Milford Educates Public On Blight Ordinance

The city’s anti-blight ordinance went into effect at the end of September, and top city officials want to educate the public on what to do if they believe they encounter blight in their neighborhoods.

According to the code, violators will have to pay a $100-a-day fine for blight violations. Health Director A. Dennis McBride said the fines will be levied if homeowners do not respond to notices from the city.

McBride said the new code will be used in addition to state regulations, health codes and building codes.

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Verizon Cell Tower Rejected By Milford Park Comission

The Park, Beach and Recreation Commission sent a strong, clear signal Wednesday night when it refused to allow a Verizon cell tower in Eisenower Park.

"Most people at our public hearing last month said that it shouldn't be at the YMCA, that Eisenhower Park would be a better site," chairman Dan Worroll said. "But there should have been a third choice -- no tower at all."

"I think it is about time that we put our foot down and say to people 'your voice matters,' " he said. "Enough is enough. I can't support any tower in Eisenhower Park. It is a park, not a commercial property."

Cellco Partners Inc., which does business as Verizon, had applied to the Connecticut Siting Council to erect a 120-foot tower on land behind the Woodruff Family YMCA on Orange Avenue. But the company voluntarily withdrew that application earlier this summer when homeowners in the neigborhood -- laced with farms, athletic fields and schools -- vigorously protested.

Residents of Flax Mill Terrace and other streets surrounding the 330-acre North Street park also protested when Eisenhower was offered as a compromise site. The park is bisected by 110-foot high voltage power lines that were approved by the siting council over the city's objections.

Commission members noted Wednesday night that the cell tower would be even taller than the poles carrying the power lines, and that the state does not permit cell towers on its property.

Although only a handful of residents attended the City Hall meeting, several reminded the commission that its function is to manage the public recreation facilities.

"Setting up the schedule of who can use the fields is one thing," Steve Borer said. "But this is something else. This is development and I don't want to see anything permanent in Eisenhower Park. People have been making that clear, but this administration has shown a total disregard."

Cellco Partners Inc. is considering alternate sites, including the Barretta Garden Center property across North Street from the park, company lawyer Ken Baldwin said earlier.

"But that doesn't mean that the Y is off the table," he said. "The plan would be that Verizon would reapply to the siting council with several possible sites, including the Y, Eisenhower Park and the Barretta Gardens Nursery for the council to evaluate."

ORIGINAL FRANK JULIANO STORY<

"Czar's" in Milford Are a Communist Concept

This is no joke, I picked up the Connecticut post today and there it was talk of a "Blight Czar." The first thing I thought of was the record number "Czars" that are now embedded into the Obama administration.

Just so we are clear here the word Czar means a Communist Russian "Emperor or King." Americas longest serving Democratic Congressman Rep. Byrd wrote a letter to Pres. Obama concerned that the record 18 czars in his administration represent a hazard that "can threaten the Constitutional system of checks and balances."

We do not need to start that outrageous practice here in Milford. The thought of letting future Mayors appoint PAID Czars outside the confirmation of the board of alderman, or without the consent of the governed, are far outside the principles of our Democratic Republic. Personally I heard these blight complaints about a year ago when I was out and about campaigning in the 118th district, some are reasonable and valid, others are mean spirited and an act of revenge against a neighbor. I also met people who were concerned with blighted commercial properties and wanted something done to improve them. I suppose with much heavy industry and commercial property in trouble, some ideas are ready to be put on the table.

What remains unclear to me is what exactly constitutes a "blighted property." If the definition extends to people who forgo home repairs in lieu of having a place to live, or a widow whose husband is no longer living to make home repairs, than no thanks on pursuing this idea.

However, if this idea is directed at abandoned properties and properties that pose a danger (such as a fire, structural, or intrusion hazard) that can harm others, than I agree. Certainly our town has a zoning and planning board, zoning enforcement board, and an office of Community and Economic Development. Milford also has a the additional Devon Revitalization Committee and as well as several other venues not mentioned to improve the look of our community.

The thought of appointing a Plight "Emperor or King" is funny and yet repulsive. Perhaps Milford's elected officials should focus on applying local laws without the imposition of tyrannical Communist Style "Czars." If you are wondering what a Communist "Czar" looks like see the above photo. (Save the bulldozer)