Nine-Unit Affordable Housing Project Approved for High Street 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.
Peak Hour Traffic Projections
The study revealed the development would generate minimal traffic impact:
- Morning peak hours: One vehicle entering, three vehicles exiting
- Afternoon peak hours: Three vehicles entering, two vehicles exiting
- Traffic flow pattern: 100% of traffic would enter from the south and exit to the north on High Street
"The traffic report is thorough and a good representation," Ulman told the board.
Area Safety Context
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.
Safety Improvement: 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 and Environmental Features
The approved plans include several key infrastructure elements:
Parking and Access
- Total parking spaces: 20 (11 outdoor spaces)
- Driveway access from High Street
- Catch basins at the throat of the driveway and rear of the parking lot
- Relocated shade tree to maintain proper sight lines
Stormwater Management
Professional Engineer Ron Wassmer of 158 Research Drive confirmed the development's comprehensive stormwater management system, designed to prevent discharge into municipal water systems:
- Western section: Four rows of gallery retention
- Eastern section: Three rows of gallery retention
- Purpose: Capture potential pollutants from the parking area
Other Board Business: Zoning District Reviews
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.
Looking Ahead
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 Vote Breakdown
In favor (6):
- B. Anderson
- B. Kaligian
- M. Macchio
- J. Mortimer
- R. Satti
- Chairman J. Quish
Opposed (1):
- J. Agnese
The meeting, conducted via Zoom, adjourned at 7:34 PM.
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