It’s been a busy month here in Milton. As we say goodbye to the long, sunny days of summer and welcome the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall, I’m proud to share that great things are happening throughout town. We are making steady progress on projects that promise lasting benefits for our community.

This Saturday: Touch-a-Truck and Public Works Facility Open House

Join us this Saturday, September 13, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., for Milton’s annual Touch-a-Truck event, which is combined with an open house of the Don Turner Jr. Public Works Facility. Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to explore construction vehicles, emergency response equipment, and other heavy machinery up close. Visitors will also be invited to tour the brand new Public Works Facility and meet the staff who keep our community running smoothly. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Follow Milton Recreation on facebook to be notified about other upcoming events, including:

• Scarecrows on the Green, October 10-24: Register to decorate the Hourglass Project area with a scarecrow of your creation for all to enjoy
• Trunk or Treat, October 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Public Hearing Next Monday: Proposed Stormwater Utility Ordinance

Mitigation for stormwater runoff to support clean waterways has become increasingly regulated by the State of Vermont over the past several years. In order to put the framework in place to manage these restrictive and costly state requirements, the Town has presented a proposed Stormwater Utility Ordinance (PDF) for potential adoption by the Selectboard. Adopting this ordinance will align Milton with many other Chittenden and Franklin County municipalities that have taken similar steps to support clean and healthy waterways in Vermont.

The Selectboard will hold a public hearing on September 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to consider the adoption of the proposed ordinance. The hearing will be held in person in the Community Room of the Milton Municipal Offices at 43 Bombardier Road and remotely via zoom.

Safety Reminder: Use Caution Around School Buses

With the school year now underway, school buses are once again a part of daily traffic. Please use caution, allow for extra time on the roads, and remember that passing a bus with its red lights flashing is both illegal and dangerous. The safety of Milton’s students is a responsibility we all share.

Recreation’s Fall Program Guide Now Available

The summer season may be winding down, but new opportunities are right around the corner. The Milton Recreation and Parks Fall Program Guide was published in the August printed edition of the Milton Independent. The Guide is full of programs for all ages and interests, from fitness classes to family activities. If you have ever wanted to try pickleball, now is your chance. Registration is open on the Recreation and Parks website, and we encourage you to take advantage of what our recreation team has put together. 

Construction Begins Soon on the ADA Compliant Perimeter Path

We are also excited about getting closer to construction on the new mile-long ADA-compliant perimeter path at Bombardier Park. This project is tentatively scheduled to begin in October. Once finished, it will provide a safe, accessible walking path that will serve residents of all abilities. When complete, it will be a true community asset for recreation and wellness.

Supporting Families with Summer Meals

Summer can be a difficult time for families when school-based meals are not available. This summer, Hunger Free Vermont partnered with and Essex Westford School District (EWSD), to help ensure that families had consistent access to nutritious meals through their Free Vermont Summer Meals program. The Town of Milton hosted a Thursday meal box pickup site at Bombardier Park West, where more than 50,000 meals were distributed. Each box contained a week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches for children under the age of 18. 

This program eased financial pressure, reduced the risk of hunger, and ensured children continued to receive healthy meals. The scale and success of this initiative show what is possible when local organizations and the Town come together with a shared purpose.

Mountain Bike Trails at Bombardier Park Now Open

The opening of the new mountain bike trails at Bombardier Park West was another highlight of the summer. These are Milton’s first public mountain bike trails and feature nearly three miles of hand- and machine-built routes with berms, rollers, and other features for riders of all skill levels. Download a map of the Bombardier Park West trails (PDF)

This project was built almost entirely through community volunteerism. More than 100 volunteers contributed over 1,000 hours of time, along with equipment, materials, and donations valued at tens of thousands of dollars. Without that generosity, the project would have cost the Town between $75,000 and $110,000. Instead, the Town’s direct expense was under $5,000. The new trails are not only a recreational asset but also a powerful reminder of what Milton residents can accomplish together. 

Hourglass Project Update

Work continues on the Hourglass Project at the intersection of Railroad Street and Middle Road. Utility relocations and other preparation are underway, and the project remains on schedule to begin major construction in the 2026 season. Once complete, Milton will have a safer intersection and a central green space in the heart of town that can be enjoyed for generations.

Roadway and Infrastructure Work Wraps Up as Town Prepares for Winter

Our Department of Public Works (DPW) Highway crew has been busy wrapping up summer projects across town. This includes roadway improvements, stormwater system work, and maintenance efforts that keep our infrastructure functioning smoothly. As we move into the fall, the DPW team will be transitioning to seasonal responsibilities such as roadside clean-up, drainage work, preparing equipment, and ensuring that roads and facilities are ready for the colder months ahead.

Paving is also scheduled to take place at the end of this month. Roads to be paved include portions of Beartrap Road, Hunting Ridge Road, Steeplechase, Fox Run, and Middle Road. Follow the Town’s facebook page for notifications and updates. We ask residents to watch for crews at work and allow extra time for travel if you are in these areas.

Join Us in Shaping Milton’s Future

As we head into the colder months and spend a little less time outdoors, I encourage residents to consider joining one of our Town committees or attending an upcoming Selectboard meeting. These are meaningful ways to be involved in shaping the future of Milton. A list of current vacancies and instructions to apply are always available on the Employment page of the Town’s website under “Volunteers for Boards, Commissions, Committees”.

We are fortunate to live in a town with strong community spirit, active volunteers, and residents who care deeply about their neighbors. Thank you for all you do to support Milton and for helping us continue to build a community that we can all be proud to call home. Together we are Milton.

With gratitude and commitment,
Chris Taylor, Milton Town Manager