Borough says preservation also equates to visitor parking and rest rooms

Milford — Borough officials say they will never be able to access Pike Scenic Rural Character Preservation Bond money if the bond’s rules for funding aren’t changed. The borough has $138,000 set aside for purchase of an 80 X 160-foot lot on Broad Street and has been seeking county bond funding to complete the purchase. The board which oversees the bond money has twice rejected the borough’s applications. Borough council members say a lot would aid visitors by providing a public restroom as well as parking, in parking-starved Milford. Beyond that, they say nearby county offices would also benefit from a new lot. The 2005 bond was created to protect wild lands and open spaces, but the borough says reducing congestion in residential areas is the other side of the same argument. The borough now has eight parks. “We don’t need more grass to mow,” said council president Matt Osterberg. “Maybe we should call it a restroom park?” Solicitor John Klemeyer suggested.