New Home In The Works For Milford Health Department

MILFORD, CT ? The Planning & Zoning Board approved plans to create a new building for the city's Health & Human Services Department.

The board unanimously approved the release of $4.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for the design of the new building at its Tuesday meeting.

Mayor Anthony Giannattasio said the health department's current space is old, too small, and inefficient.

"It truly needs to be rebuilt," he told the board at a meeting Tuesday.

The city identified a location Giannattasio described as "ideal." The new headquarters will be in the Wasson Field parking lot on West River Street, a city-owned property.

The new building will have over 20,000 square feet. Currently, the health department has about 11,000 square feet in its locations on New Haven Avenue and Gulf Street.

Health Director Deepa Joseph said the additional space will be used for clinical services. She said that currently the department only has one small clinical exam room.

"We are often taking our show on the road because we have inadequate space," Joseph said. She added that having more clinical space will provide another source of revenue.

Joseph said that having health and human services all in one place will also offer a more convenient experience for residents. The downtown location will also offer more accessibility.

"We are really serving everyone in this community with a variety of services," she said.

Joseph said the new location will have the capacity to offer drive-through services as well.

The Health Department's current New Haven Avenue space is expected to be used for the Fire Department. The usage for the Gulf Street property hasn't been determined.

A video of the Planning and Zoning Board meeting is available by clicking here.

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