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Board approves martial-arts academy at 333 Quarry Road amid parking study debate
Summary
Milford’s Planning and Zoning Board approved a special exception for VIA Academy, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training program at 333 Quarry Road, after hearing competing parking analyses and a public statement emphasizing youth programming; the board declined to condition approval on the pending police report.
The Milford Planning and Zoning Board on April 7 approved a special exception allowing a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu–focused training and mentorship academy to occupy 4,600 square feet at 333 Quarry Road.
Attorney Thomas Lynch presented the application on behalf of principals Matthew Franco and Kublai Demirian, describing VIA Academy as "a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu based training and mentorship academy dedicated to athletic development, discipline, leadership, and community impact," and stressing that 75–80% of instruction will be youth-focused. Lynch asked the board to consider shared parking for the industrial-site gyms and submitted a parking study arguing the site’s supply is adequate.
Board members and staff discussed the property’s parking in detail. Staff summarized two analyses in the record: an Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)-based calculation that would produce a peak demand of 157 spaces (creating an 11-space deficit against 146 available spaces) and an observational parking study showing an observed peak of 89 spaces used. The board noted those methods produce different estimates because the building contains multiple small, class-based studios rather than one large commercial gym.
The police department review was not yet finalized; staff said the department meets next week and that the zoning board is the authority to grant the special exception. Some board members urged caution about waiting for outside reports, but the board ultimately did not make approval contingent on the police report.
During public comment, Matthew Franco said he operates nonprofit youth programs and has taught more than 1,000 children in New Haven; he said the landlord had given a favorable rental arrangement to help expand youth programming in Milford. The board moved to approve the special exception and members voted in favor. Chairman Quish wished the applicants luck.
