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Kathleen O’Donnell announces candidacy for re-election to Milton Planning Board

I am running for re-election to the Planning Board because I believe that my experience as a real estate and land-use lawyer provides a necessary skill set to this Board.

I have specialized in real estate law for over 40 years, representing buyers and sellers, serving as a title expert, and helping towns preserve open space and create affordable housing with their community preservation act funds. Before starting my own firm 11 years ago, I was an associate in a firm that acted as town counsel for a third of the cities and towns in Massachusetts. My assignments ranged from serving as special counsel to boards of appeals on 40B applications to writing a municipal harbor plan. As a result of serving on Governor Romney’s taskforce on 40B, I worked with state legislators to draft the laws and regulations that created affordable housing trusts and smart growth zoning.

I have been a resident of Milton since 1985; my first home was a two-family house on Brush Hill Road, then an affordable option for a first-time homebuyer. I moved to East Milton over 30 years ago and appreciate the closeness of this neighborhood and the amenities like parks and shops that helped me survive these COVID times.

Volunteerism is a strong trait in my family and I’ve been happy to serve Milton as a member of the Board of Appeals before joining the Planning Board, chair of the new Community Preservation Committee, Board Member of the Friends of the Milton Public Library and a Town Meeting member for Precinct 7.

Long a hidden gem in Greater Boston, Milton was able for many years to stay above the fray of development but it has now been “discovered” by 40B developers. Our town is also faced with state mandates under the new MBTA Communities legislation to provide zoning that would permit a more diverse type of housing. I would like to continue to be a part of the discussion on how we can best meet these obligations.

‘With your vote, I hope to continue to work with the Select Board, the Planning and Development team, the Conservation Commission and the Historic Commission to preserve what is best about our town and provide a healthy and supportive community for all our residents.