Petition in Support of the Lower Gile Turf Project

Addressed to a SMALL group of Opposed Residents: 

Click here to read the latest appeal filed against this project: 

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lrpki74ypofp0rjg418va/FILE_3222.pdf?rlkey=qb97z2mje1f3p2ewou0knvecp&st=gjggki8j&dl=0 

We, the undersigned residents of Milton, strongly support the Lower Gile Turf Project at 25 Gile Road, Milton, MA, and urge you to support it as well.

This project was approved at Town Meeting in May 2022 and has also received formal approval from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Despite these clear approvals, opposition from just **12 individuals** has stalled progress, **costing the town time, money, and denying our children a vital community resource.**

**We respectfully ask that this small group of individuals withdraw their appeal** so that the town can proceed with this long-overdue, widely supported project.

Why This Project Must Proceed:
- It’s Long Overdue: The community approved this project nearly two years ago. Permitting and bidding were expected to conclude by early 2023, with construction completed by Fall 2023. Continued delays are no longer acceptable.

• Approved by the State: The Massachusetts DEP has officially approved this project, confirming it meets all environmental standards. Just last week, the MA DEP issued a permit in support of this project! There is no valid reason to delay further.
• Delays Are Costing the Town: Like the school building project, delays here have driven construction costs up. Materials and labor are now more expensive, and the longer we wait, the more taxpayers pay. These delays are a financial burden and a lost opportunity for our children.
•  Supports Equity and Women’s Sports: Playable, safe fields promote equity in sports access—especially for girls and women’s programs, which have historically faced field shortages. Turf at Lower Gile ensures fair access for all youth athletes, leveling the playing field.
•  Affordable Access for All Families: Without local playable surfaces, families are forced to pay exorbitant club fees for field access in other towns. This project ensures Milton’s children can play close to home, making sports accessible to all families, not just those who can afford private options.
• - Essential for Youth Mental Health: Amidst a youth mental health epidemic, safe and consistent access to exercise and outdoor play is essential. Physical activity supports emotional well-being, social connection, and healthy development for our children.
• - Year-Round, Safe Access: Turf ensures reliable, weather-resistant field access, reducing cancellations and safety hazards from poor conditions.
• - Environmental and Financial Responsibility: Turf fields eliminate the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and constant watering, making them a sustainable, cost-effective investment with predictable maintenance.

We believe it is time to move forward. This project reflects the will of the town, has state approval, and is a long-overdue investment in our children, our community, and a more equitable future. We respectfully request your support in allowing this state-approved, community-backed project to proceed without further delay.