A proposed Milford Township housing development has been given the thumbs down.

The township’s Planning Commission last week unanimously rejected a conditional rezoning request that would have moved forward a plan for the 157-house Belle Terre subdivision. The request sought to rezone approximately 67 acres west of Milford Road and south of Rowe Road from restricted office and suburban residential to single family residential. The developer told the commission that the rezoning was appropriate for the location because it would serve as a transition between higher and lower intensity land uses. But the Milford Times reported that William Mazzara, who sits on both the township board and planning commission, said the proposal is not compatible with the township’s master plan and would have a negative effect on adjacent neighborhoods.

More than a dozen residents also spoke out against the development, citing concerns over traffic and the potential negative impact on wildlife and wetlands. The Milford Township Board of Trustees, which next meets on September 20th, will make the final decision. (JK)