The Milton City Council this week adopted a resolution stating the aims of its $25 million bond referendum in November to acquire and preserve green space.
The Council affirmed previously adopted criteria for land acquisition by the city Planning Commission. They include preserving open space – pastures, horse farms, wooded areas and large tracts of undeveloped land; protecting wildlife habitat and water resources; and establishing and connecting trails for walking, biking and horseback riding.
Land would be acquired from willing landowners and not through eminent domain. Trees would be preserved, and clear-cutting, avoided. Land preferably would be next to existing, protected green space. The resolution also says it doesn’t bar other criteria from being considered or otherwise bind the Council impermissibly.
Milton voters will be asked Nov. 8 to approve the sale of up to $25 million in general obligation bonds. The bonds would have an annual interest rate no higher than 6.95 percent and a term of 19 years and be repaid by property tax revenues.
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