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Milford board approves three easements for United Illuminating to replace transmission lines
Summary
At its March 18 meeting the Milford Planning and Zoning Board voted to refer three easement grants to the Board of Aldermen under CGS §8-24 so United Illuminating can replace and protect aging transmission infrastructure near the train station and other locations.
The Milford Planning and Zoning Board on March 18 voted to approve referrals under Connecticut General Statutes §8-24 for three utility easements requested by United Illuminating as part of the company’s plan to replace aging 15 kV transmission infrastructure.
City Attorney John Burchard told the board the easements arose from an earlier Connecticut Siting Council filing by United Illuminating. "These are 3 easements, requested the city's requesting 8 24, referral from this board," he said, and added the city and UI "have negotiated the price" for the rights-of-way and that, if the board refers the items affirmatively, the final approval will be by the Milford Board of Aldermen.
Jody Dressel, an attorney with Harris Beach representing United Illuminating, described the location for one of the easements: “So 0 River Street is located, not far from your train station… this is on the north northern side of the train station.” Dressel said the permanent easement there is a very small sliver and the temporary construction easement would impact approximately seven parking spaces in the city-owned lot adjacent to the station.
The three items acted on were: a temporary construction easement at 0 Old Gate Lane (work expected to begin in second quarter 2027 and to consist of intermittent work over roughly five nonconsecutive days, subject to construction sequencing); a permanent easement and a temporary construction easement at 0 Prospect Street (the permanent easement is for a line blowout and tree removal to protect the new line); and a permanent easement plus a temporary construction easement at 0 River Street to support construction near the train station parking lot.
Board members asked for clarifications about duration and impacts. Dressel said work at Old Gate Lane is likely to be completed within the third quarter of 2027 but conceded timing depends on sequencing. Burchard confirmed the easement areas and that agreed prices had been reviewed with the city tax assessor.
The board moved and seconded each of the three referrals and took roll-call votes. Each motion passed by a majority on the record and will go to the Board of Aldermen for final action under CGS §8-24.
The board did not discuss any changes to the terms of the negotiated payments; Burchard said staff had reached agreement on price and that UI counsel and representatives were present to answer any further questions.
Votes at a glance - Temporary construction easement, 0 Old Gate Lane — motion approved by roll call (see vote_record). - Permanent and temporary easements, 0 Prospect Street — motion approved by roll call. - Permanent and temporary easements, 0 River Street — motion approved by roll call.
The referrals now move to the Milford Board of Aldermen for final consideration under CGS §8-24; a simple majority will approve an affirmative referral, Burchard advised.
