The Grounds Guys of Milford includes Gerry Westphal, second from left, and his wife Debbie, along with Zachary Cofrancesco, left, Jess Cofrancesco, John Butz, Mike Robinson, and CJ Cofrancesco, who is not pictured.

Gerry Westphal and his team at the Grounds Guys of Milford are off to a good start with their new franchise, having secured a contract to maintain the property at Pez in Orange, as well as other properties.

Westphal, a graduate of Jonathan Law High School, has been working in retail a number of years but always did landscaping on the side — that’s about 20 years of landscaping, he said.

This is his first season trying to see that side job materialize into something bigger.

He and his family, which includes wife Debbie, plus nieces and nephews, bought into the franchise last year.

The Grounds Guys of Milford serve Milford and beyond, from Ansonia to Orange, West Haven and Woodbridge, and towns in between.

Many of his customers are in Milford, and Debbie Westphal said her husband was sure to put Milford in the name “because he wanted to stick to his roots.”

The company handles commercial and residential services, and those range from lawn and bed maintenance to landscaping, outdoor lighting, fertilization and snow and ice management.

The Grounds Guys, a national franchise company, began with a single vision shared between 10 brothers, according to the company’s website.

“Originally, we opened our doors as Sunshine Grounds Care in 1987,” the website states. “As time passed and more brothers joined in the project, it became a widely recognized brand built on the principles of excellent workmanship, customer satisfaction, and real care.”

Today the Grounds Guys has more than 180 franchise locations around the country.

For more information go to groundsguys.com/milford/

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The City of Milford Animal Control Division will be conducting a residential survey of homes in Milford beginning on July 9.

The survey will consist of Animal Control representatives visiting homes regarding licensing compliance for dogs and cats.

During the visits, Animal Control representatives will educate residents on how to properly license their pets.

All dogs, six months and older, are required by law to be licensed. Any residents found to have unlicensed dogs in their possession may be subjected to a $75 fine per dog.

All dogs and cats over the age of three months are required to have a rabies vaccination. Animal owners not in compliance may be subjected to a $136 dollar fine per animal.

Dog licenses are available at the City of Milford Clerk’s Office. A valid rabies certificate showing the dog is currently vaccinated for rabies is needed to obtain the license. Dogs must be licensed every year by June 30.

For information regarding licensing fees contact or visit the City Clerk’s Office at 203-783-3210 in the Parsons Building located at 70 West River Street in Milford between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Residents may also visit the City of Milford website at ci.milford.ct.us and search “Dog Licenses” for further information.

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The Milford Historical Society invites residents to take a walk around downtown Milford on Saturday, July 11, starting from the Parson’s parking lot on West Main Street.

The group will gather at 9:45 a.m., and the 1.5 hour tour will begin at 10 a.m.

The walk will include a mixture of the old and new. See the site of Ye Olde Clark Tavern where George Washington once stopped for a meal, and continue on to the September 11 monument. Learn about the “Doughboy” statue dedicated to World War I veterans, and later see the site of the Capitol Theater where movies once cost 99 cents. Memorial Bridge is on the tour as is the Hotchkiss Bridge where the proposed Founders Walk will be constructed.

The tour is free, although donations will be accepted. To sign up for the tour, call Barbara Ortoleva at 203-874-0035.

The Society’s three houses are open for tours every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information go to milfordhistoricalsociety.org.

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The Milford Fine Arts 38th Annual Sand Sculpture Competition will take place July 25 from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. at Walnut Beach.

Bring a picnic, your beach blanket, pails and shovels, and create anything from huge lobsters to mermaids. Awards, trophies, and ribbons in various categories including Clubs/Friends, Families, and Individuals.

All ages are welcome. Registration is free and open to all. Event is free. Parking for nonresidents is $5. Registration 9:30 – 10:00 am, Sand building 10:00 am – 1:30 pm and judging at 1:30 pm. For rules or more information call the Milford Arts Council: 878-6647 or visit milfordarts.org.

