The Metropolitan Area Planning Council asked Milford residents to add notes to the “Community Asset Map.” Photo credit: Theresa Knapp

 By Theresa Knapp

On May 13, the Milford Planning Board and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) held a community meeting related to the town’s Comprehensive Plan. 

Milford’s last plan was put into effect in 2003. Plans are typically updated every 10 years. According to the project timeline at www.mapc.org, organizers will compile the information, draft a plan, hold two feedback sessions later this year, and present a final comprehensive plan in the spring of 2025. 

The comprehensive plan is prepared and adopted by the Planning Board. It includes sections related to community engagement; values, vision, and goals; land use; downtown; economic development; housing; transportation, circulation, and transit; cultural and historical resources; natural environment and open space; and community services and facilities. 

The purpose of the May visioning session was to introduce the comprehensive plan process, identify potential challenges, and gather feedback on a shared mission. 

MAPC member Josh Fiola led the workshop and said, “Our team is really focused on working with you all over the next year.” 

The meeting began with interactive polling which revealed the majority of the estimated 70 people in attendance had lived in Milford for 21-40 years; were between the ages of 50-64; 92% were white; 56 were women and 44 were men; and 62% had a household income over $100,000 (31% made more than $200,000 per year). 

Milford’s new Comprehensive Plan will touch on several areas of life in Milford. Source: Metropolitan Area Planning Council presentation to Milford residents on May 13

As residents entered the Upper Town Hall before the meeting, they were asked to write something on the “Community Asset Map” they considered an asset in Milford. Responses included: Hospital, woodland, reasonably priced property taxes, trail, lots of open space (that is not utilized), bike path, skate park, arts & music, sports fields, Legion, community/connections/people know each other, new businesses, a “vibrant downtown,” and more. 

Areas of concern voiced during the meeting included overall affordability, housing availability, job creation, zoning, transportation, schools, traffic congestion, parking, and more. 

The MAPC presentation was approximately 40 minutes followed by small group discussions in which residents shared their personal visions for Milford. 

For more information on the comprehensive plan, visit www.mapc.org/resource-library/milford-comp-plan/.