Stonebridge Restaurant Plans Interesting Project Downtown

MILFORD, CT — Stonebridge Restaurant, a local institution in downtown Milford, is seeking approval from the city to conduct an interesting project on city property.

Owner Richard Conine wants to add an "aerating fountain" for the Stonebridge Pond, which is on city land. The fountain would be anchored by two concrete anchor blocks and secured by chains; power would be by an umbilical to the Stonebridge property, according to meeting minutes from the July Inland Wetlands Commission.

The fountain is necessary to "help circulate the water and slow the growth of algae." If approved, a company would install the 'floating aeration' devices.

The fountain would be about 75 feet above the waterfall and Attorney Thomas Lynch told members of the Inland Wetland Commission that it would be "aesthetically pleasing."

The fountain would prevent lily pads and algae as the pond was dredged by the city last year. The fountain would be operational at all times, except during the colder months, when it would be removed, according to meeting minutes.

The plans were received enthusiastically by the Inland Wetlands Commission and have been endorsed by the city's Public Works Department.

According to the website, discountpumps.biz, an aerating fountain is "The solution to your pond management headaches. With the aerating floating fountain, algae, unpleasant odors, sludge, weeds and poor water clarity due to stratification are history, without the need for chemicals, dyes or labor-intensive dredging."