noncompliance also allows the state to withhold funding for our schools! Even if the plan isn't perfect, it's in all of our best interests to vote "yes.""

    Michael Brown, TMM Precinct 10

  • "As residents of East Milton, Hal and I know that our neighbors are curious about the impact of the upcoming vote. We are voting yes to ensure that Milton complies with law and at the same time maintains local control of our zoning code. As a Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, I know that a yes vote will provide the town with increased commercial tax revenue, ensure that we do not miss out on any current funding from the State, and provide additional housing options for current Milton residents."

    Jackie and Hal Munger, Precinct 7

  • "Voting YES on February 13th is crucial for legal compliance and housing diversity in Milton. Non-compliance could cost us school and infrastructure funding, leading to unnecessary litigation expenses. It’s already costing the town tens of thousands of dollars for this vote, let's avoid wasting taxpayer dollars on fruitless legal battles when we have a solid plan ready for potential amendments. Choose YES for a responsible use of resources."

    Elaine Craghead, TMM Precinct 4

  • "We live in the Eliot Street corridor and urge you to vote YES for MBTA zoning. The trolley isn't the issue; it's the housing crisis in Milton. Our elected representatives passed the law 183-4 to address this crisis, and a NO vote may mean less state funding, including schools, and loss of local zoning control. Vote YES for a better Milton."

    Chris Navin, Suzin Bartley, Precinct 2

  • "I support Article 1 because it will bring much needed tax revenue to the town. Apartments and other dense housing bring in significant taxes while putting a relatively small burden on town services. Many of these apartments will have businesses on the first floor which generate even more funds. We need the revenue from apartments and businesses to support the town services we deserve."

    Jay Fundling, TMM Precinct 3

  • "My neighborhood will be directly affected by this and I’m voting YES for the MBTA ballot question. Not only will it allow us to maintain control over the zoning requirements but it will help to provide more diverse housing options, which our town desperately needs."

    Karen Friedman-Hanna, TMM Precinct 2

  • "It is important for our town and the rest of the commonwealth to increase housing options for the vitality of our state."

    Betty White, TMM Precinct 2

  • "I’m voting YES for Milton because I believe our town should follow State law, I believe strongly in increasing affordable housing in our town, and because I believe it would be detrimental for our schools to lose critical funding."

    Lexie Pierson Bergeron, TMM Precinct 4

  • "Zoning for more housing is not only the law, but good planning for both Milton and Massachusetts. This responsible and thoughtful zoning that is locally tailored to our community will provide more housing, promote and protect commercial areas, and lead to a more livable and sustainable future for all of us."

    Erikk Hokenson, Precinct 2

  • "A Yes vote will ensure that Milton maintains control over its own zoning. A No vote will not only result in lost resources and lawsuits, but will result in us losing our voice and in developments imposed upon us by courts and developers. Voting Yes makes sense for our seniors, our kids, and our future.”

    Benjamin Zoll, Member, Select Board

  • "I support a YES vote on the MBTA zoning because I don't want our town to break the law. At a time when we are building a new school, we want to be sure that our state education funding doesn't get cut due to non- compliance. Furthermore, this is the right move for Milton, and I trust the 18 months of work put into it by the Planning Board."

    Kyan Thornton, TMM Precinct 1

  • "I'm voting yes for Milton because 2/3 of Town Meeting made an informed vote to enact zoning resulting from over 40 public hearings and intense debate. Voting yes for Milton is also a vote to follow the law and preserve Milton's good standing with the state."

    Bryan Furze, TMM Precinct 10, Former Chair of Planning Board, Former Chair of the Granite Avenue Study Committee

  • "I support the MBTA article for increased multi-family housing in Milton, especially near Boston and public transportation. The trolley is vital to our family and a key reason why we moved back to this amazing neighborhood. While my house isn't eligible for multifamily zoning, I've followed the process and believe qualifying homes in my area will preserve the neighborhood's character if converted."

