By Theresa Knapp 

In July, the Milford Select Board voted to install flashing stop signs at South Main and Fruit Streets, and also to install signs to limit parking on a section of Poplar Street. 

South Main Street and Fruit Street

On July 10, the Select Board discussed a resident’s request for four-way traffic lights at the intersection of South Main St. and Fruit St. 

In a letter of recommendation to the Select Board dated July 6, Deputy Chief Robert Tusino said he had met with resident John Barrows “regarding his concerns about the intersection of South Main St. and Fruit St…After I met with him, we agreed that making the intersection a (4) Way Stop might be a better way to proceed.” 

Barrows said that intersection was very dangerous and the site of many accidents; the board agreed and voted unanimously to install flashing solar stop signs at the intersection, along with an advanced warning sign about the upcoming stop sign near PiNZ. 

Grove Street and Poplar Street

At its meeting on July 24, the board reviewed documentation from resident Laurie Shaw who had concerns about parking logistics near Grove and Poplar Streets. She requested “No Parking” signs that would discourage drivers from blocking fire hydrants and parking in ways that create obstacles for public safety vehicles. 

In a letter to Town Administrator Richard Villani dated July 7, Fire Chief Mark Nelson said, “The section of Poplar Street, from Grove Street to Claflin Street, is narrow. There are stone walls on both sides of Poplar Street beginning at Grove Street. There are no posted signs, but if a vehicle was parked on this section of Poplar Street, it would effectively be blocked. This is not a new issue on this street…We are familiar with this neighborhood and even when the fire engines were smaller, this section of Poplar was an issue. It is normal for us to exit the engine and help navigated tight areas, and required when backing up.” 

Chief Nelson deferred to Tusino regarding sign recommendations and placement. 

In a subsequent letter to Villani, Tusino agreed with Chief Nelson’s assessment and recommendation. He said, “That area has been very difficult to traverse, to say the least. No parking signs should be erected on at least one side of the street.” 

The board voted unanimously to allow the posting of “No Parking” signs on the odd side of Grove Street and to install “No Parking Here to Corner” signs on each street corner.