Milford wetlands agency approves jurisdictional ruling for proposed pool at 148 Centennial Drive

The Milford Inlands Wetlands Agency voted unanimously March 18 to approve a jurisdictional ruling for a proposed 16‑by‑36‑foot in‑ground pool at 148 Centennial Drive.

Mary Rose, staff presenting the application, said the wetland is located off‑site to the east and that the applicant proposed silt fencing and a double row of hay bales to protect the off‑site wetland. The application notes the pool location was chosen to avoid a septic system on the north side of the property and that a concrete patio will surround the pool.

The applicant, Dave Fiore of Fiore Custom Pools, told the agency the project will “truck all material off‑site” and that excess fill will not be left on the property. Fiore also said the pool uses cartridge filters so “there’s no backwashing,” a point members raised when asking how chlorinated water or filter backwash would be handled during operation.

Commissioners asked whether the parcel had a secondary septic system and who regulates that issue; staff and the applicant said septic permitting and any requirement for a secondary system are handled by the health department and by zoning, not by the wetlands agency. Mary Rose and the city engineer also emphasized that erosion controls and construction details must meet the city‑engineer’s requirements.

Commissioner Jim Connors made the motion to approve a jurisdictional ruling and it was seconded; the motion carried unanimously on roll call. The agency’s approval is procedural (a jurisdictional ruling) and does not replace required health, zoning or city‑engineer permits. The agency advised the applicant to submit the final plans and to coordinate any required perk testing, health‑department approvals and city‑engineer review before construction.

The agency’s next regular meeting is April 1, 2026, when other items will return to the agenda if the applicant submits revised plans.