    Kate Middleton, TMM Precinct 2

  • We are voting "YES" because we have an opportunity in Milton to support the kind of zoning that says: "All you have is a pocket full of hope? ... Well that's enough to get started in Milton!"

    Jean-Charles Asare Family

  • "A YES vote is first, a vote in support of our democratic Town Meeting process; second, it is a vote to comply with the law and ensure Milton continues to receive state funding; third, a YES vote avoids the risk of lawsuits brought against the town, and lastly, a YES vote is economically smart and socially just."

    Frank Schroth, Precinct 2

  • "I am voting Yes for Milton to comply with the law and because I do not want to see our schools suffer a loss of state funding, which Governor Maura Healey has publicly stated will happen if towns do not comply with the law. I don't want our kids and teachers to lose out on funding they need and deserve."

    Sarah Hart, TMM Precinct 5

  • “We have no alternatives for the next town meeting for zoning. So if this were about zoning there would be an alternative zoning proposal. This is about one thing: whether this town will violate the law or not.”

    Michael Zullas, Chair, Select Board

  • "I can envision an improved Milton that has more amenities, safer roads, a wider variety of housing choices besides only single family homes - and the positive financial impacts that creates for our town. That’s why I am voting YES."

    Carolyn Cahill, TMM Precinct 1

  • "I'm voting YES for Milton because this plan is fair and thoughtful and the product of 18 months of planning and input from residents. This plan is good for Milton."

    Tom Callahan, TMM Precinct 4

  • "As an architect and an active participant in the development of this zoning, I can attest to the complexity of the law. It took countless hours of study, technical expertise, and community input to arrive at this compliant zoning that balances technical requirements with our desire to maintain the look and feel of our neighborhoods. Perhaps it can be made even better, but after we VOTE YES!"

    Cheryl Tougias, TMM Precinct 9

  • “I’m voting YES because I want to increase opportunities for elders to stay in our town and families to benefit from our wonderful community. Lastly, our town held a thoughtful and democratic process to hear the voices of our residents, and our Town Meeting overwhelmingly approved Milton’s plan to comply with the MBTA law. Therefore, I’ll also vote YES to respect and uphold this robust democratic process.”

    Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Precinct 2

  • "I'm a registered Architect, and as a design professional, I recognize the value in zoning for densified housing along transit routes and public amenities. It's sustainable, good for the Town, and good for the region. Upholding the MBTA Communities Act is upholding the law, and it is a major step in equitably alleviating the Commonwealth's housing crunch."

    Jonathan Lashley, TMM Precinct 4

  • "I support Milton following State law, ensuring State funds are and remain available for our Town’s important services, proudly committing to zoning action in the face of our broader community’s housing crisis, and continuing to ensure thoughtful planning and community development happens at a local level. In all facets, a YES vote makes sense fiscally, morally, lawfully. Please join me in voting YES."

    Johanna K. McCarthy, Treasurer/Collector, Town of Milton, TMM, Precinct 9

  • "As a Milton resident, a YES vote ensures that our town retains control of its zoning laws. On the other hand, a NO vote puts the town at odds with the state and potentially exposes Milton to 40B developments over which it has little control. I urge fellow residents to work together in ways that benefit both our town and the state’s housing challenges. Voting YES can do both."

    Dimitry Petion, Precinct 1

  • "Voting Yes on 1 makes so much sense - Massachusetts has taken bold steps to help with the housing crisis that exists here and all over the country. Our town government worked long and hard to come up with new zoning regulations that are compliant with this new law. We should not stand in the way. We need to update the zoning regulations in Milton and make it possible for more people to afford to join our lovely town. This is why I voted for this compliant zoning change at the Town Meeting, and why I will absolutely vote yes on February 13th."

