Nine-Unit 8-30g Project Moves Forward Despite Traffic Concerns

MILFORD, CT – The Milford Planning and Zoning Board voted 6-1 to approve a new affordable housing development at 294 High Street during their November 5, 2025 meeting, clearing the way for nine residential units in the city's RO zone.

The project, presented by Attorney Thomas Lynch of Lynch Trembicki & Boynton, will be developed under Connecticut's 8-30g statute, which requires that 30% of units be designated as affordable housing. High St. Properties, LLC owns the parcel at Map 65, Block 310, Parcel 6A.

Traffic Study Shows Minimal Impact

A key concern from the board's previous October 21 meeting was addressed when traffic engineer Stephen Ulman of Benesch Associates presented comprehensive traffic data. The study revealed the development would generate minimal traffic impact with only one vehicle entering and three exiting during morning peak hours, and three vehicles entering with two exiting during afternoon peak hours. "The traffic report is thorough and a good representation," Ulman told the board, noting that 100% of traffic would enter from the south and exit to the north on High Street.

The presentation highlighted crash data from 2022-2024, showing 50 total crashes in the area – primarily at the intersections of High Street with West Main Street and Boston Post Road. Board member Bryan Anderson was credited with successfully advocating for a four-way stop sign at the West Main and High Street intersection in 2012-2013, which has significantly improved safety. Community Support for Affordable Housing

Jamie Mullen Rude, a resident of 141 West Main Street and member of All in for Milford, spoke in favor of the project during the public hearing portion of the meeting. "I believe it is an important project and hope it is approved," Rude said, while inquiring whether more than the required 30% of units could be designated as affordable. Attorney Lynch confirmed the development would maintain the standard 8-30g requirement of 30% affordable units. Site Design Features

The approved plans include:

20 total parking spaces (11 outdoor spaces) Storm water management systems with gallery retention to prevent discharge into municipal water systems

Catch basins at the throat of the driveway and rear of the parking lot Relocation of a shade tree to maintain proper sight lines

Professional Engineer Ron Wassmer of 158 Research Drive confirmed the development's stormwater management would include four rows of galleys in the western section and three rows in the eastern section to capture potential pollutants from the parking area.

Looking Ahead: Zoning District Reviews In other business, Board Chairman Jim Quish discussed the possibility of hiring outside consultants to review the city's CDD-3 (Commercial Design District) zoning and potentially examine CDD-1 zoning regulations. Board member Robert Satti requested City Planner David Sulkis create a spreadsheet summarizing previous discussions before the next meeting. The board also approved its 2026 meeting calendar and acknowledged recent municipal elections, with Chairman Quish congratulating re-elected board members and welcoming a new member set to join in January.

The sole dissenting vote on the High Street development came from board member J. Agnese, while B. Anderson, B. Kaligian, M. Macchio, J. Mortimer, R. Satti, and Chairman J. Quish voted in favor. The meeting, conducted via Zoom, adjourned at 7:34 PM.