Milford Board considers sidewalk plan impacting wetland buffer on Mill Street

The Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal impacting local infrastructure. The meeting, chaired by Joan Darje, focused on a special exception request for minor wetland buffer impacts related to the construction of a sidewalk along Mill Street, which is part of a larger development plan for a 28-unit residential project.

Sam Ingram from Meridian Land Services presented the case on behalf of the developers, highlighting the necessity of the sidewalk as mandated by the town's Department of Public Works and supported by various planning and conservation boards. The proposed sidewalk will result in approximately 730 square feet of wetland buffer impact, a concern that the board addressed during the meeting.

Ingram emphasized that the sidewalk is crucial for enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility in the area, aligning with community planning goals. The board members engaged in discussions regarding the environmental implications of the buffer impact, seeking to balance development needs with ecological preservation.

As the meeting progressed, the board reviewed the application criteria and deliberated on the potential outcomes of the request. The decision on this special exception will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Mill Street and its surrounding environment, with further discussions anticipated in upcoming meetings.