The $9M Milford Project That Many Didn't Want Is Celebrated Today

(Editor's Note: This story has been updated and corrected to reflect the fact that Milford residents with Connecticut registered vehicles do not have to pay to get into the park, they are covered under the Passport to Parks program that makes all Connecticut State Parks free to those with Connecticut registered vehicles.

State officials also said Monday that additionally, as part of the project parking has been expanded by roughly 100 spaces, including the addition of charging stations for electric vehicles, thus minimizing impact on surrounding streets.)

MILFORD, CT — The $9.1 million project that no one in Milford wants is now well underway and a ceremony was held in Milford, which included Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

I'm sure no one is against restrooms, a concession building and a short new boardwalk but city officials and local residents wanted no part of this controversial project because Milford residents because there is concern about the scope of the project and its impact on the environment and local neighborhoods. An earlier concern that residents would have to pay to access the park has since been alleviated by the new Passport to Parks program.

In 2017, Milford officials said this about the Silver Sands project:

"No one wants this project and the state of Connecticut cannot afford it," Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, said at a then press conference."Milford residents have been unified and vocal in their opposition to the buildout of Silver Sands. They have raised numerous concerns about the project, but those concerns have not been resolved, and in many cases never acknowledged."

"The priorities up in Hartford are not the same priorities that we have locally," Mayor Ben Blake said back in 2017. "At the same time we do not think the priorities coming from Hartford to build out this beautiful, pristine park are right,"

Rep. Kim Rose echoed Slossberg's and Blake's comments. "I along with countless residents and municipal leaders have voiced concern over this project's potential negative effect on the environment, local community and public safety," Rose said in 2017.

>>>Here is the full unedited release put out today from Gov. Malloy's office about the status of the park project. When you read the full release, you'll notice there are no comments from local officials or residents.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Department of Energy and Environment Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Rob Klee today cut a ribbon to celebrate the imminent completion of long-awaited renovations at Silver Sands State Park in Milford.

The project, which will be fully completed by the beginning of the 2019 beach season, includes three new buildings, including a concession building, restrooms, and offices. A new beach boardwalk will connect the previously existing boardwalk to the bathhouse, and a short new boardwalk across the tidal wetlands will connect the existing main boardwalk to the new bathhouse.

“Connecticut’s state parks are integral to the state’s quality of life,” Governor Malloy said. “These renovations will help make Silver Sands more accessible for all. The beauty of our shoreline state parks is that they give people from all backgrounds, regardless of their socioeconomic situation, the opportunity to utilize our world-class beaches. I could not be more proud of the improvements that are being made.”

The main paved parking lot, which previously consisted of 197 spaces, is being expanded to 251 spaces. The overflow gravel parking lot, which had been 500 spaces, is being reconfigured and built with reinforced grass with a total of 420 spaces.

A new grassed parking lot will be constructed to the north of the main parking lot that will have 146 spaces. Parking at the bathhouse, which previously consisted of 16 spaces, is being reconfigured to accommodate the new building and will increase to 20 spaces. A ticket booth complex is being constructed along the entry road, and a new maintenance building is being constructed at the north end.

This 4,710 square-foot building will include a 1,660 square-foot garage, a 1,537 square-foot workshop and storage area and 1,527 square-feet of staff space.

“The significant investments in the Connecticut State Park system are a hallmark of the Malloy administration,” Commissioner Klee said. “Each year, millions of people visit our state parks. Projects such as the one at Silver Sands will significantly improve the visitor experience for all park goers in the years to come.”

The state park acquisition of Silver Sands, ultimately involving over 300 parcels, began after Hurricane Diane destroyed 75 homes in 1955. Needing help to renovate the battered beach, the City of Milford asked the Park Commission for help with the nearly overwhelming task. When the land transfers were complete in 1960, Silver Sands became the state’s fourth shoreline park.