Milton Asks What It Will Take to Keep Its Horse Farms and Large Lots

Milton wants to hear what would help owners hold on to their horse farms and large properties, and what might lead them to sell or develop the land.

The city will hold a public input session Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Milton City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk. City staff and members of the Milton Equestrian Committee will listen to residents’ experiences and suggestions.

The discussion is intended to help the city understand the practical challenges of maintaining these properties over the long term and consider ways to support owners while preserving Milton’s rural character.

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The session replaces the committee’s regular meeting. There will be no presentation or formal proceedings, and the city says it will continue until everyone present has had an opportunity to speak.

Owners and other residents welcome

Horse farm and large-lot owners are invited to describe the difficulties they face, concerns about the future of their properties and ideas for assistance. Participation is also open to other residents, including people who might want to own a larger property someday.

The city has not announced a specific policy change as part of the session. The feedback is meant to help the Equestrian Committee, City Council and staff consider possible approaches.

Building on earlier surveys

The discussion follows two city surveys conducted earlier this year, asking horse farm and large-lot owners about their experiences and obstacles to keeping their properties in the years ahead. People who completed a survey are welcome to attend, as are those who did not.

Wednesday’s session gives participants a chance to explain those experiences in person and suggest what the city could do.

Milton is also gathering input this month on its city-owned greenspaces through a separate planning effort. Those Greenprint open houses concern public properties; the Oct. 21 discussion focuses on the challenges of retaining horse farms and large lots.

Details are available in the city’s public input announcement.