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Milford board approves special permit for new flood‑compliant home at 107 Melba Street
Summary
The Milford Planning and Zoning Board approved a special permit and coastal area management site plan review to replace a 1904 house at 107 Melba Street with a FEMA- and zoning‑compliant single‑family dwelling; neighbors voiced support and staff said no adverse coastal impacts are expected.
The Milford Planning and Zoning Board on July 2 approved a special permit and coastal area management site plan review to replace an aging house at 107 Melba Street with a new FEMA- and zoning‑compliant single‑family home.
The board approved the petition of Craig and Geralyn Southard for a special permit to construct a new single‑family dwelling at Map 29, Block 587, Parcel 36 after a public hearing in which an abutting neighbor said he supported the project as a resilience and neighborhood‑improvement measure.
Attorney Kevin Kersaden, representing the applicants, told the board the project follows a variance previously granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals and will replace a house that, “according to the assessor's records, [was] built in 1904,” with a dwelling that will be “zoning and flood, FEMA compliant, because we are in the flood zone.” David Sulkes, speaking for planning staff, described the submission as “a very straightforward application,” adding that the proposed new house would be 34 feet, 10 inches in height and that “a variance has been granted for side yard setbacks. There are no adverse impacts to coastal resources, anticipated.”
During board questions, member Saddy asked whether a second structure on the lot would include living space. Kersaden replied that the existing garage “is being replaced in the same footprint. It's not living space.” The applicant team and their attorney also told the board that the project reduces impervious coverage by removing concrete and replacing a paved driveway with gravel, a change made to satisfy conditions from the prior variance process.
Resident Jeff Einig, who said he lives “just a few doors down from 107,” voiced support during public comment and urged the board to approve the plan, saying neighbors “strongly support this proposal” because it would bring the property into modern flood standards and improve neighborhood appearance.
The public hearing was closed without objection. Board member Quish made the motion to approve the petition; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote. The chair announced the motion passed and wished the applicants well.
Less consequential administrative business followed: the board discussed an upcoming subcommittee or special meeting to consider potential improvements to section CDD‑3 of the zoning code and approved minutes from a prior meeting.
The approval allows the Southards to begin work subject to any building‑permit and coastal permitting processes required by city staff and applicable regulations.
