Milford Fights To Stop $10M Silver Sands State Park Project

MILFORD, CT — Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford), state Rep. Kim Rose, D-Milford, and a group of Milford residents testified before the Environment Committee for an immediate moratorium on the controversial buildout of Silver Sands Beach State Park. Hundreds of Milford residents have expressed their opposition to this project, and Senate Bill 605 would halt it until it is approved locally.

“The people of Milford have been vocal in their opposition to this project, and this bill ensures that their voices are heard,” said Senator Slossberg in a news release. “Residents should not be forced to accept this expensive, burdensome project, particularly not when deep cuts to our education and municipal aid budgets are being considered. This bill puts the state and the people of Milford on equal ground, and it is my hope that we can then reach a reasonable, fair conclusion that is agreeable to the people who would live around this buildout.” To sign up for Milford breaking news alerts and more, click here.

The Silver Sands proposal, which is currently estimated to cost $10 million, has been in the works for some time now. Public hearings held in Milford attracted hundreds of town residents. Opponents to the project are concerned that the project is based on an outdated Environmental Impact Evaluation and is underestimating the damage that this construction project will have to local plants and wildlife, Slossberg's office said in a news releae. They are also concerned that the plan to begin collecting tolls for people to park at the beach will make it too expensive for community residents to visit the beach they have been going to for years, the release states.

The proposed buildout of Silver Sands would include construction of a maintenance garage, concession stand, viewing stand, entrance booth and other facilities. Senate Bill 605 ensures the state could not pursue this controversial construction project at Silver Sands without approval from the town of Milford. This bill would establish a moratorium on construction of the project until such time as the Milford Board of Alderman votes to approve it.

Slossberg and other Milford residents have requested more information on the proposed buildout, including environmental and traffic evaluations, as long as short and long-term cost projections. To date, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has not responded, prompting Senator Slossberg to submit a Freedom of Information Act request in order to obtain the information.

State Rep. Kim Rose, D-Milford, said in an email, "I spoke in favor of legislation I co-introduced, Senate Bill #605, that will put a hold on the Silver Sands construction project."

"We need to have all facts for such a costly project that will continue to have a negative impact on the scenic view, traffic, parking and public safety for nearby residents. There is also concern that DEEP is using a 22 year old environmental impact report," Rose said. "If you would still like to submit testimony in support of this bill please feel free to e-mail it to ENVtestimony@cga.ct.gov and please cc me at Kim.Rose@cga.ct.gov so I can read your comments."

Silver Sands is a 297 acre property located along the coast of Milford. The park has significant historical and recreational importance to surrounding communities and the state as a whole. Silver Sands has been a state park since 1960.

Written by Brian McCready (Patch National Staff)

(Editor's Note: This story first ran previously but here it is again in case you missed it.)