Burnt Milford building to be redone

Construction to replace a Central Street apartment and retail building that was demolished by a fire last January is set to begin by the end of the month.

The Planning Board waived the a site plan requirement on Monday, allowing developers to reconstruct a building at 64-66 Central St., and expand its parking lot, as long as developers make minor changes to the parking lot layout and make plans to rebuild a granite retaining wall.

The renovated two-story building will include a single retail space on the first floor and two apartments on the second floor. It is unknown what kind of business will occupy the retail space, said the projects general contractor, Tony Chiarelli, president of the Milford-based restoration contracting company Landmark Associates.

He told the Planning Board Tuesday, If we have to make the adjustments accordingly, we will do that.

Chiarelli said that once construction begins, the entire project should take around five to six months, but it is unknown when the new tenant will set up shop.

Foundation-wise and framing-wise, thats how far they are. They need to make some minor kinks. They should have it off the ground any day, said Town Planner Larry Dunkin.

A three-alarm fire last January destroyed the building and its two apartments and Brazilian check-cashing and multi-service store. Officials at the time said the building did not have working smoke detectors.

The property is owned by Uxbridge resident Wendy Beltramini, who said shortly after the fire destroyed her building that she had poured her heart into remodeling it.

The old-styled building was constructed around 1890, said Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman David Consigli in the boards decision to approve Beltraminis special permit request last August.

Chiarelli said that developers have already adjusted their site plans to accommodate minor requests by several town departments such as installing catch basins in the rear parking area, adding a 4-foot-high chain link fence on top of the buildings retaining walls, and changes to the location of the handicapped parking space.

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Burnt Milford building to be redone