Parking, Pedestrian Safety Concerns Aired At Milford Meeting

MILFORD, CT — At this month's Board of Police Commissioners meeting, residents of Walnut and Gulf beaches expressed concerns over parking and pedestrian safety. After the two residents spoke, Police Chief Keith Mello said the department will look into the concerns.

S. Alderman, who is a resident of Walnut Beach Condo. – spoke on behalf of the Walnut Beach Condominium Association expressing concern regarding the increased parking and traffic congestion, specifically between driveways on East Broadway.

She explained that when the parking spaces are filled, it is difficult to exit from parking lots. Further she noted that last summer the city did remove 1 space between building 4 and 5 but nothing at building 6 and residents exiting that parking area are worried particularly when pulling out of the lot as there is poor visibility to see if bicycle or car is coming from the left.

Mello recommended Traffic Division take a closer look at the area in question.

Patricia Patrikios, of Dock Road – expressed concern regarding traffic calming measures in the Gulf Street/Dock Road area. Stated she just left another meeting regarding this matter where the residents of the neighborhood expressed their concern regarding pedestrian safety.

Chairman Richard Smith explained that this matter is on the agenda for this meeting and will be further discussed at that time. Discussion ensued regarding diagonal parking on E. Broadway and

Mello explained the intentions are to go forward with a temporary solution of parking kiosks.

Regarding the Walnut Beach parking kiosks, which were recently installed, Mello explained Milford residents will pay no fee for parking; non-residents must pay to park whether it be on the street or in the lot. It was also noted that the signage regarding restrictions for times have been removed and new signage regarding kiosks are installed. It was noted that the Department will be working to enforce the parking areas and the “pay and display” areas as best they can however, there will be a grace period prior to enforcement becoming effective.