Milton council approves first reading to rezone 25.5 acres on Caroline Street for recreational use; public raises traffic and sewer concerns

The Milton City Council on Aug. 12 approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone two parcels totaling about 25.5 acres behind 6593 Caroline Street from R-2 (one- and two-family residential) to a recreation zoning district and separately approved a corresponding future land use map amendment, each on 5-3 votes. The council also heard public comments raising access, traffic and wastewater-capacity concerns.

City planning staff opened the public hearing, noting the Milton Planning Board recommended the rezoning by a 4–1 vote and that the recommended development agreement would allow the property to revert to its original zoning if development is not constructed within five years of the rezoning date. The council took the matter up as two ordinances; both passed first reading and will return for second reading at the council’s September meeting.

Why it matters: The rezoning would allow a recreational use on a site currently limited to single- and two-family dwellings under R-2. Neighbors and other residents said a recreational use proposed by the applicant—an RV park—would increase turning maneuvers and queuing on Highway 90 and…