Local businesses thrive alongside corporate arrivals. Cumberland Farms, Stewart’s Shops, and Allardyce Building Supply report Milton locations ranking within their top three countywide performers. “If you look at the businesses that are here now, we are within the top three throughout the whole county in every single one of those businesses,” Ostrander emphasizes. “Our people want to shop here; they want to stay here.” The town’s economic development philosophy explicitly excludes heavy industry. “We do not have any land that is zoned for heavy industrial use,” Olenik states.“All of the economic development we’re going to be looking at is primarily small businesses, whether it’s small retail stores, restaurants and services.”This approach preserves community character while generating sustainable tax revenue. “The more we offer them to stay shopping local in our town, the better off we are,” Ostrander adds, connecting retail success to broader fiscal health. THE TRAIL NETWORK VISION Milton’s parks expansion rivals its commercial growth, with $1.2 million invested in playground equipment alone. Suzanne Lyall Park features specialized equipment for children with disabilities within a fully fenced perimeter, while demand drives plans for a duplicate facility. “It’s one of the busiest playgrounds around, and we’re going to duplicate that playground here as a second one because of the overflow of how many people actually utilize our parks,” Ostrander explains. The Woods Hollow Nature Preserve acquisition from Ballston Spa marks a significant step toward regional trail connectivity.This former village property offers hiking trails in summer and ice skating in winter, expanding Milton’s four-season recreation options. Meanwhile, Kayaderosseras Creek, designated as a prime trout stream by New York State, anchors the town’s natural assets. The Creekside Park trail follows the waterway, while Cottrell-Harrington Park on Route 29 provides fishing access with a dedicated deck area. “We’re going to expand ball courts, new basketball courts, maybe implement a new dog park, maybe like a stage for music,” Ostrander outlines. The trail network vision extends beyond the town is probably the most profitable store on their chain because the people are supporting it,” Olenik reports. NAPA Auto Parts chose Milton for its largest facility nationwide, recognizing untapped market potential in the growing community. Cannabis retail adds another revenue stream following New York’s legalization. “We have one of those that came in and that is a benefit for the town because of the tax revenues that are being obtained,” Olenik acknowledges. The dispensary joins an expanding roster of businesses drawn to Milton’s demographics and location. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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