Milford subdivision plan needs tree removal, road widening

MILFORD — Plans to re-subdivide land on Zion Hill Road are on hold awaiting reports concerning the proposed removal of 14 trees from the site.

The Planning and Zoning Board, at its meeting Tuesday, continued discussion on the proposal for the land at 238 Zion Hill Road — which calls for tree removal and replacement and widening a portion of Southworth Street — until its July 5 meeting.

“This is a semi-rural road unless you want to create a speedway. Why does it need to be wider?” asked Patricia Houser, a member of the Milford Environmental Concerns Coalition about the widening of the roadway and tree removal.

“This is a neighborhood between two major highways, the Merritt Parkway and I-95,” said Houser. “Those trees, especially the size they have attained, are serving the purpose of filtering air pollution in those neighborhoods. They are also reducing heat at a time when these areas are going to be vulnerable to urban heat island effects.”

The board decided to postpone its decision to wait for the report and recommendations of the Tree Commission. The applicant, GAMS, LLC, is proposing to remove about 14 trees, but attorney Thomas Lynch said plans call for additional tree planting.

Steven Johnson, assistant director of public works and tree warden, said it would be worth reviewing the Tree Commission report and recommendations.

“One of the takeaways from the Tree Commission report that you will find for the 14 trees being recommended for removal was to remove the trees away from between the sidewalk and the street behind the sidewalk so that we don't end up with additional issues down the road as those trees grow,” Johnson said.