Turtle Barrier Proposed In Milford

MILFORD, CT — The city's Inland Wetlands Agency is considering an application to construct a turtle barrier at 553 West Avenue.

Grillo Services LLC is requesting to install a turtle barrier as part of a 2016 approval for an apartment complex. The turtle barrier requires work in and within 150 feet of wetlands and Beaver Brook in the Housatonic River Watershed.

The Planning and Zoning Board voted in 2017 to approve Grillo Services LLC proposal to construct a 342-unit apartment complex at 553 West Avenue. A total of 108 of the 342 units will be designated as affordable, according to state statutes. The overall parcel is 57.3 acres. "

The purpose of this work is to install a stage 1 turtle barrier to allow a spring relocation of the threatened and endangered eastern box turtle per the original ... approval that has since received (state) approval," according to inland wetlands meeting minutes.

The Grillos said they plan to do this work in the fall and relocate the turtles next spring. This is the first step before construction of the apartment complex project.

Officials said there are not many turtles on the site, but they want to ensure they are protected and a 1,200-foot long fence will be installed. A tractor will be needed to help create the barrier.

Officials said relocation of the turtles is difficult as they often try and return.

A dog is trained to sniff out turtles, and then they are captured and transported to the other side and let go near the upland area and it could take 4 to 5 visits to get all the turtles relocated, officials explained. The fence is needed to ensure the turtles don't get onto railroad tracks.