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Milford police arrested Calvin Camp, 62, of New Haven on July 4 after police say he threatened to shoot a female while she was walking her dogs near the Milford Green on Broad Street.

Investigation led to the arrest of Camp, who police accuse of making the threats.

Camp is charged with second-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace.

He was released on a promise to appear in court on July 28.

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Several groups gathered Monday, July 6 in front of Milford City Hall to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Participating groups included the Center for Disability Rights-CT, West Haven Community House’s Community Connection, City of West Haven, City of Milford, Ct. Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities, the Agency on Aging and Bodie’s Place of Milford.

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File Photo: Christopher Plaskon, 17, is pictured here at an earlier court appearance. Left to right are attorney Edward Gavin, Plaskon’s uncle and guardian Paul Healy, Christopher Plaskon and attorney Richard Meehan, Jr. (Photo by Arnold Gold/New Haven Register)

Christopher Plaskon, the teenager charged with stabbing fellow student Maren Sanchez to death at Jonathan Law High School last year, was scheduled to appear in court today. But according to his attorney, the case has been continued to August.

In March, Plaskon’s attorneys filed paperwork with Milford Superior Court indicating they will rely on an insanity plea as Plaskon’s case moves forward.

Plaskon has been undergoing psychiatric evaluations since late last year. His attorney, Richard Meehan, said earlier in the pretrial hearing process that a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist would be interviewing Plaskon. The psychiatrist was also going to interview Plaskon’s family and others who know him to compile a report about his mental health.

Also in March, Milford State’s Attorney Kevin Lawlor filed a motion for an independent psychiatric evaluation of Plaskon.

Plaskon was scheduled to return to court July 7 for a status report. But his attorney Richard Meehan said on Monday that the case has been continued to Aug. 13. He did not comment on the reason for the continuance.

Plaskon has pled not guilty to a charge of murder, and his lawyers said in the past that they expected the plea would be based on one of three forms of an insanity plea.

The case will be presented to a three-judge panel, rather than a traditional jury, because Plaskon’s lawyers said they think judges will be better equipped to understand issues surrounding mental illness.

Sources said Plaskon stabbed Maren in a stairwell at Jonathan Law on the morning of April 25, 2014 because she was not going to the prom with him.

An autopsy report states that Maren died of stab wounds to the trunk and neck, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Plaskon is being held at the Manson Youth Institute in Cheshire on $3-million bond.

The post Christopher Plaskon’s case continued to August appeared first on Milford Mirror.

The Milford Historical Society invites residents to take a walk around downtown Milford on Saturday, July 11, starting from the Parson’s parking lot on West Main Street.

The group will gather at 9:45 a.m., and the 1.5 hour tour will begin at 10 a.m.

The walk will include a mixture of the old and new. See the site of Ye Olde Clark Tavern where George Washington once stopped for a meal, and continue on to the September 11 monument. Learn about the “Doughboy” statue dedicated to World War I veterans, and later see the site of the Capitol Theater where movies once cost 99 cents. Memorial Bridge is on the tour as is the Hotchkiss Bridge where the proposed Founders Walk will be constructed.

The tour is free, although donations will be accepted. To sign up for the tour, call Barbara Ortoleva at 203-874-0035.

The Society’s three houses are open for tours every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information go to milfordhistoricalsociety.org.

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The following students were named to the fourth quarter honor roll at Jonathan Law High School.

High Honors

Grade 9

Colleen Goodwin, Priya Gupta, Jacob Iwanicki, Atul Joseph, Morgan Macey, Oreoluwatomiwa Opayemi, Jillian Parsons, GraceAnn Piselli, Salma Samih.

