Doing Business In Milford

When thinking about moving your business to Milford, one of the first people to contact is Bob Gregory, Director of Economic Development. He can be reached at 203-783-3230, by fax at 203-878-7394, or via e-mail at Bgregory@ci.milford.ct.us.

Bob maintains a list of available sites and can provide an unbiased assessment of different locations within the city. He is also familiar with the various state incentive programs, people to contact and can provide other helpful information. Site visits can be arranged.

Milford’s Advantages are Many:

• Location - Location is key! Milford is located between Boston and New York and is within easy commuting distance to the latter. Being on Long Island Sound adds a special flavor to the quality of life here.
  
  
• Access to transportation - Milford has seven exits and entrances to Interstate 95 and the Merritt-Wilbur Cross Parkway and U.S. 1 run through the city. The nearby airports of Tweed New Haven and Sikorsky and the deep-water ports in Bridgeport and New Haven complement the major international airports of New York City and Hartford. The Milford railroad station serves both MetroNorth and Amtrack. Freight service is handled by Conrail and there are some rail siding sites available. By land, sea and air you can get to and from this city by the Sound.
  
  
• Good labor force - Traditional skills and a strong work ethic are present, especially in the experienced worker. Downsizing by major companies has made an experienced workforce available. Training programs are available.
  
  
• Available buildings - A variety of buildings in a variety of sizes and zoned for manufacturing, retail, or office space are currently vacant.
  
  
• Available land - Land designated for corporate office use is available. Industrial land is still available in selected sites.  Reuse and upgrade of existing obsolete facilities is encouraged.
  
  
• Good housing stock - A variety of single-family units exist in different price ranges. The middle range of prices is between $150,000 and $350,000. Condominium units are available at prices ranging from $150,000 up to half a million. Apartments by the water or downtown are available. Waterfront property is most desirable and most expensive; prices can range up to and over $1 million.
  
  
• A good education system - Milford offers solid basic education, with special programs for both honor and disadvantaged students. Private schools offer an excellent alternative. Milford is home to Platt Vo-Tech, which works closely with local businesses to provide skill training to high school students and those already in the work force. Higher education is close by, with 10 colleges and universities (including Yale University) situated within a 20-minute drive.
  
  
• Quality of life - Milford has been voted one of the 100 best communities for young people by America’s Promise three years in a row, and named one of 10 best places in the country for single seniors by US News and World Reports. Concern for the environment, preservation of the past, and a low crime rate are all found here. Milford offers a New England atmosphere with a quaint downtown as well as a recreational harbor with picturesque parks and some still-working farms. Boating and beaches on 17 miles of shoreline offer the best that sun, sand and water have to give. Sports range from local recreational leagues to the big leagues. The Milford Fine Arts Council provides theater, visual arts, and music programs, and Milford's culture is further enhanced by nearby New Haven, where Schubert Theater, Woolsey Hall, the Yale British Museum and many other cultural beacons are located. In addition, all that New York City has to offer is only an easy drive or train ride away.
  
  
• Access to quality medical services - Milford Hospital is a small, efficient, friendly, full-service medical institution that has excellent one-day surgery, maternity, and emergency facilities. For more complicated procedures, nearby New Haven has the world-renowned Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Hospital of St. Raphael, while Bridgeport has Bridgeport and St. Vincent’s Hospitals.
  
  
• A stable, fiscally responsible government - Bond ratings at AA. Only 5% of municipalities in the nation carry an AA rating or higher. 
  
  
• A sizable tax base with good diversity - Milford is not dependent on one company or one segment of the market.  Conservative budgeting and expenditure restraint throughout the years has led to a firm financial footing.
  
  
• Good infrastructure - City roads are in good condition and are on a regular resurfacing schedule. Sewer capacity and treatment is sufficient for growth and will be enhanced by a major $64 million expansion and upgrade currently underway. The water supply provided by the Regional Water Authority is consistent with excellent quality. Milford is served by the Southern Connecticut Gas Company, United Illuminating and AT&T plus all major phone companies for long-distance service.
  
  
• Good local services - City services have been maintained and increased with efficiency despite no-growth budgets. Social services are provided by both public and private agencies. A network exists to ensure no one falls out of the net.
  

  |    |   Share