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Commission approves rezoning at 1481 New Haven Ave to allow subdivision
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a zone change from R-12.5 to R-5 for 1481 New Haven Avenue, allowing the property owner to subdivide the 13,257-square-foot lot and create a second single-family home; the vote was 6–2.
The Milford Planning & Zoning Commission voted 6–2 to approve a zone change from R-12.5 to R-5 for property at 1481 New Haven Avenue (Map 71, Block 773, Parcel 6), a proposal that would allow the owner to subdivide a 13,257-square-foot lot and construct a second single-family house.
Attorney Kevin Crusaidan, representing owner Izzo Benedetto, told the commission the change would make the lot consistent in size with nearby properties and would not introduce a different land use: "We're just asking for the square footage of the zone to be reduced in order to be in compliance with a lot of the other lots in the neighborhood," he said. He argued the property would connect to R-5 zoning across the street and therefore is not “spot zoning.”
City staff recommended caution. Planner David Sulkes noted the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) discourages single-parcel upzoning within established single-family districts and said page 33 of the POCD describes the city’s preference to preserve existing single-family districts. Sulkes warned that changes to single-family zoning should follow a broader study and POCD amendment.
Public comment was mixed but largely supportive: Woodmont borough representatives and a petition of 29 signatures were cited in favor; nearby residents who spoke described the proposed house as consistent with neighborhood character. Commissioners debated precedent and the definition of spot zoning; some said proximity to existing R-5 across the street supported the change, while others urged a broader planning process.
After public comment the commission moved to approve the application. The final roll-call tally recorded six votes for approval and two against; the motion carried. The applicant and staff said the next procedural step would be subdivision review and any further approvals required for the proposed new house and town utilities.
