Milford Zoning Change Paves Way For Potential Colonial Toyota Plans

MILFORD, CT — The Planning and Zoning Board approved a zoning change that will pave the way for potential future development for Colonial Toyota.

The board approved changing the lot at 21 Ford Street from residential to mixed-use. The lot is currently being used for vehicle storage at the dealership and is owned by Gold Coast Freehold, which is associated with Colonial Toyota.

A few neighbors expressed concern about the change. Nearby resident Prashant Chandra expressed concern that commercial traffic would use Ford, Peck and Gunn streets. He spoke of a similar situation in 2014.

“The owners promised to leave a portion of the property's residential in perpetuity, to lock out commercial traffic from coming onto Ford Street,” he said. “They also promised to pave their parking lot and install solid fencing… the sidewalk they installed is still not complete, it’s been eight years since the last zoning meeting and these things are still not done.”

Justin Raffone, speaking on behalf of Robert Crabtree and Crabtree Automotive Group, said that new trees were recently planted and that a large fence could also be installed to increase privacy.

“There was a little bit of a change in strategy with that property as we had acquired some other properties,” Raffone said. “And of course, we are looking to further develop it. But in the process of doing that, we do respect and want to continue to increase that hedge to keep that privacy there.”

The lot owner would have to come before the board again for a special permit application if they decide to develop the property, City Planner David Sulkis said.