    Beth Molnar, TMM Precinct 3

  • "Voting YES on February 13 to comply with State law is in Milton's best interest. No alternative to the zoning that Town Meeting adopted in December has been proposed. So, the only consequence of a No vote will be to put Milton out of compliance with State law. That means we will be at risk for enforcement action, litigation, and loss of some State funds. The Planning Board can bring bylaw amendments to improve the zoning to future Town Meetings. Please join me in voting YES to keep Milton compliant with State law, avoid loss of funds and costly litigation, and maintain local control over our zoning."

    Kathleen Conlon, TMM Precinct 3, Former Select Board member

  • “Please know that if you signed the petition to bring this zoning law to the voters, you can still vote YES on February 13th. Your YES vote will avoid the imposition of fiscal and other possible penalties on our town, such as the loss of zoning control if we don’t comply with the state law.”

    Arthur Doyle, East Milton Resident, Former Select Board Member

  • "The truth is, Gov. Healey recently said that if we don’t follow the law, Milton will lose state funding for schools, roads, and more. I am voting YES because it’s the responsible and right thing to do."

    Dr. Elizabeth Carroll, TMM Precinct 3, School Committee Chair

  • "I'm voting yes to help make Milton a more inclusive and welcoming place to live."

    Chris Hart, TMM Precinct 5

  • "It is frustrating that some people want to put Milton’s well-being at risk by breaking the law and undoing the zoning that the Town Meeting already overwhelmingly voted for. There are many ways to improve the zoning and regulate any future development without making Milton vulnerable to litigation and loss of funding. "

    S. Kyle Johnson, PhD, Precinct 10

  • "During the last 30 years of Milton's history, many great achievements have happened. Together we rebuilt and renovated our six outdated public schools, restored and renovated our beautiful Milton Public Library, built a new senior center and have begun to rebuild our Fire Stations. Let's continue to move Milton forward with responsible zoning. Vote YES on February 13,2024"

    Judy White Orlando, TMM Precinct 9

  • "I support the MBTA Communities Act because it would provide Milton the flexibility we need to increase our housing inventory for our teachers and families in a thoughtful and responsible way. I also recognize that Milton has a structural deficit, and we often have insufficient revenue to cover our expenses. Milton’s federal aid is dramatically declining and our schools cannot afford to lose any state funding at a such a critical time."

    Beverly Ross Denny, TMM Precinct 2

  • “I’m voting YES because I want to be part of the solution to the regional housing crisis we’ve helped to create. A YES vote provides opportunity, promotes diversity, and strengthens Milton’s future.”

    Geoff Wilkinson, Precinct 10, Co-Founder of AIM

  • "I am voting YES! to reverse decades of exclusionary zoning policies. These historical practices are what put the Commonwealth in its current state. I am voting YES! for increased tax revenue. New construction developments enhance the town’s infrastructure and public services"

    Ralph Parent, Precinct 9

  • "I’m voting yes because I am retiring, and my big house will soon become too big and burdensome for just my husband and me. We want choices to downsize, while remaining in the Eliot Street Corridor which we love."

    Laurie Stillman, TMM Precinct 2

  • "I’ll admit that I was skeptical about this article at first. I didn't quite understand its implications or what was truly at stake. But, after doing extensive homework, speaking with experts on the topic, and maintaining an open mind while listening to both sides, I am convinced that complying with the law is the right thing to do. It keeps control in our hands and prevents us from losing vital state funding for programs that affect us all. I hope you’ll join me in voting YES for Milton!"

    Sarah Lovely, TMM Precinct 9

  • "A No vote doesn’t solve anything. We will still have to comply with the law. We will have to wait two years to vote on another version, not May, 2024. While we wait, we are “non-compliant” with all of the adverse consequences that entails. Zoning shouldn’t be frozen in time; it should evolve and reflect the changing needs of the community and the commonwealth. Vote “Yes” to keep Milton a town that is part of the solution not part of the problem."

