40 Milford Residents Oppose Developer's Zone Change Request

MILFORD, CT — A developer, JMAK Properties, is seeking a zone change from the city of Milford and a total of 40 residents oppose the plans.

The applicant is seeking to change the zoning designation of 126 Smith Avenue (0 Smith Avenue) from R-7.5 to R-5 for the purpose of pursuing a subdivision at some point in the future. Currently, the land is zoned to allow for one home, while the developer is seeking a zone change to allow for two homes on the property.

The property is 13,157-square-feet and does not have the required 15,000-square-feet to subdivide it as required in the R-7.5 zone, according to documents. The surrounding properties on the same block are R-7.5. The property is a waterfront site with direct access to Long Island Sound.

Most of the residents opposing the plans live on Broadway, Bittersweet, Waterbury and Smith avenues. You can view all 40 letters of opposition here.

Several letter writers state they oppose the plans due to density concerns and feel the two-lot subdivision would impact their property values.

One letter states: "Over the years, the Wildemere Beach neighborhood has worked with the City of Milford to reduce density and prevent overcrowding in this already crowded shoreline community. JMAK properties purchased the property knowing it was zoned for a single-family residence, which I believe it should remain."

The proposal will be discussed at the Sept. 8 Planning and Zoning Board meeting.