MILTON – Senator Brian A. Joyce is pleased to announce that Milton will receive an additional $1 million state grant for the continued revitalization and economic growth of the Central Ave/Milton Village Business Districts. These MassWorks grants, awarded by the Patrick Administration, are designed to revitalize business districts and promote economic development. Joyce spearheaded the effort to secure the $1 million, as he previously worked to secure million dollar grants at Central Ave and Milton Village.
Those state investments in infrastructure and aesthetic improvements have helped bring such new businesses to the area as the 88 Wharf and Steel & Rye restaurants, The Plate, Cakes, and will help existing businesses like Radio Coffeehouse and Milton Hill Sport & Spa.
“I am thankful for the Patrick/Murray Administration’s continued support of small business development and economic revitalization in Milton,” said Joyce. “I’m also grateful for the strong support of the Selectmen, Acting Town Administrator Annemarie Fagan and Town Planner Bill Clark toward this effort.”
The grant will support attractive streetscape improvements that will connect the two business districts as well as the current and proposed transit-oriented development and retail businesses in the area. Included will be additional sidewalk space at the corner of Central Avenue and Eliot Street, without any parking loss; a new small park area on the bank of the Neponset River at the trolley station, with new fencing and benches; an extension of the sidewalk treatments and ornamental period lighting along Eliot Street, brick accents and tree plantings, and more.
Joyce indicated his hope that these improvements, in addition to the state-authorized traffic, parking and aesthetic improvements to the East Milton Square Business District that he sponsored earlier this year, will allow Milton’s small businesses to prosper for the benefit of the entire community. Joyce also hopes to increase the town’s commercial tax base and take pressure off residential property taxpayers while providing support for local schools, public works and public safety.
