Former Restaurant, Inn Site Approved For Redevelopment In Milford

MILFORD, CT — The former and now demolished El Torero restaurant and Milford Post Inn at 1698 Boston Post Road was approved by the Planning and Zoning Board to become a used vehicle dealership, and new auto storage yard.

The vote was unanimous and there is still the potential in the future that the front part of the parcel could become a home to a restaurant or another use, according to PZB meeting minutes.

The applicant is Boston Post Road LLC. Attorney Thomas Lynch told the PZB that the applicant has been in business here for over 50 years, but purchased this property in 2017 with the intention of moving their used car dealership there.

He described a proposed 2,600 square-foot building to be used under Special Exception to store new cars awaiting sale at the primary dealership. He said the property consists of roughly 4 acres where the now-demolished El Torero restaurant and Milford Post Inn had been located.

He said the application is being made for use of the rear portion of the property; the front portion will be reserved for future use and development. He said the building would be used for auto prep prior to delivery. He referred to required buffers along both residential side of property in contrast to less of a buffer on the side of the property bordering Goodwill and Costco.

He noted an 8’ security fence in far northwest portion of property allowed by a variance granted by the ZBA.

Engineer Ron Wassmer drew attention to a proposed driveway on southwest corner of the property to provide for future expansion of the property, featuring 2 lanes exiting and 1 entering, subject to a state driveway permit.

He reviewed characteristics of the 70’ buffer along residential properties on Tumblebrook
Drive, noting that existing trees will be supplemented by evergreens, shade trees, and buffer landscaping.

He said no significant changes would be made to the existing property’s grading. He reviewed plans for utilities and illumination. He said the property will be newly paved with exception of an existing paved area where former restaurant was located.

He shared a conceptual site plan for potential future uses such as a restaurant, which was not part of the current proposal. He noted that the 2 driveway aprons currently on property would be reduced to one on the southwest of the property. He said the property includes 2 parcels which
will be merged. He shared a floor plan showing the exterior and interior of building.

City Planner David Sulkis recommended that the landscape plan be amended to include more arborvitaes, suggesting that Attorney Lynch use language similar to the following: “My client will install additional arborvitaes to the right side of the buffer to Mr. Frank Tomaszek’s (124 Tumblebrook) satisfaction.”

Sulkis indicated that the addition of fence slats to the chain link fence had also not occurred. Attorney Lynch agreed to add to this language to the conditions.

The PZB approved the project with conditions as follows: The applicant 1) shall update their plans to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and Fire Marshal; 2) shall plant additional arborvitaes in a quantity and location to meet Mr. Tomaszek’s satisfaction; 3) shall not develop or use the portion of the property closest to the Boston Post Road.