Big Changes Made To Milford Neighborhood's Zoning

MILFORD, CT — Significant changes could be coming to Milford's Devon neighborhood following a decision by the Planning and Zoning Board last week.

The board voted to approve changes to residential zoning regulations intended to promote economic development and housing opportunities in the Corridor Design District 2.

The vote on the measure was 7 to 2. Those in favor said the regulations are intended to address the need for affordable housing.

City Planner David Sulkis said the changes to zoning on Bridgeport Avenue and Naugatuck Avenue will allow for greater housing density while also permitting single-family homes to be converted to two- or three-family housing.

He said during his comments to the board that the regulations treat Bridgeport Avenue different from Naugatuck Avenue. Naugatuck Avenue will have "more of a carrot" for developers to construct affordable units due to the number of less utilized properties there. Bridgeport Avenue has stricter parking regulations and any new housing would require more parking.

Check out the full text of the new zoning regulations by clicking here.

Several residents spoke at the meeting regarding the changes. A group called All in for Milford recently held its own meeting, and residents who attended said they were looking for more trees, green space, as well as coffee shops, drugstores, and other neighborhood businesses mixed with housing.

Residents also emphasized making housing more affordable to allow existing homeowners to downsize if they desire.

"It's become much harder for older people to stay and for younger people to move in," one resident said.

A Devon resident spoke against the proposal, saying that he believed the majority of people who live in the Devon area were against the regulation change.

He mentioned the negative reaction on social media to a proposed housing project at the Bridgeport Flyer diner property, adding that people in the neighborhood don't want more traffic.

Related: Last Call At Historic Milford Diner Closing For Good This Weekend

The regulations call for at least 15 percent of any residential project to be affordable housing in the Devon area but does not affect other city neighborhoods.

Video of the full Planning and Zoning Board meeting is available here.

Read more: Stonebridge Spurs Rule Change For Live Music In Downtown Milford

Jennifer Leigh Musante, 52 of Milford, passed away on May 11, 2025