Milford's New Boardwalk Promises Not To Plow The Plovers

Milford State Rep. Barbara Lambert announced in her latest press release that work on the 1.6 million dollar boardwalk is set to begin. Many are already crying foul, complaining that this is yet another boondoggle of a project that is sending Milford "to the birds."

Environmentalists at the Audobon Society are concerned that if migrating Piping Plovers return to Milford, the boardwalk may plow through their habitat and damage their nests.

Lambert has indicated that should the plovers return, the builders have instructions to take the animals into consideration. She indicated that there is a "plan" in place not to harm the birds.

While some have called the belabored boardwalk a poorly timed project, the Mayor, former rep Jim Amann and other advocates have called the project necessary if Milford is to boost local commerce.

Property owners on the waterfront have expressed additional concern over increased crime and the noise of an ongoing construction project. Lambert indicated that the noise would be confined to business hours only but made no comment on the propensity for increased crime.

Last election the Republicans held a solitaire fundraiser to raise funds for a security problem that would address the issue of crime in that area of Milford. There has been no comment as of yet as to wether or not they intend to install a security camera.

Sierra Club Hosts a “Post-Carbon Economy” Discussion Aug. 5th

What would a “post-carbon economy” be like? This intriguing climate protection issue will be discussed at the South Central (CT) Sierra Club’s August 5th get-together on Wednesday evening from 6 - 8:30 PM, at the Smart Living Center, 297 Boston Post Road, Orange.

Local, regional, national and international initiatives are underway to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere from current levels of near 390 parts per million back down to a more sustainably appropriate 350 part per million. One such initiative which the City of Milford joined a few years ago is the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Program. “Across the country, voluntary coalitions of municipal officials, businesses and residents alike are making measurable progress towards reducing fossil-fuel-based energy consumption,” says Sierra Club staff member Patrice Gilliespie. “We are learning together about what strides individuals can take, and how community-wide efforts can affect national security, and create more choices in energy resources and new ‘green jobs.’ We invite the public and our municipal officials in the region to come to our informal program at the Smart Living Center, and share ideas.”

Refreshments will be served. Anyone interested in attending should contact Diane Lentakis, chairperson of the South Central group, at deerspirit@sbcglobal.net or 203.783.0686 by August 3rd.

Milford's Boardwalk Project Suspended Indefinitely

The long-delayed boardwalk to connect Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach has been indefinitely suspended, state officials said Monday.

About $1.5 million for the roughly $2 million project had been approved by the state Bond Commission, according to city officials.

But the work never made it past the planning stage before being suspended by the state departments of Environmental Protection and Public Works in the latest round of cost-saving measures.

At this point, due to budgetary constraints on the two agencies, work on the proposed boardwalk has been indefinitely suspended,” DEP spokesman Dennis Schain said in an e-mail message.

The news was a shock to city officials Monday, who were last told construction would occur in autumn.

“This really comes as a surprise,” said Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. “They gave us no clue that they were considering this. I have not heard anything more since months ago, when it was a go.”

The project has been mired in years of delays with repeated announcements that funding had been secured and work was about to begin, only to have a projected start date pushed back.

About a year ago, the project was delayed when piping plovers were found nesting where the boardwalk was proposed to be built.

Plans were altered to avoid the federally and state protected species of birds, but in the meantime the economy turned sour and the plans for the boardwalk were put on hold by the DPW and DEP.

“Money was approved for this project, but before any action was taken with regards with the funds that were allocated, a decision has been made to suspend the project,” said Kevin Kopetz, managing attorney for the DPW.

“We began, unfortunately, to experience the economic circumstance that everyone is aware of.”

The latest news was frustrating to Walnut Beach Association President Joe Garbus, who has long worked to revitalize the Walnut Beach area.

The boardwalk was expected to draw foot traffic to Walnut Beach to breathe new life into the businesses in the area.

“It’s extremely disappointing,” he said. “They made a plan, made a second plan for the piping plovers and each time we were told the money was in hand. It was OK then, but we wait a year and now we can’t continue with the project? I don’t think it’s fair.”

Kopetz said there is a chance the project will be revisited if the state’s fiscal situation improves.

By James Tinley, Register Staff

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED HERE