Milford’s $15M bonding to cover esports arenas, roadwork, maintenance

MILFORD — The city will bond some $15 million, with proposed projects ranging from roadwork, building maintenance, new vehicles and esports  arenas in both high schools.  

The Board of Aldermen, at its March 3 meeting, approved the bonding plan, which city Chief of Staff Justin Rosen says is slightly more than what was bonded last year. 

In all, the aldermen approved $2.2 million for design and construction of sanitary sewers and wastewater facilities; $7.7 million for various public improvements, and $4.95 million for the school district. 

The school money will cover $1.65 million for partial replacement of the Orchard Hills Elementary School roof and $2.2 million in various maintenance work at the schools. 

The most contentious item was the $1.1 million for the esports arenas. Space in both Foran and Law high schools would be reconfigured to create space for gaming competitions, space for spectators, a gaming and practice area and rooms for production and coaching. 

This project now goes to the permanent schools committee for next steps. According to school officials, more information will be provided as the project moves forward. 

“Offering a dedicated space for students interested in the world of esports not only fosters a sense of belonging but creates an environment where they can develop valuable skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking and leadership,” said Superintendent of Schools Anna Cutaia. 

Cutaia said providing a comprehensive esports program, including a competitive team, an arena and related course offerings, paves the way for innumerable future opportunities for students, from scholarships and collegiate esports programs to careers in the ever-growing gaming and technology industries. 

“We are grateful for the approval of this bond request, which will allow the creation of a modest, dedicated space for our esports teams to practice and compete and for the advancement of potential programming for global applications in the esports realm,” said Board of Education Chair Sue Glennon. 

Glennon said that with the help of Milford Public Schools staff and their partners at Affinity Sports, interest in esports has quickly taken off. 

In all, 53 students have participated in esports in the fall and spring seasons. 

Milford’s esports has grown from a club to a full-fledged CIAC-sanctioned sport, “serving a unique population of students who might not be interested in traditional high school sports but thrive in this competitive environment,” Glennon said. 

The $7.7 million for city bonding will cover the purchase of four sanitation collection trucks ($1.98 million), a new fire truck ($1.98 million), $1.1 million for various building maintenance work and $1.1 million for completing the fiberoptic conversion project. 

Also, $550,000 will be set aside for police security camera work. Rosen said the money would be used to upgrade and fix cameras already in place and purchase additional cameras. 

Rosen said $550,000 will also be set aside for upgrades to parks, fields, and other recreational assets.