Big Fire Breaks Out In Woodmont

Last night a big fire broke out in the Woodmont section of Milford. When the Fire department arrived the fire was fully involved and several adjoining houses were also damaged. The weather was also reported as a problem in fighting the fire.

The fire required the assistance of both Bridgeport and Stratford fire stations, and one Firefighter was reported rushed to the Milford Hospital with an ankle injury.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but residents on the scene indicated that a propane tank exploded and was the source of the blaze. The fire occurred last night and more photos are available at flicker. Click HERE to see the additional images.

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

Walnut Beach Festival On Schedule

On Sunday August 2Nd. From 10A.M. to 5.00P.M the 2009 Walnut Beach Festival is set to kick off. The event will feature entertainment for all ages. Guests can expect to find Live Music, A Race for Runners, Lots of Vendors, Free Demonstrations and plenty of Food.

This year kids will also enjoy an expanded Area Featuring MURAL PAINTING, SAND SCULPTURE, BOOK READING, arts and Crafts, Story Telling and More!

To locate this event, take exit 34 off I-95 and follow the signs to to the approved parking areas. Event Center is at the Corner of Viscount and Broadway in Milford.

The photo above is from last years event at the beach. Photo depicts a competitor at the sand sculpting contest.

For More information visit the official Walnut Beach Festival Website at: http://www.walnutbeachfestival.com

Milford Beachfront Still Growing

This week ended with the tear down of 173 Seaside Ave. in Milford Connecticut. Out with old and in with the new breed of million dollar plus homes with views of the sound. A group of onlookers watched with awe as construction workers rocked the house and tore down walls to get this old home to drop. The plummet did not come easy, a small "dozer" was going full steam pulling with all its might as the wheels just spun and dug into the sand with no success.

Chains were then attached to the wood framing as courageous workers ran in and out of the unstable structure to get it to collapse. Finally the job was done and everyone in the neighborhood was relieved. But no one was more relieved than the neighbor just to the left of this home. His house just a few feet away was completely unscathed not even a scratch. This was a professional well done job.