Meet Milton Planning Board Chair Emily Innes

Milton’s Planning Board is one of the most prominent boards in our local government with its members often present at town meetings and business openings. But when they are not in the public spotlight, the members of the Planning Board work to improve all things concerning zoning and subdivision in town.

As Planning Board Chair Emily Innes explained, the board is responsible for such tasks as review and approval of subdivisions, stone walls on scenic roads, site plans, changes to local buildings and proposing zoning changes.

The board is also in charge of the Master Plan, the plan that documents the entire geographic and commercial layout of Milton. Innes noted that “our current plan was last updated in 1977, however, we do have a Community Development Plan that was completed in 2004."

In this week’s Inside Town Hall, Emily Innes discussed her past and present role on the Planning Board and what she hopes to accomplish with her newly-elected term.

Why did you run for your position on the Planning Board?

My first year on the Warrant Committee, I was assigned to the Zoning Subcommittee. I became fascinated with the zoning changes happening during the five years I was on the Warrant Committee and the year after I stepped off, I ran for Planning Board. I was re-elected this year for my second five-year term.

What is the biggest project the board is dealing with at this time?

131 Eliot Street (also known as the Hendrie's Building) is hands-down the most visible project we are discussing right now. The successful completion of this project is the key to revitalizing the entire Central Avenue Business District.

Can you explain a little about your history with the Board?

My first term came to an end in April 2011. I ran for re-election this spring and was elected to a second five-year term.

When not working on the Master Plan of Milton, what do you enjoy doing with your free time?

I'm pretty busy - my day job is at an urban planning and architecture firm. In my free time, I enjoy North Carolina pulled pork, architectural history and any form of gardening that doesn't involve weeding.

What is one goal you would still like to reach during your current term on the board?

There are a few things I'd like to do before 2016. I remain very interested in updating our Master Plan and I hope information from the East Milton Parking and Traffic Study will help with that as well as the town-wide survey we did a few years ago. I am interested in exploring the possibility of design guidelines for our current commercial districts to make it easier for property owners to invest in those business areas. And finally, I'd like to take another look at our cluster bylaw to see if we can make it more attractive for developers to use.

For more information on the Planning Board and its members, visit TownofMilton.org.