Grade 10

Valeria Araujo, Jillian Bendlak, Ashley Boehm, Trisha Brady, Victoria Contaxis, Lexi Fisk, Simone Fletcher, Tanner Georgelos, Nicholas Glorioso, Sydney King, Katherine Lacadie, Madison Laezzo, Kavitha Mohanarajan, Lauren Paredes, Maeve Rourke, Deepika Senthilnathan, Olivia Steiner

Grade 11

Sara Beck, Luigi DeCastro, Alyssa Paladino, Kavita Rana, Amita Sastry, Emma Shea

Grade 12

Maryzyrene Adao, Brittany Bajerski, Robert Daniels, Jeremy Doucette, Jeffrey Eng, Emily Fetter, Kathryn Frawley, Jamie Georgelos, Jennifer Gill, Edwin Gonzales, Joshua Hicks, Hijab Mir, Hannah Naiburg, Jewel Okwuosa, Nikita Patel, Zoe Taylor, Brittany Welkes

First Honors

Grade 9

Margaux Acorda, Madeline Baldieri, Ciara Boyd, James Boyle, Mikaela Bravo, Dominick Buccitti, Emma Caserta, Matthew Cheng, Irmina Chrzastek, Tarla Grace Costes, Conor Creane, Nicholas Deveny, Nicolas Dostal, Alex Fisk, Robert Fisk, John Fowler, Brianna Gardner, Jacob Gwirtz, Erin Harrigan, Colleen Hugo, Noah Johnson, Olivia Keator, Matthew Marino, Carl Maxwell, Chloe McCullough, Dominika Michnik, Christina Mohammed, Kacy O’Connor, Gladen Jhay Orpiano, Stella Patrick, Radovan Pokrajac, Colleen Provenzano, Hannah Savoie, Lauren Smith, Cassandra Soda, Matthew Tournas, Richard Ung, Allyson Voytek, Shawna Winters

Grade 10

Laney Ackley, JonPaul Amaro, Zachary Anderson, Kevin Chesler, Melissa Chodziutko, Melanie Coleman, Jessica Cuevas, Eden Elisa De Ocampo, Gina DiFederico, Amanda Downs, Bethany Edwards, Samir Elhelw, Jonathan Feher, Nisali Fernando, Thomas Gambardella, Sarah Golden, Logan Henricksen, Alexandra Hessberger, Paul Johnson, Manjot Kailey, Kevin Keramis, Nicole Kopek, Kyle Krois, Ally Maccio, Michael Maccio, Callie Merva, Jovana Mrvic, Madison Murphy, Sarah O’Brien, Scibher Glenn Orpiano, Owen Paiva, Adiyanna Piselli, Marissa Pollack, Nikita Potnis, Beatrice Relucio, Alexandra Remy, Arianna Rivera, Samuel Rossi, Sage Russell, Andrew Somohano, Margaret Sullivan, Olivia Tramuta, Michael Vergara, Samantha Viscount, Benjamin Warters, Ryan Wasserman, Abigail Williamson, Matthew Zancewicz

Grade 11

Emmanuel Alesna, Brandon Argyros, Colby Brennan, Michael Capobianco, David Carelli, Maxwell Caserta, Maria Finitsis, Jake Fucci, Megan Grabowski, Jenelle Grant, Veolette Hanna, Zain Haseeb, Brooke Hiatt, Ian Hugo, Molly Krupienski, Gianna Laezzo, Elizabeth Mainieri, Vishal Manglani, Casey McDonald, Leo Merturi, Francesco Mucciacciaro, Victoria Nabors, Amanda Norman, Daniel Ouellette, David Patrick, Jaret Petrie, Kyle Rosenthal, Kelly Scianna, Heather Sherrick, Megan Smith, Adam Streeter, Elyse Velky

