Milford Seeks Major Parking Expansion At Eisenhower Park

MILFORD, CT — The city of Milford is seeking to add 180 new parking spaces at Foote Field and the Splash Pad area at Eisenhower Park. The project needs Inland Wetlands Commission approval and there has been concern that some work was done prior to the issuance of permits, according to the March 20 meeting minutes.

The new parking area would run parallel to North Street and connect the parking at Foote Field and the main entrance area near the playground and splash pad. The parking area is requested by the city due to "increased programming at the park and for the safe access to both Foote Field and the play areas," meeting minutes state.

Commissioner Carol Dunn said at the meeting that "180 spaces seem like a lot of spaces..." Commissioner Ken Cowden, according to meeting minutes, "expressed concern that work is already taking place on this project before permits have been issued."

"Johnson stated that they put a stop to any work and are doing it properly. Cowden stated that based on the mapping it appears that there has been clearing and work in the area pf proposed parking spaces 142/147 to 190 and up to 191," meeting minutes state. "Under the Regulations if work is being done without a permit it is a violation and a cease and desist should be issued by the Compliance Officer."

Commissioner Brandon Magnan states that the "IWA has a statutory requirement that everyone needs to follow."

The meeting concluded with the commission asking staff to inspect the site and ensure that erosion controls are installed and that no work occurs until the project is permitted.