The town of New Milford, Connecticut, is currently experiencing a surge in new housing developments, sparking concerns among residents about potential traffic congestion and road safety issues. With multiple projects approved and underway, the community is apprehensive about the impact these developments will have on the town’s infrastructure.
Growing Concerns Over Traffic Safety
Resident Concerns and Official Responses
Residents of New Milford have voiced significant concerns about the potential for increased traffic congestion due to the new housing units being constructed. State Representative Bill Buckbee has highlighted the existing traffic issues and the widespread apprehension among residents about how much worse traffic might become. Many community members are already upset about current traffic conditions, and the new developments are expected to exacerbate the problem. Over the past six months, the town has approved several site plan applications and zoning permits for residential developments, making this an urgent issue.
Mayor Pete Bass has acknowledged the need for additional housing in a tight inventory market, especially for individuals working in the town and those looking to move out on their own. However, he stressed the importance of being mindful of the community and working to mitigate road congestion. The town is actively looking at areas prone to traffic congestion to ensure measures are taken to lessen the impact. Residents and officials alike seem to agree that while more housing is needed, balancing the need for development with road safety is critical.
Specific Developments and Their Impacts
One significant development is a $10 million project for 107 townhouses at 240 Pickett District Road, approved by the Zoning Commission in June after five months of discussion. Flagstaff Investments of New Milford plans to construct 12 buildings with five to 12 townhouses each, complete with three floors, garages, and driveway spaces. However, residents of Pickett District Road have voiced concerns about the potential traffic issues the new development could bring. They are worried about the narrowness of the road and the addition of approximately 500 more cars, which could lead to speeding cars and rerouted traffic in case of an accident or flooding.
Doug Skelly, a resident, pointed out that Pickett District Road has not been upgraded in years and is already a small, narrow road with many hidden turns and connecting roads. The new development could exacerbate these existing issues. Some residents have also questioned the accuracy of the traffic study conducted by F.A. Hesketh & Associates for the development. Despite assurances from the engineering consultant, residents remain skeptical and concerned about the potential traffic impact. The controversy underscores the complexity of balancing growth with maintaining quality of life for existing residents.
Addressing Traffic Concerns
Traffic Studies and Mitigation Efforts
In response to concerns about traffic and accidents on Grove Street, the town hired the consulting firm KSE last September to conduct a traffic study of the intersections of Grove Street and Hine Hill Road and Grove Street and Fordyce Road. The study came after 2,940 crashes were reported on those roads over five years, according to data from the UCONN Crash Data Repository. This alarming figure highlights not just the traffic volume but also the safety hazards, making the study an essential step.
Another approved project involves the construction of duplexes on Grove Street, an area with a history of multiple accidents over the past five years. The New Milford Zoning Commission issued a permit in May to Nelson Dasilva Jr. to build two duplexes on separate lots on Grove Street. Each duplex will have two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a kitchen, a living room, lower-level storage, a patio, and a single-car garage. The construction of the first duplex began in October and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025, while Dasilva Jr. is waiting for approval from the Sewer Commission to start the second duplex.
Proactive Measures by Local Authorities
Despite the concerns, Police Chief Spencer Cerruto stated that the full impact on traffic from the Poplar Street development has not been fully realized yet. However, the New Milford Police Department is planning for it and has taken proactive steps. With the support of the mayor and Town Council, the police have assigned an officer to traffic safety and enforcement in anticipation of potential increases in traffic volume. This preemptive action aims to maintain road safety even as development progresses.
Additionally, a $3 million development of 32 new housing units is underway at 47 Poplar St., located next to the New Milford Police Department. The site plan application for the construction of a four-floor multifamily building was submitted in 2019 by Michael Mastrogiacomo. Ten of these housing units will be designated as affordable, with parking provided in the open parking area and under the proposed building. Although Mastrogiacomo could not be reached for comment, his engineering consulting company, Mastrogiacomo Engineering, P.C., declined to comment on the project. Rep. Buckbee expressed concerns about the traffic issues this development could cause, describing it as “a great example” of a project that could lead to more traffic problems.
Balancing Housing Needs and Traffic Management
The Need for Additional Housing
New Milford, Connecticut, is currently witnessing a wave of new housing developments, igniting worries among residents regarding potential traffic congestion and road safety concerns. Several projects have been approved and construction is already in progress, leading the community to fret over the impact these new homes will have on the town’s already strained infrastructure.
Residents argue that the current road networks are not equipped to handle a significant increase in traffic. They fear it could result in longer commutes, more frequent traffic jams, and increased risks of accidents. The town’s quaint charm, often characterized by its quiet, less crowded streets, is at stake. There are concerns that the influx of new residents will place added pressure on local schools, public services, and emergency response teams.
Local government officials have acknowledged these concerns and are attempting to balance the need for new housing with maintaining the town’s quality of life. Discussions about infrastructure improvements, such as widening roads or adding new traffic signals, are underway. Despite these efforts, many community members remain skeptical, worried about how these changes will redefine their town.
