Milford zoning board opens public review of CDD 3 to allow housing and mixed use

At a remote meeting of the Milford City Zoning Board, commissioners opened a public discussion on possible changes to the CDD 3 (Commercial Design District 3) zoning to permit residential and mixed‑use development and to encourage economic development and affordable housing.

The board described CDD 3 as the corridor from the McDonald’s in Devon east toward the area near Post Road and Exit 34 and said the district currently does not permit residential uses. Chair (board chair) summed up the purpose: to solicit public input and to determine whether the zoning should be altered to allow housing and mixed uses.

Why it matters: board members and residents repeatedly framed the discussion around a citywide housing shortage and the need for affordable, walkable development that could support downtown activity. The meeting considered where housing might be permitted in the district, what incentives the city could offer developers, and how to protect existing commercial corridors while adding new housing options.

Board discussion and staff context

David (city planning staff) reviewed topics from earlier meetings, including ideas already discussed for CDD 2 that could inform changes in CDD 3. David said prior discussions covered alternatives to a 100‑square‑foot per‑apartment outdoor‑space requirement (patios, balconies, rooftop gardens) and…