By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The $2.5 million next phase of the Devon revitalization project will likely be delayed until the summer, but top city and Devon officials say they are trying to expedite the work.
Economic and Community Development Director Robert Gregory said at a recent Devon revitalization meeting that the project is behind schedule. Gregory said that, realistically, construction on the next phase of streetscape improvements could begin in the summer.
It is unlikely work could start in the spring as initially planned, he said.
"Is there anything we can do to move this?" said state House Speaker James A. Amann, D-Milford. "I want this completed this year, not 2009."
Architect John Hammer said everyone is doing their best to move the work along, but officials revealed that they need to get easements from more than 30 property owners along Bridgeport Avenue.
"I’m dying to get this done this year," Amann said. "I don’t want to wait another year."
Several members of the commission and other residents volunteered to help track down the property owners in an effort to expedite the work.
"Give everyone one name and they are responsible for that one person," added state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford.
The next phase of work includes improvements from the gateway of Devon at the Washington Bridge to the intersection of Naugatuck and Bridgeport avenues. The improvements include new sidewalks, benches, trash receptacles, landscaping, bike racks and lighting features.
The work is expected to take eight months. Plans also include the creation of a fountain along Bridgeport Avenue, across from Al Dente Restaurant.
Informal designs of the fountain were panned by commissioners, who asked the architect to come back with new plans. Commissioners said they’d like to a see a water fountain that closely resembles the one by the Green.
"There has to be something different than this. It’s just awful," said Commissioner Libby Ditchkus.
"Can we go back to the drawing board?" Amann asked Hammer.
Ditchkus said she’d like to see a more Victorian model, adding that the current plans are too small.
Hammer said he’d come back with new drawings for the commission.
Millions of dollars have been spent on streetscape upgrades on Naugatuck and Bridgeport avenues, along with creating a small park with a giant clock tower by Washington Bridge.
Brian McCready can be reached at 876-3001 or briannhregister@gmail.com.


MILFORD - On Jan. 23 at noon, the Milford Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Meeting and Awards of Distinction. Eleven community organizations, individuals and corporations will be honored, the Chamber said in a statement. Keynote speaker will be Rob Simmons, business advocate for the state. Also expected to attend are the Speaker of House James Amann, D-Milford, state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford and Rep Paul Davis, D-Orange..