    Kathleen O'Donnell, Former Planning Board Member, TMM Precinct 7

  • "We want to keep the Town in the legal clear. Risking a legal fight which we’ll likely lose is irresponsible. We should vote Yes, and if desired, adjust the zoning later on to continue our progress.”

    Robert Rosofsky, Precinct 2

  • "I'm voting YES for Milton because I support compliance with the law."

    Elizabeth Dillon, TMM Precinct 6, YES! for Milton co-chair, East Milton Resident, Board Member of the East Milton Neighborhood Ass'n

  • "After an 18-month, diligent, good faith effort, it is clear there is presently no other viable plan for Milton to comply with this state law. We trust that 2/3 of Town Meeting agreed."

    Scott and Carolynn MacKay, TMM Precinct 2

  • "I will vote YES for Milton because we need more housing diversity in town and more small businesses. The zoning we passed in town meeting by a 2/3rds majority will promote smart development over time in a balanced manner. I will vote YES to ensure state funding for our town's public schools, roads, parks and playgrounds is not lost. There is no plan B. A YES vote will promote a more sustainable Milton for years to come."

    Daniel Young, TMM, Precinct 5

  • "I’m voting YES because I want our teachers and other town employees to be able to live in the community where they work. If Milton doesn't comply with state law, we will be devastated by becoming ineligible for state education and other funds."

    Ada Rosmarin, TMM Precinct 2, Former School Committee Member and Chair

  • "I'm voting YES! because disliking the EOHLC Guidelines and their impact on Milton does not justify violating Massachusetts law - and a No vote is a vote to violate the law."

    Doug Hyne, TMM Precinct 2

  • “I care about increasing opportunities for people to move to AND remain in this community with housing that is the right size for every stage of life.”

    Regina Campbell-Malone, TMM Precinct 1

  • "We fully support Milton's plan for MBTA zoning compliance. A "Yes" vote assures our community abides by State Law, allows for crucial State Aid, and offers much needed Housing opportunity."

    Rob & Jaime Levash, TMM's Precinct 10

  • "I am voting YES for the MBTA Communities Act to give residents more housing choices. The Act hopefully will spur development of housing that will allow more young people starting out and folks downsizing to stay in Milton."

    Patricia Latimore

  • "I'm voting YES for Milton because the Mattapan High Speed Line is a rapid transit asset that Milton is fortunate to have in its borders. It has the power to reduce traffic, improve the environment, and feed Milton's commercial development."

    Matt Morong, TMM Precinct 2, YES! for Milton co-chair, School Facilities Committee

  • "It is clearly in the best interest of our town and neighborhoods to vote YES on the zoning approved by Town Meeting. I live in one of the neighborhoods and participated in the extensive public engagement process that included 8 public forums and 28 Planning Board meetings. These provided opportunities for us as residents to have a voice and to help shape this zoning. Please join me in voting YES!"

    Annie Davis, Precinct 2

  • "According to financial analysis from RKG, the new zoning has the potential to benefit the town financially to the tune of $1M+ a year. While on the Warrant Committee, I saw how hard it was to fully fund town services each year. This additional revenue would make a huge difference to Milton’s schools, public safety, the Council on Aging, and all of the other town departments we rely on!"

    Emily Cavalier, Precinct 1, Former Warrant Committee Member

  • "Our Town Planner led a thorough effort to create the required zoning plan and communicated its benefits and the risks of non-compliance persuasively."

    Jeff Stone, TMM Precinct 1

  • “I am voting yes to welcome more diversity in Milton, which must include housing.”

    Sally Johnson, Precinct 10

  • “By voting yes, people that live near their jobs can spend less time commuting in traffic to work and more time walking to local businesses, biking to nearby activities, and living healthier and more enjoyable lives.”

    Echo Berquist, Precinct 4

  • "We value our ability to control what happens in our community. A yes vote allows us to determine how to plan for a well designed housing and commercial future for the Town."

    Deborah Felton, TMM Precinct 2

    Robert Baylor

Affiliations listed for identification purposes only.