Milford Bank Development Stalls Over Traffic Concerns

MILFORD, MA — A local bank's plan to open a new branch at the site of a former bar and restaurant along Medway Street hit a snag during a Planning Board hearing in June.

Milford Federal Bank has asked the town to approve plans for an almost 4,000 square-foot branch at 67 Medway St. — the site of the now closed Richard's Roadhouse bar and restaurant. The bank would include two drive-thru lanes and a parking area, according to a public notice. The branch would replace the smaller Milford Federal branch farther east at the Kohl's shopping plaza.

During a public hearing at a June 21 Planning Board meeting, a majority of members expressed concerns about westbound drivers along Medway Street traffic causing delays by trying to make left turns into the branch.

Member Patrick Kennelly said he'd like to see Milford Federal install a 140-foot row of flexible posts in the middle of the road near the intersection of Medway and Birch streets. The posts would prevent left turns from the westbound lanes. Kennelly said traffic already backs up near the corner of Birch and Medway during afternoon rush hours without the bank there.

Plans submitted by the bank show that the branch's main Medway Street driveway would be angled so only eastbound traffic could enter.

The board voted to continue a public hearing over the branch until the July 12 meeting with the expectation that plans will be updated to include the flex posts.