Commission approves six-unit 8-30g housing project at 214 North Street with fire-hydrant condition

The Milford City Planning & Zoning Commission approved a six-unit residential development at 214 North Street under Connecticut General Statute 8-30g, subject to the installation of a fire hydrant in a location acceptable to the fire marshal.

Attorney Thomas Lynch and engineer Robert Weiwei presented the project, describing two buildings of three units each (six units total) with two units designated as affordable under 8-30g. Lynch said the affordability plan sets rents for two-bedroom units at $1,880 per month for households at 80% of the state median income and $1,388 per month for households at 60% of the state median income. The project lies partly in FEMA AE flood zone but outside the floodway; the Inland Wetlands Agency previously issued a permit and the sewer commission administratively approved sewer connections. The fire marshal approved the plans with a condition that a hydrant be located within 400 feet of the site.

Commissioners raised a concern that locating the designated affordable units in the middle units could be perceived as creating qualitatively inferior placements (fewer windows, less light). Attorney Lynch and staff responded that state regulations require the affordable units be comparable in materials, finishes and amenities and noted that unit assignment could change over time through tenant turnover and leasing to meet equivalency requirements.

On a recorded vote the commission approved the project with one commissioner recorded as voting against; the approval included the fire-hydrant condition required by the fire marshal.