Grade 12

Mohammed Alharbali, Shahd Almotairi, Chace Ardito, Hailey Ashcroft, Angeli Caliwara, Sofya Calvin, Evelyn Castro, Tiffany Coleman, Kristin Connolly, Angelina DeCola, Samantha DeMarco, Morgan Eldering, Skye Gero, Emma Grace, Raeven Grant, Melissa Hanania, Morgan Hennessey, Mathilda Hill, Ming-Yeah Hu, Ashley Irvine, Sengchan Khamhoung, Charles Knights, Kelsey Kopazna, Branden Laneuville, Imani Langston, Benjamin Longobardi, Brittany Manganiello, Haley Palmer, Barbara Perugini, Carol Phillips, Marissa Prizio, Rasheeda Samih, Hayley Sanchez, Paige Schwarz, Alyssa Smeraglino, Holly Stewart, Kyle-Gabriel Tan, Kailee Tierney, Matthew Toole, Joshua Weizel, Christina Zikopoulos

Second Honors

Grade 9

Megan Alves, Justin Bachman, Anna Betz, Tyler Bevacqua, Madison Butts, Holly Caldwell, Marina Callahan, Emma Carollo, Berat Celik, Ben Cerreta, Jennifer Contreras, Jaelyn Cooley, Abigail Dew, Courtney Dzialo, Sarah Fazekas, Stephanie Felag, Rosalie Filippone, Scotland Fitch, Mark Germanese, Alexi Giantomidis, Marcelo Giantomidis, Meghana Jaladanki, Joshua Keller, Jack Lawless, Brianna Lenotti, Matthew Mainieri, Nathan Merchant, Brendan Murphy, Santiago Palacio, Cameron Pastir, Andrew Paulus, Jack Pincus-Coyle, Amber Polk, Jacob Rooney, Nina Safyre, Jeremiah Shea, Bonnie Shek, Emilee Tamas, Frankie Terres, Andria Torres, David Tortora, Nicholas Vitale, Natalie Wright

Grade 10

Sean Ahrens, Hassna Alharbali, Sean Ancheta, Malena Araujo, Brianna Arnold, Isabella Brown, Eoin Byrne, Hunter Cain, Tyler Chavez, Jillian Davis, Ryan Emmons, Alexia Escaleira, Megan Gleason, Arianna Goenaga, Jessica Gray, Taylor Haase, Bianca Hanania, Kamelia Hassan, Destiny Heery, Bruce Koepke, Casey LaScola, Samantha Markham, Christina McLean, Megan Mower, Jordan Negron, Kristen Passaro, Jocelyn Peters, Salma Phaosoung, Tiana Phravixay, Jenna Pieger, Genia Pressley, Jasmine Provo, Ann Reed, Catherine Rice, Colleen Rice, Juliana Rivera, Emma Saley, Larissa Santos, Hena Sasaoglu, Stefania Sassano, Madison Sosa, Meghan Sumner, Dennis Sweeney, Gillian Tan, Brianna Whitlock

Grade 11

Mollybeth Acosta, Timothy Caldwell, Jenna Caron, Nicholas Catandella, Tyler Cavallaro, Kira Chandra, Ashley Daniels, Mark Dow, Nicholas Ferrara, Kailee Frank, Ryan Gando, Alice Garlock, Blaine Harrington, Geremy Hayes, Justin Knoth, Michael Lanzaro, Kaitlyn Lynch, Brandon Macey, Casey Malone, Jessica Migliozzi, Caitlynn Murphy, Samantha Murphy, Michael Musante, Andrew Navarro, Ireoluwatomiwa Opayemi, Tyler Papallo, Danielle Petruccelli, Shannon Pritchard, Azemina Radoncic, Gabriella Romero, Erin Saley, Asia Santos, Danielle Tancredi, Courtney Tanski, Molly Vargo, Mariah Villanova, Amelia Wenz, Hayley Zeidler

Grade 12

Adil Ali, Alessandra Alling, Rickeecia Bass, Aubrey Bepko, Meghan Bevacqua, Drew Carolan, Kapree Ellison, Ava Favazza, Darby Hudd, Sravya Jaladanki, Jake Jalaf, Ismar Junuzovic, Jokubas Kerza, Dana Laufer, Rebecca Liscio, Aryn Moncrease, Dhruvit Patel, Alberto Principe, Angel Rivera, Stephanie Rodriguez, Zachary Rooney, Matthew Sakowicz, Martha Smith, Sarah Stellato, Shannon Sullivan, Giovanni Volturno, Myles Wenz

The post Jonathan Law lists fourth quarter honor roll appeared first on Milford Mirror.

