Residents: just say no to dump

Milford, Conn. (WTNH) - State environmental officials have given a tentative green light to a project that has a lot of folks in Milford ticked off.

They want to expand a recycling facility on Naugatuck Avenue. It's something that the mayor and people who live nearby really don't want.

Signs are posted up and down Naugatuck Ave., where residents are protesting a dump. However, despite the protest it is now one step closer to happening.

The lawns are dotted with small yellow signs with a very simple message: no dump.

"No one wants it here," said local resident Crystal Sinnott, "the town of Milford doesn't want it here."

Recycling Inc., of Milford, has just taken a major step forward with a tentative agreement from DEEP. That's despite opposition from folks living right across the street, city hall and local state representatives like Kim Rose.

"Oh, my phone started ringing since yesterday, I've had emails, phone calls," said Rose, "I'm just trying to quell their emotions at this point and get them to organize rather than to just act emotionally."

It's been a small operation in the past, but now they're looking at a massive expansion; accepting up to 700 tons of solid waste from commercial and industrial activities per day.

"We just moved in here a couple years ago," said Sinnott, "I have a 7-month-old son. I love my house, I would hate to move."

Sinnott lives directly across the street and says this would effect her quality of life in Milford, as well as the value of her property.

The biggest concerns being the traffic, trucks racing up and down the residential streets, and the river and possible contamination to the wetlands.

"This facility in this location in a residential neighborhood, just doesn't go," said Rose.

Rose says she's not giving up.. but it will be an uphill battle. The neighbors can ask for a public hearing.. but since DEEP has already given preliminary approval.. they won't reject it outright.. but could at least amend it.

"We're looking into other ways that we can possibly stop this," said Rose.

Residents tell News 8 they are getting a petition drive going so they will force a public hearing. They say they will continue to fight the dump.