Development News for Milford, Massachusetts

Milford Planning Board Approves Amended Site Plan for Propane Storage Facility with Wall Repair Conditions

The board reviewed an amended site plan for a propane storage facility at 31 Beimma Street, addressing previous issues with retaining walls. Revised plans and a memorandum from a structural engineer detailed proposed repairs and reconstructions for walls identified as problematic (walls 3, 4, and 5). Wall 1 was eliminated, and Wall 2's installation for grading near wetlands was confirmed. The board debated the sufficiency of the engineer's assessment and the timeline for repairs, ultimately approving the amended site plan with a condition that the fire chief cannot give final inspection of the propane system until the walls are approved and accepted by the structural engineer. They also added a condition for relocating a red maple tree.

Milford Planning Board Recommends Unfavorable Vote on Lot Size Variance Request for Two Mason Drive

The planning board discussed a variance request for two Mason Drive concerning minimum lot area requirements. The applicant, employed by the town's planning office, sought to create a new lot within an existing large lot, resulting in two lots that would not meet the RC zone's minimum size requirement of 45,000 sq ft. Board members expressed concerns about the lack of specific hardship and the potential to negatively alter the neighborhood's character and set a precedent. The board voted to send an unfavorable recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), citing non-conforming lot size and the potential change to the area's zoning classification.

Milford Considers Bylaw Updates for Distribution Centers, Fitness Services, and Parking Regulations

The board discussed proposed amendments to the town's bylaws, including new definitions for 'warehouse distribution' or 'storage facility' to better accommodate distribution centers, and a definition for 'fitness services' (gyms, etc.) to categorize them appropriately. They also explored parking requirements for electronic data storage facilities, noting that current bylaws may lead to excessive parking. Additionally, the board addressed a bylaw provision regarding parking spaces behind buildings without direct customer access, discussing whether to waive this restriction or disallow such spaces entirely to prevent unused pavement. These proposals are intended for further discussion.