Milford council approves preliminary plan and funding path for Deep Branch Park after months of debate

Milford City Council on a 5-3 vote approved a preliminary site plan for the Deep Branch Park project and authorized staff to pursue required permits and competitive bids for Phase 1 construction.

The council vote came after a 15-minute public comment period in which multiple Milford residents urged the city to build the park and others raised concerns about traffic, noise and maintenance. Residents who spoke in favor described the park as a needed recreational resource for a growing portion of the city; opponents and some council members questioned the site choice, ongoing maintenance costs and whether grant funding might be better used elsewhere.

“Deep Branch Park, a project that holds the potential to greatly benefit our community both now and for generations to come,” said Nina Pletcher, who gave her home address as 428 South Walnut Street, during public comments. Several other residents — including Mitch Edmonson, Paul Hayes, Kathy Stetson and Carolyn Hayes — voiced support…