$20M Downtown Milford Project Approved, May Include Restaurant

MILFORD, CT — Despite opposition from some residents, the Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously to approve Metro Star properties LLC's plans to redevelop the former Smith Funeral Home site on Broad Street into a five-building mixed-use development.

And now redevelopment plans may include a restaurant as part of the project, the developer said. During a recent meeting, the developer said he'd like to bring a new restaurant downtown as part of the project, which could be part of the existing former Smith Funeral Home building.

The project will include five buildings in total and will maintain the existing funeral home building, which will be reconfigured. Once completed, the development will include 77 residential units and approximately 11,170 square feet of commercial space.

Robert Smith, Metro Star LLC founder, told zoning members that the mansion would remain substantially intact even though it is not deemed historically significant. He said the rear buildings had been razed. He provided a site plan with the proposed apartments. He said a street view of the property would remain consistent with its appearance today and that a monument to Simon Lake would be created.

He emphasized the Transit-Oriented Design features of the project. He said the new lower level parking reduces surface level parking, allowing for additional landscaping. He said the revision also moved the garage entrance from High Street to the right of way. He said the design could feature a parking calculation of 168 spaces, whereas the revision provides 177.

He said he anticipates spending $20 million to build the complex and that he would not reduce satisfaction of potential residents by creating parking problems. He said that considering the new parking accommodation, he wanted to propose a restaurant use for the lower floor of the building.

He said that in addition to onsite parking, the restaurant would share parking with office spaces at the end of the business day. Plans also include a small fitness center for occupants of the apartments.

David Sullivan, traffic engineer, 99 Realty Dr, Cheshire, reviewed his traffic report, with driveway areas on Broad Street and High Street. He estimated the development would generate between 30-40 trips during peak hours.

City Planner David Sulkis stated that the plan is substantially compliant with the zoning regulations.

Some comments in opposition from the public:

Allison Britting said the façade should stay the same, that the three proposed building will be too big, and that she fears vacant apartments, additional traffic, and lack of train commutation due to the pandemic.

Darcy Jeffrey, 17 Grove St, said she is mostly in favor of the project because it will add vibrancy to downtown, but she worries about environmental impacts and is glad to see more green space added. She said a goal should be to reduce building emissions.

Kate Orecchio, 165 Broad St, said the MCDD’s purpose is to preserve the unique character of downtown, but she does not think this preserves the downtown area. She said the site abuts her property and she fears traffic will become more dangerous. She asked where restaurant workers will park and about event (eg weddings) parking.

She also commended Bob Smith for his cooperation with the community and allowed that the mansion would make a lovely restaurant. She prefers fewer apartments.

Shelly Buynak, 9 Windsong Ln, listed Mr. Smith’s current real estate holdings. She said the city has enough development.

Wendy Zimbardi, 200 Red Root Lane, said she is against overdevelopment and that this seems to be too much for downtown.

Ann Maher, 28 Prospect Street, said the density and scale concerns her, as well as access for emergency vehicles.

People in support of the project:

Carter Mario, 1 Point Beach Drive, said he is a Milford resident since 1960, and has been in law practice in Milford for 31 years. He said he has known Smith since 1987, and Smith’s projects are sustainable, and typically occupied by young professionals. He said the current area near the train is unattractive and not a good first impression for people arriving via train. He said this project will be an investment in the grand list.

John Profetto, 48 Carrington Ave, said he is the former owner of Rainbow Gardens, an abutting property. He said that in 1995 when he bought the house on Broad Street for restaurant use, the property was just months away from demolition due to neglect. He said the former owners of 125 Broad Street mainly used it as a commuter parking lot and that it was and is now an asphaltcovered, poorly drained area. He said this area will be transformed by high quality, architecturally pleasing buildings and that downtown businesses would love more residents and foot traffic. He said Bob Smith will create a high quality environment.

Joe Agro, 55 Brewster Rd, said he grew up 3 blocks away from the site, was a 70s-era alderman, has run parking lots locally, and researched Transit-Oriented Development (TOS). He said this project is a perfect example of good TOD. He said that in the 1970s, the CT Post Mall took a devastating toll on downtown businesses. He said a study done in the 1970s called for 400-500 apartments to be built within walking distance of the green to revive small business there.

He said the project creates foot traffic for downtown shops and restaurants. He approved of the housing being hidden behind wonderful old buildings to be preserved. He said Mr. Smith’s other projects are testament to the future quality of this project.

Tom Nolan, 25 High Street, said he has known Smith for 50 years. He sai Smith creates beautiful architecture, a solid tenant base, and that his projects have added to the beautification of downtown.

Rich Smith, 59 Sixth Ave, said he has seen a lot of development but thinks this is a perfect fit behind the mansion near the train. He said change and development will happen, but the best outcome is when developers have sensitivity to the character of the community and quality.