Milton Zoning Referendum Vote May Move to Wednesday Due to Snow Concerns

by Patrick Wilson

Milton’s hotly contested zoning referendum vote, originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 13th, could be pushed back a day due to anticipated snowfall. Town officials are seeking an emergency court order to reschedule the vote to Wednesday, February 14th, prioritizing voter safety and accessibility.

The referendum centers on a new zoning map that would allow multifamily housing near public transit stations, complying with a state law to encourage transit-oriented development. While the plan was approved by a Special Town Meeting in December, opponents successfully petitioned for a town-wide vote.

With parts of Massachusetts expecting over a foot of snow starting Tuesday morning, town officials expressed concerns about the potential impact on voter turnout and accessibility to polling places. Postponing the vote by 24 hours would allow for safer travel conditions and potentially increase participation.

Absentee ballot applications are still being accepted provisionally until 5 pm on Monday. However, it’s important to note that if the vote remains on Tuesday, any absentee ballots submitted after noon will not be counted. Residents are encouraged to vote in person if possible or submit their absentee ballots before the deadline.

The final decision on the potential postponement rests with the court. Town officials will update the community on the official outcome through the town website.

** This piece was created with the help of ai.