The Milford Chamber’s Marketing Accelerator seminar series continues at on Friday, July 10, 8:30 -10 a.m., at the Milford Chamber of Commerce, 5 Broad Street. Michele Kelly of Graphicways Design will present a seminar on Developing and Maintaining a Strong Brand for Your Business.

Kelly has over 20 years of experience in brand strategy and logo development. She will offer insight and tips to develop a strong brand and make the most effective advertising.

The series continues through November with a business marketing education curriculum. Cost is $10 per seminar for members or $15 for non-members. Reservations are required; call 203-878-0681. For a complete schedule of seminars visit milfordct.com.

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Lynda Mason was promoted to assistant vice president at Milford Bank. She will continue to serve as branch manager of the bank’s Woodmont office.

Mason began her career with the bank in 1985 as a teller. In her 30 years with The Milford Bank, she has held a number of positions including teller supervisor, assistant branch manager and Sunday service manager. Mason has received three banking diplomas from the Center for Financial Training. She is also a graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management.

Mason serves as secretary of Good Shepherd Child Development Center. She and her husband, Scott Mason, live in North Haven.

Commenting on the promotions, Susan L. Shields, president and chief executive officer of The Milford Bank said, “Over the years, Lynda Mason has been a valuable team member. This promotion is well-deserved and recognizes the role Lynda has played in the bank’s growth and success.”

The Milford Bank was founded in 1872 and is a mutual institution with five offices and a loan center located in the city of Milford, two offices in Stratford and a loan production office in downtown New Haven. The bank offers a wide variety of banking and financial products and services to businesses, individuals and organizations.

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Tickets are on sale through July 15 for the Joseph A. Foran High School Class of 1995 20th reunion July 31 through Aug. 2.

The main event will be Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Milford Fine Arts Council in Downtown Milford. Unlimited food, beer and wine will be served as a DJ spins classics from the 80s, 90s and more.

Events will take place across the entire weekend ranging from a casual get together to kick off the festivities on July 31, a school tour hosted by the current Foran Key Club and a family day at Walnut Beach on Sunday.

The event is chaired by Lacy Daigle, class of 1995’s president, and supported by a group of volunteers from the class.

To get access to the reunion website or register to buy tickets, email your name at the time of graduation and email address to reunion@foran95.com. To receive reunion information, follow us on Twitter @foran95 or join the reunion Facebook page, facebook.com/groups/foran95.

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State Reps. Pam Staneski (R-119) and Charles Ferraro (R-117) will be holding legislative office hours in Milford on July 13 and they want to hear from residents.

Constituents may join their legislators for a casual conversation on the major issues that shaped the 2015 legislative session.

The office hours will be held at the Milford Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13. The Milford Library is located at 57 New Haven Avenue.

Anyone who is unable to attend but would like to talk to either representative can contact their office at 1-800-842-1423 or send an email to Charles.Ferraro@housegop.ct.gov, Pam.Staneski@housegop.ct.gov.

The post State reps hold office hours appeared first on Milford Mirror.

Burglary

Milford police arrested a Shelton man for breaking into and stealing from a Milford home, which he had been in before to do home repairs.

Police said Jerome Downing, 38, of Center Street in Shelton, was arrested on a warrant June 30 and charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief.

Downing is charged with breaking into a Knobb Hill Road residence March 13 and taking home electronics and tools valued at $1,100.

He had worked inside the house in the past doing home repairs.

Downing was released from police custody on a promise to appear in court July 28.

Threatening

Milford police took custody of Mikel Recalde, 32, of Milford on June 28 regarding an arrest warrant. Police accuse Recalde of threatening to harm two family members with his motor vehicle on June 13.

