Board approves six‑unit 8‑30g project at 551 Naugatuck Avenue, two units set aside as affordable

The Milford Planning and Zoning Board on Sept. 2 approved a site plan under Connecticut General Statutes Section 8‑30g to demolish the Devon Duckpin bowling facility at 551 Naugatuck Avenue and build a six‑unit residential development. Attorney Steven Bellas presented the project as a set‑aside 8‑30g: two of the six units will be deed‑restricted as affordable for 40 years (one at 60% AMI and one at 80% AMI); the units are townhouse‑style, two‑bedroom units above garage parking.

The applicant’s engineer, Jim Rotondo (Pereira Engineering), described the design: ground‑level parking for 10 cars (including one accessible space), a ramp to the second‑floor living areas, an underground stormwater system sized to reduce runoff and improve water quality, and landscaping and a 6‑foot vinyl privacy fence along side and rear property lines. The project proposed no separate on‑site recreation area; the applicant noted nearby public amenities such as Walnut Beach and local parks.

Public commenters opposed the loss of the bowling alley and expressed concerns about parking, recreation space for residents, neighborhood character and infrastructure capacity. The applicant noted WPCA approval for sewer hookup and said engineering comments from the city engineer were addressed in revised plans. Board members described the project as consistent with goals to introduce housing in the CDD‑2 area and approved the site plan on a roll call vote.

The approval clears the local planning step for the 8‑30g project; the applicant must still secure required building permits and meet erosion‑control and utility requirements. The affordable units will be administered per the applicant’s affordability plan and deed restrictions will be recorded on the land records for 40 years.