SSEDC awards Milton funds for economic dev.

Milton, MA The South Shore Economic Development Corp. (SSEDC) has awarded the town of Milton $15,000 to develop draft zoning regulations and design guidelines for mixed-use development in the East Milton Sq. Business District.

The SSEDC, a subsidiary of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce is focused on advancing their regional economic competitiveness South Shore 2030 plan. The corporation and chamber support local economic development initiatives that align with strategies for a stronger region.

“The town has put significant planning resources into East Milton Square over the past several years. This grant will help us execute a neighborhood-led process to craft land use regulations that implement the community’s vision for development in our largest business district. We are grateful for South Shore Economic Development Corporation’s continued support. This grant will supplement additional grant funding from the state as well as $10,000 in town funds for this initiative” said town administrator Nicholas Milano.

“One of the important efforts for regional success is promoting local placemaking–interesting and active municipal centers,” said Peter Forman, president of both the chamber and EDC. “East Milton Sq. has all the elements, but in a confined area: Residential neighborhoods, small businesses, restaurants and the park. Milton officials are trying to show some creativity and leadership to make the square even more successful and we want to support their work.”

This project is also receiving $40,000 in funding from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs through their Planning Assistance Grant program and a commitment of $10,000 in funds from the town’s Master Plan Implementation Committee. This zoning will help reconnect a neighborhood that is divided by Rte. 93 and provide more of a cohesive and accessible community. Part of that is allowing for the Milton Center for the Arts to be better integrated with the square, and in so doing, support building connections between the arts and culture economy and downtown business districts in the South Shore.

“Businesses are the heart of any community. This is a step towards ensuring the continued vitality and vibrancy of East Milton Square,” said Joe Parlavecchio, president, Milton Chamber of Commerce.