Recalde is charged with second-degree threatening, second-degree breach of peace, second-degree reckless endangerment and reckless driving.

He was released on a promise to appear in court on July 28.

Disorderly conduct

Milford police arrested Sean Muldowney, 48, of Milford on June 30 after police responded to a Pickett Street complaint of a domestic violence incident taking place.

Police accuse Muldowney of engaging in a dispute with a female inside the residence and causing damage to property inside the home.

Muldowney is charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with an officer.

Bond was set at $1,000 for court on June 30.

Violation of protective order

Milford police arrested Cameron Eccles, 34, of Stratford on July 1 after police received a complaint of an unwanted person at a Drexel Road address.

Investigation led to the arrest of Eccles, who was violating a court-set protective order by being at the residence.

Eccles was charged with violating a protective order. Bond was set at $2,000 for court on July 2.

Forgery

Milford police took custody of Gordon Clark, 26, of Milford on July 1 regarding an active arrest warrant.

Clark is accused of fraudulently cashing a check at a Naugatuck Avenue business on Oct. 14, 2014 in the amount of $696.32.

Clark is charged with second-degree forgery and fifth-degree larceny.

Bond was set at $5,000 for court on July 1.

Violation of protective order

Milford police arrested Christopher Lopes, 28, of Waterbury on July 3 after police received a complaint of possible domestic violence in the area of 72 New Haven Avenue.

Investigation led to the arrest of Lopes, who violated a court-set protective order by being with the female he was with.

Lopes is charged with violation of protective order.

Bond was set at $1,000 for court on July 6.

Threatening

Milford police arrested Calvin Camp, 62, of New Haven on July 4 after police responded to the area of Broad Street on a complaint of a male threatening to shoot a female and her dogs. Investigation led to the arrest of Camp, who police accuse of making the threats.

Camp is charged with second-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace.

He was released on a promise to appear in court on July 28.

Burglary

Milford police arrested a Bridgeport man on July 4 on multiple counts of burglary after they responded to the area of Hubbell Place on the report of possible vehicle break-ins.

Investigation led to the arrest of Ryan Champagnie, 18, of Bridgeport and two other juveniles who are accused of opening unlocked vehicle doors and taking the contents from inside the vehicle.

Champagnie is charged with two counts of third-degree burglary, two counts of sixth-degree larceny and related conspiracy charges.

Bond was set at $1,000 for court on July 30.

The post Milford Police Log appeared first on Milford Mirror.

Police arrested a Milford man on assault charges July 7.

According to police, Carl Hoffman, 44, of Washington Street, is accused of entering his neighbors’ home and assaulting him following a verbal argument between the neighbor and one of Hoffman’s family members.

According to a police spokesman, Hoffman was apprehended at about 7 p.m. on High Street.

He was charged with asault, burglary and criminal mischief. He was held in police custody on a $75,000 bond.

The post Miilford man charged with assaulting neighbor appeared first on Milford Mirror.

This window was one of several at the Milford Fine Arts Center smashed by a vandal early Wednesday morning.

The Milford Center for the Arts was vandalized early Wednesday morning and several windows were broken.

According to staff at the art center, someone who was kicked off the train for being disorderly threw rocks at several theater windows and smashed the glass on one of the doors. The Center for the Arts is a former station house and is located at the train station.

The vandalism reportedly occurred at about 1 a.m.

The suspect had left their wallet on the train, so Metropolitan Transportation Authority police were able to find him and arrest him, art center staff said.

