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Planning & Zoning Board approves 64-unit development at 801 Boston Post Road after debate over affordability and historic character
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Summary
The Milford Planning & Zoning Board approved a special permit and site plan for a 64-unit, two-building development at 801 Boston Post Road. The application drew discussion about affordable units, solar panels, traffic and the loss of historic homes; staff and consultants reported no outstanding engineering, drainage or traffic issues.
The Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Milford voted to approve a special permit and site plan for a 64-unit multifamily development at 801 Boston Post Road (Metro 801 LLC). The proposal calls for two three-story buildings totaling 64 units (Building A: 25 units; Building B: 39 units), 76 on-site parking spaces where 70 are required, and eight electric vehicle charging stations.
Attorney Thomas Lynch presented the application under section 316 of the zoning regulations and described the team in attendance, including architect John Wicklow and civil engineer Ronald Weismer. Lynch said the plan meets zoning requirements and called the proposal a "64 unit multifamily residential development" configured as two buildings. He also noted a traffic study by David Sullivan and referenced department memos and city-engineer reviews included in the filing.
Engineer Ronald Weismer told the board the site currently lacks storm drainage and that proposed plans comply with City of Milford standards, including provisions to meet 100-year storm infiltration requirements. Traffic consultant David Sullivan said his counts and operational studies show the nearby Orange Avenue/Route 1 intersection will function under the proposed development and that projected turning volumes from the site onto Orange Avenue are negligible for a residential project.
Public commenters raised concerns about the development’s scale, the loss of historic houses and the affordability of the proposed units. A resident warned that the project could "destroy the historic district" by replacing older houses; another commenter, who identified herself as Therese, asked who the housing is geared toward and urged sensitivity to longtime Milford residents. Board members expressed a desire for more affordable units and for solar installation but were told that the regulations do not require affordability provisions for site-plan special permits and that courts have limited the board’s authority to impose such conditions in administrative site-plan reviews. Planner Mr. Sulkes summarized the administrative review: the plans meet zoning standards, provide required parking, include EV charging, and had no outstanding departmental issues.
A committee member moved to approve the special permit and site plan; the motion was seconded, the board took a roll-call vote and the application was approved on the record. The board closed the public hearing and moved to other business.
