Existing Business Relocating To Milford

MILFORD, CT — Armando Alves is bringing his business, Coastal Stone, Inc. to Milford from Bridgeport. The business will operate at 620 West Avenue.

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved Alves' request for a chain link fence in the yard of the property.

Attorney Thomas Lynch said Alves’ company, Coastal Stone, was currently operating in Bridgeport but moving to Milford. He referenced other stone and granite businesses in Milford featuring showrooms and offices with stone stored outdoors, saying this would be the plan for

Coastal Stone. He referred to a site plan with the proposed fence placement indicated. He described the lot and abutting properties.

He said most of the frontage is on Stran Road, which is where the stone would be stored. He said that the surrounding area is more industrial and the building itself has been used for industrial purposes. He referred to other stone companies and their zoning.

He said the CDD-1- permitted 4’ fence would not provide a level of security to prevent theft.

Board member William Soda expressed concern that the portion of the property that fronts West Street would become a storage area and create an eyesore.

Richard Frederick, of Stran Road, said he has run his business at 30 Stran Road for 20 years and agreed that the fence would be an eyesore on West Avenue. He said he understood the need to protect inventory, but the placement of the fence was especially problematic because there was a turnaround for trucks that would be obstructed by the fence.

He said if the area wasn’t used for parking, employees would start parking on the street, further impeding trucks and creating a potentially dangerous situation. He said during snowstorms, Stran Road was a cul de sac that is among the last to be plowed, creating even more difficulty in running businesses on the street.

He described how deliveries are made to his business and said he was considering asking the Milford Police Traffic Division to ensure access for emergency vehicles. He submitted photos illustrating the difficulties he was describing. He said he was supportive of businesses, but wished
to share his concerns. He said owners in the area take pride in the appearance of the businesses.

Soda asked if Frederick would drop his objections if the fence were repositioned to the area he had suggested when he, Alves, and Lynch had their earlier discussion. Frederick indicated that he would be satisfied with the change proposed by Soda.

The proposal was voted on and approved by the ZBA.