MILFORD — A lengthy and often emotional meeting of the Milford Board of Aldermen on Monday night featured hours of public comment on topics ranging from short-term rental regulations and human trafficking awareness to charter revision and downtown development proposals.

The most heavily debated issue of the evening centered on a proposed ordinance regulating short-term residential rentals, including Airbnb and VRBO-style properties throughout the city.

Residents packed the meeting chambers to voice sharply divided opinions on the proposal, with some urging the city to adopt stronger oversight measures to preserve neighborhood character and quality of life, while others argued the ordinance unfairly targeted responsible property owners and small businesses.

Following extensive public testimony and debate among aldermen, the Board ultimately approved both the short-term rental ordinance and its related enforcement provisions by 9-6 votes.

Debate Over Short-Term Rentals

The ordinance establishes a licensing and registration system for short-term rental properties in Milford. Under the proposal, operators would be required to register annually with the city and comply with certain occupancy, safety, and nuisance-related standards.

Several residents from the city’s beach communities argued that the ordinance was necessary to address noise complaints, parking concerns, and quality-of-life issues they said have intensified in recent years.

One resident speaking on behalf of members of the Silver Beach Association said residents were not opposed to visitors or traditional rentals but wanted “clear, enforceable standards” for short-term rentals operating in residential neighborhoods.

“We want a clear, enforceable standard that protects quiet enjoyment,” Civitale told the board.

Others urged the city to adopt a permit system with escalating penalties for verified nuisance violations and a requirement for a local contact person available to respond to complaints.

Supporters of the ordinance argued that beach-area neighborhoods have experienced growing strain from seasonal turnover, increased traffic, parking congestion, and transient occupancy.

A resident and representative of the Walnut Beach Association said he was concerned about the long-term impact of short-term rentals on housing availability for younger families.

“We need to keep this as a community rather than just a space for people to vacation,” he said.

However, many property owners and hosts pushed back strongly against the proposal, arguing there was little evidence that short-term rentals were creating widespread problems.

One East Broadway resident questioned whether the city had documented evidence showing short-term rentals generated more violations than owner-occupied homes or traditional rentals.

“I think the ordinance is solving a problem that doesn’t exist,” Mecca said.

Several hosts described their rentals as family-oriented properties used by repeat visitors, traveling nurses, wedding guests, and seasonal tourists who support local businesses.

One property owner told aldermen the rental income helps offset rising taxes and mortgage costs while allowing the family to continue using the home themselves.

“These families cannot afford to rent something on the beach for a month or more, so many of them rent for a weekend or a week,” Ng said.

One short-term rental operator argued that many local businesses benefit directly from visitors staying in Milford.

“We’re showing people the best side of Milford,” Price said.

Several speakers also raised concerns about provisions involving complaint-based enforcement and collection of guest information.

City Attorney Jonathan Berchem later described the ordinance as a “balanced approach” intended to provide accountability without imposing overly restrictive regulations.

During debate, the Board approved amendments removing provisions related to personal identifying information and exempting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from portions of the ordinance.

Alderman Win Smith Jr. proposed both amendments, which passed unanimously.

Some aldermen said the final version struck a reasonable balance between property rights and neighborhood protections.

Alderman Robert Pacelli Jr. said the ordinance was designed to address citywide concerns while still allowing short-term rentals to continue operating.

Others remained unconvinced.

Alderman Andy Fowler and Alderman Michael Casey ultimately voted against the ordinance, with both expressing concerns about the burden on homeowners and whether existing nuisance laws were already sufficient.

Human Trafficking Awareness Proposal Draws Strong Support

Another major topic during public comment involved calls for the city to pursue stronger anti-human trafficking measures.

One Milford resident urged aldermen to begin crafting an ordinance requiring hotels, truck stops, and similar businesses to strengthen employee education and awareness training related to human trafficking.

Simonetti said Milford faces unique vulnerabilities due to its highway access, hotels, truck stops, and regional location between larger cities.

“We really think that the folks here in Milford are fed up with having traffickers use our city for their nefarious activities,” Simonetti said.

Multiple residents voiced support for the proposal throughout the evening.

Another resident speaking on behalf of local advocacy groups urged the city to take proactive action.

One resident told aldermen that educating workers to recognize warning signs could save lives.

“Knowledge is power,” Larkin said.

Several residents referenced concerns about trafficking activity near highway exits, hotels, and transportation corridors.

No formal ordinance was introduced Monday night, though multiple aldermen indicated additional discussions with city departments and law enforcement would likely follow.

Charter Revision Proposal Falls Short

The Board also debated a proposal to establish a Charter Revision Commission for the first time in more than four decades.

Supporters argued Milford’s city charter contains outdated language and inconsistencies with state statutes and current city operations.

Mayor Richard Smith said the charter has not undergone a major revision since 1983 and argued the process would ultimately allow voters — not politicians — to decide any proposed changes.

“There is no greater community involvement process in all of government than this one,” Smith said during the debate.

Opponents, however, expressed concern that reopening the charter could lead to politically motivated proposals, including discussions about extending the mayoral term from two years to four years.

Several residents also spoke against the proposal during public comment.

One resident urged the city to preserve the current two-year mayoral term, arguing frequent elections maintain accountability and responsiveness.

Alderman Andy Fowler and Alderman Win Smith III also voiced opposition during the meeting, questioning the timing and scope of the proposal.

Although the motion initially received a 9-5 vote in favor, the proposal ultimately failed because charter revision requires a two-thirds majority of the full Board.

Downtown Development Proposal Rejected

Later in the evening, aldermen rejected a proposal connected to redevelopment plans for 40 Broad Street in downtown Milford.

The proposal involved a temporary disruption of seven city parking spaces during construction of a mixed-use development planned for the site behind Colony Grill.

Attorney Thomas Lynch, representing property owner Stuart Walls, told aldermen the project would include commercial space on the ground floor and 10 apartments above.

Lynch emphasized that the city would retain the parking easement after construction and said the seven spaces would ultimately remain available.

Several aldermen, however, raised concerns about downtown parking impacts and whether future tenants and visitors would add pressure to already limited parking resources.

The proposal failed by a 10-5 vote.

Other Business

Earlier in the evening, Mayor Richard Smith recognized Milford United Way and Executive Director Kathy Bonetti ahead of the organization’s annual Duck Race fundraiser.

Smith proclaimed May as “Duck Month” in Milford and praised the organization’s ongoing work supporting local nonprofits and families.

The Board also approved several administrative items during the meeting, including a tire stewardship agreement expected to reduce municipal disposal costs and reallocations of remaining federal ARPA funds toward various city projects.

The meeting adjourned shortly before midnight following executive session discussions related to a police pension agreement.

The full Board of Aldermen meeting was held Monday, May 4, at Milford City Hall.