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The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

54 Andrews Ave, Patrick E. Fallon to Red Oak Investments LLC, $80,000.

17 Bayberry Ln, Thomas S. Griggs to James E. and Josephine C. Noonan, $298,000.

88 Branca Ct Unit 88, Angela Jalert to Robert Maloof, $199,900.

233 Broad St, Saul Zelin RET and Jeffrey Zelin to Metro 233 LLC, $1,150,000.

37 Dalton Rd, Randy and Jennifer Wetmore to Michael Taraian and Tracey Carroll, $292,000.

1001 E Broadway, Daniel J. and Melissa K. Welby to Alexander D. Mark, $249,900.

39 Essex Dr, Gerald A. Benedetto to David and Jessica L. Harrick, $260,000.

365 Gulf St, Shane Ganchou to Robert and Susan Johnson, $677,500.

347 High St, Zalenski Sophie V Est and Richard M. Krueger to 296 LLC, $190,000.

14 Lilac Ln, Isaac R. and Katherine L. Bandy to Michael P. Lynch and Alyssa Swaniger, $315,000.

55 Minuteman Dr, Anna M. Mccarthy to Matthew A. Schoonmaker and J Lecuyer-Schoonmaker, $225,000.

289 New Haven Ave Unit N, James E. and Josephine C. Noonan to Matthew M. Knight, $292,000.

50 Park Ave, Lawrence E. Reynolds to Timothy M. and Patricia C. Whitlock, $227,500.

54 Park Ave, Lawrence E. Reynolds to Timothy M. and Patricia C. Whitlock, $227,500.

106 Sandpiper Cres Unit 106, John M. Thatcher to Aaron and Karen Turner, $284,000.

17 Shweky Beach Way Unit 17, Beach Village LLC to Vermonte V. and Veronica P. Vocal, $359,900.

250 W Rutland Rd, Simon M. Clow and Gillian L. Penrose to Antonio Franklin and Gayle Mcmillan, $575,000.

15 Winthrop Ct, Lisa Perrault to Raymond and Dianna Sobers, $275,000.

12 Wood Ave, Moran Irene M Est and Peggy M. Freeman to Debroah Goncalves, $120,000.

27 Andrews Ave, Sandor Horvath to Rita E. Patterson, $265,000.

101 Andrews Ave, Maloy Robert Est and Maureen Stusalitus to Christopher F. Maloy, $132,000.

16 Argyle Rd, Andrew T. and Shelly Fabian to Brian D. Driscoll and Sarah Dimock, $278,000.

38 Camden St, George R. Gensure to Nicole Winarski, $232,000.

200 Cedarhurst Ln, Donald F. Buckley to Robert and Shelley Margolis, $369,000.

752 E Broadway, Peter S. and Maria C. Pertoso to Delores Tirpak, $225,000.

The post Milford property transfers appeared first on Milford Mirror.

After an extended discussion, the Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) approved construction of a single-family home in a flood-prone area of Milford Point Road.

The 9-1 vote in favor of the house at 182 Milford Point Road happened at its July 7 meeting, following a public hearing in which the only opposition came from a nearby family.

The approval is for a special permit and site plan review for the house within 25 feet of the high tide mark. The board added the requirement that the house have a sprinkler system for fire suppression.

Architect George Wiles said he is the contract purchaser for the 0.27-acre property bordering the salt marsh, just past the curve beyond First Avenue. The city assessor values the land, which is located in the 100-year flood zone, at $139,000.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) granted two variances at its Aug. 14, 2012 meeting by a 4-1 vote. One variance is for a front yard setback of 20.5 feet when 30 feet are required. The other variance is for a rear yard setback of 15.4 feet from the mean high water mark where 25 feet is required.

When he addressed the ZBA in 2012, Attorney Peter Melien said the property formerly had a two-story house that burned in May 1973. Melien told the ZBA the front setback variance was required because the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) wanted the house to be closer to the road. The parcel is a legal, non-conforming lot because it is 11,688 square feet in an R-12 zone that requires a minimum lot size of 12,500 square feet.

Speaking before the P&Z on July 7, Wiles said the DEEP has granted a permit and notice to approve, and also said he had ZBA approval.

Wiles said based on aerial photos, the former house was estimated to be 800 square feet with a 300-square-foot garage. The proposed house will have a 904-square-foot foot-print with a garage on the ground floor, and a 2,100-square-foot two-story house built on piers above that.

