Milford 2023 Candidate Profile: Christopher Wilson, Planning Board

MILFORD, MA — Milford's spring town election is coming up on April 4, and Milford Patch has reached out to candidates running in contested races to answer questions about why they're running.

In 2023, only races for planning board and school committee are contested, with the latter attracting the most candidates. This year's planning board race is split between two seats: a full 5-year term, and a 3-year unexpired term.

Christopher Wilson is running for one of the 5-year seats. Here's why he's running in 2023.

Christopher Wilson, 48, mechanical engineer

Relevant experience

Twenty-five years of design engineering and project management experience. 5 years served on the Milford School Committee. Current Chairperson Milford School Committee

Why are you running for a seat on the planning board?

I want to ensure the town of Milford continues to grow with a balance of residential, commercial, and industrial properties that create a positive impact for all our citizens without over straining resources needed to support this growth. As the current chairperson of the school committee I see the impact residential growth has had on the school system. Enrollment has steadily increased and educational space is at a premium. The planning board needs to be aware of this impact and I can bring that voice.

What are your thoughts on affordable housing? It's in short supply in Milford and across the state, so what should be done about that?

Milford has its share of affordable housing. Milford also has a larger rental market compared to surrounding towns that share our border. The current economy has created a rise in rental costs. Milford is also limited on buildable space, so any new developments take away areas we need to hold onto. It is important to maintain areas as green open space for citizens to enjoy. Also, Milford Public Schools is already seeing more than 60% of its student population in need. Adding more affordable housing can and will impact our school system as well as put more strain on our town services. Milford must maintain a housing balance while still assisting the affording housing population within the community.

If you could change any zoning regulations in Milford, what would you change and why?

I think the Town of Milford has the correct balance of zoning regulations. We continue to see growth in the commercial and industrial areas of the town. As seen in the pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion on Fortune Blvd and the new manufacturer moving into the old Stop and Shop location. These new or expanded businesses help with our dual tax rate, keeping residential taxes down, without the need to make sweeping zoning changes.

What types of development would you like to see increase in Milford, and what types would you like to see less of?

Downtown Milford is in need of improvements and revitalization. There are area towns, like Hudson, that over the past 10 years, have revitalized their downtown with new mixed use businesses. COVID has impacted new projects like the Rail Trail restaurant, but with the right support more businesses can and will move to our Main Street making it a destination to eat and shop.

Milford needs to carefully consider the increased number of duplexes being built. Building 2 residences on a single lot doubles the impact on services like water and sewer. Multiple dwellings on one property can also result in more students, which again increases our public school enrollment. A community balance of properties needs to be continuously evaluated.

Previous Milford 2023 candidate profiles:

• Milford 2023 Candidate Profile: Martin Montoya, School Committee
• Milford 2023 Candidate Profile: Brendan Rickert, School Committee