By Scott MacKeen
Staff Writer
7/23/09
Proponents who favor restoring the Town Farm to its former history have gained what may be a powerful new ally going forward in the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
The commission, in a recent letter to town officials and neighbors, stated that the property fits the criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, a designation that could bring financial aid to the farm. The MHC reached its conclusion after researching the site.
Once a property belonging to Gov. William Stoughton, one of the early leaders of Colonial Massachusetts, the farm now contains deteriorating structures that date back to the mid-19th century, including one that housed smallpox victims. The site also houses the town’s animal shelter.
Once the location of a poor farm, the land was set aside to aid the poor of Milton under Stoughton’s 1701 will. Its 34 acres are located at the end of Governor Stoughton Lane.
“The Milton Town Farm represents a rare remaining example of an early form of public welfare, in which communities were charged with the responsibility of looking after indigents, the elderly and those citizens in need of assistance,” the MHC letter states. “Its historic importance to the town is considerable, both as an open space and as an historic survivor.”
Town Farm has been the center of recent debate. Selectmen, as trustees under the will, put together a study committee to explore possible scenarios for use of the land. Some of those have included different residential scenarios, with a focus on Chapter 40B affordable housing. Residents who live near the farm have opposed high-density construction.
Joseph Grogan, of Countryside Lane, said the state commission’s support represents a victory for the neighbors. The town’s own historical commission is also behind a preservation plan.
“This is really great news. We’re just thrilled about this,” said Grogan, who was one of two residents, along with Gov. Stoughton Lane resident Frank Mulligan, who first sought the MHC’s advice on the Town Farm property.
Residents who have pushed for the historic preservation of the site have organized as a group called Milton Friends of Town Farm.