Wiles said he and his wife, Arla, are downsizing from a larger home at 5 Sand Street. Commenting on the flooding concerns, Wiles said the city has plans to raise Milford Point Road to address the flooding concerns.

“The plans meet the requirements of the Milford Fire Department,” said Wiles.

In response, board vice chair Jeanne Cervin read from the fire department’s report, which stated, “The fire department cannot guarantee service in times of flooding and high tide.”

Wiles responded by saying the same flooding condition exists on other parts of Milford Point Road. He said the fire department can get through when streets are flooded.

“The fire department has taken a look and they feel it’s okay,” said Wiles.

Board member Anthony Sutton echoed Cervin’s comments when he asked Wiles if he was aware the fire department could not guarantee service at times of coastal flooding.

“Yes, I am aware,” responded Wiles, saying he would accept the fire marshal’s recommendation of making a sprinkler system a condition of approval.

Matthew J. Popp, professional wetlands scientist representing Wiles, said constructing the driveway would require disturbing 100 feet of black grass, which will be transplanted to other parts of the property. There will also be a temporary disturbance of 75 feet of black grass to install the sewer line. Popp said the plan has received a tidal wetland permit from the DEEP.

Joseph Codespodi, project engineer, said water from the roofs and driveway will be directed into a rain garden, and will then drain into the tidal wetlands.

City Planner David B. Sulkis said the fire department is concerned about site access because of flooding on Milford Point Road.

Following up on this remark, board member Thomas C. Nicol said, “That road floods constantly” and asked how the fire department would get to the property if there was water in front of the house.

In response, Popp said there is a swale at the front of the house that drains to the rain garden.

Speaking in opposition to the plan was John O’Connell of 283 First Avenue, who said Milford Point Road floods every full moon for two days before and after. O’Connell disagreed with Wiles’ remarks that flooding happens throughout the area.

“There is no flooding by Cedar Beach,” said O’Connell.

Jack O’Connell, father to John, who also lives in the First Avenue house, said the city’s own Plan of Conservation and Development, recommends not building on Wiles’ parcel. O’Connell questioned what effect raising Milford Point Road would have on the area.

“There are many days a month you cannot drive on that street,” said O’Connell.

In response, Wiles said he had sat down with the O’Connells to discuss his plans and reassured them, “I would try to site the house so it wouldn’t block their view. I think that’s the crux of their opposition.”

Board member Jim Quish was the lone P&Z member to vote in opposition. He said raising Milford Point Road would create a barrier for the water and would raise the water level on Wiles’ site.

“I don’t think that has been addressed in the plan,” said Quish.

In response, Wiles said the road is at elevation 4.5 feet and his property is 6.5 feet. He said raising the road would be a great improvement.

Cervin said there are three lawyers on the P&Z board and asked if the city would be liable “if a disaster occurred” if the board approved the application, knowing the area is flood prone.

Sutton and Michael Dolan said they are both trial attorneys and said the city would not be liable.

Wiles said, “We understand the risks of living near the water and embrace that lifestyle.”

Speaking in support of the application, board chairman Benjamin Gettinger said that Wiles bought the property, which complies with the regulations.

“I don’t think we should penalize them for things that will happen in the future,” said Gettinger.

The post P&Z approves home construction, despite flooding concerns appeared first on Milford Mirror.

Police say a case of road rage led to two arrests July 8. According to a police report, the incident took place at 12:20 p.m. on the Boston Post Road near Woodmont Road.

Lourdes Hernandez, 47, of New Haven and Haidi Malave, 26, of New Haven, are accused of exiting Hernandez’s vehicle together and engaging in a physical altercation with the driver of another vehicle.

They were charged with breach of peace and assault and were released from police custody on their promise to appear in court Aug. 4.

The post Road rage leads to assault charges appeared first on Milford Mirror.