Slossberg Tries to Unlock Mystery Behind Controversial Silver Sands Park Upgrades

MILFORD, CT — State Sen. Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford) submitted a Freedom of Information Request to Commissioner Rob Klee of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The request concerns a $10 million construction project proposed for Silver Sands Beach State Park in Milford, which has been widely opposed by town residents, Slossberg said in a news release.

“It is just incredible to me that this unwanted, multimillion dollar project would move forward at the same time that it’s being proposed that millions will be cut from our schools and town,” said Slossberg in a statement. “Hundreds of Milford residents showed up to ask questions and voice our opposition to this program. It’s insulting to propose cutting funding from our town and then using our tax dollars to build out the beach in our neighborhoods and charge us and others to use it.

“Over a year has passed since we first asked for more information and DEEP has failed to answer our basic questions. It is my hope that this Freedom of Information Act Request will result in Milford getting the answers it deserves," Slossberg said.

• To sign up for Milford breaking news alerts and more, click here.

DEEP spokesman Dennis Schain in an email to Patch said, "We will comply with the Senator’s request and review our records to provide information she is seeking."

The planned park upgrades include: adding public bathrooms, changing areas, lifeguard and law enforcement space, and a snack bar with a wraparound deck.

Instead of having free access to Silver Sands residents will pay $9.57 on weekdays and about $14 on weekends. Milford officials have previously vehemently opposed the idea of a toll booth and residents having to pay.

Documents requested by Slossberg include, but are not limited to:

• The financial analysis for the proposed construction at Silver Sands State Park, including the capital and operating costs, revenue projections, short and long term cost projections, staffing requirements, and any other item that may have a fiscal impact on the state budget.
• Traffic congestion analysis, traffic studies, and proposed solutions to visitors parking in surrounding neighborhoods.
• The Environmental Impact Evaluation and any updates.
• The formal basis that DEEP used to determine the need for this construction.
• Any information that demonstrates public support or need for this project.

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.

Photo credit: DEEP