Two nights of town meeting and two nights of dysfunction. Milton has been renamed Dysfunction Junction (with several rapid transit stations naturally!).

Last night, we sent two articles back to the Planning Board for more work including one on Accessory Dwelling Units. State law mandates ADUs in single-family districts now but towns can place “reasonable” restrictions on them. Town meeting determined that the article before us was not reasonable, including requiring more of those who wish to add a 900 square foot ADU than those wanting to build a 5,000 square foot McMansion. It was sent back for more work.

A site plan review article was sent back to the Planning Board. Two other articles were sent back to the Select Board. Town meeting members sent back 4 of 13 articles that were initiated by town bodies.

We did close town meeting with a bang however. Debate on Articles 14 and 15 came late, going until 11:15pm. Article 14 was a citizens petition to transfer $24.61 (a penny for every zoned unit called for by the MBTA CA) from the town’s legal budget to the schools. A symbolic shot across the bow of a town that is paying lawyers $940 per hour to defend us against the Attorney General. Article 15 was a non-binding citizens petition signed by over 200 residents that asked for the Planning Board to do its job and comply with the MBTA Communities Act.

The debate was fiery. Sad. Disquieting. Three leaders of the “no” campaign took to the floor to double-down. The loss for the town in the Supreme Judicial Court was actually a win. Their greatest hits were played again. The no side really does want more affordable housing. The yes side doesn’t listen. Rapid transit is not rapid enough. It was angry, rambling and at times unhinged. Our moderator interrupted a town meeting member and reminded him to “not cast aspersions” but relented when the speaker told him he was casting aspersions on state government. That’s okay I guess. A heckler saying the “whole game is rigged” in a Trump-like rant from the cheap seats. The lead “no” organizer doing a commercial for her political operation. And the advertising executive turned affordable housing expert railing away and lying to the body by saying, three times for effect, “there is no provision for affordable housing in the MBTA Communities Act.” There is.

Not a great night. One hopeful sign was the overwhelming support for our public schools over the two nights. Both articles addressing our school overcrowding passed with huge majorities. We will need that unity this spring as Milton will vote on an override to stave off job cuts for our teachers and public safety personnel. Our divide on housing is real and deep. Our next test is to come together in support of a yes for our schools and town government services amidst the national anti-government environment. Godspeed, Milton.