MILFORD — A former Planning and Zoning Board member chided the current board Tuesday night, recalling that they were elected on a promise to cut density.

Mark Lofthouse said that a proposal to add nine apartments in three townhouse buildings to an existing 50-unit apartment complex would exceed the number of bedrooms allowed per acre.

The former Milford Arms Apartments at 180 Melba St., condemned by the city as uninhabitable three years ago, would be completely gutted and rebuilt as part of the project.

Attorney Steve Studer, representing the developer, Acquisition Trust LLC of Maynard, Mass., told the board that residents of the Point Beach neighborhood where the project is located are solidly behind it. "The neighbors support it and we're asking you to support the neighbors."

Lofthouse, who chose not to seek re-election last fall, told the PZB that they would be throwing their regulations out the window. "You are being asked to consider the financial aspect of the project; don't fall for it. You have to decide based on the regulations."

The existing building, to be renamed the Washington Arms Apartments, will be reconfigured to include more two bedroom units and to eliminate studios. The PZB has already approved that part of the project; Tuesday night's public hearing concerned the addition of the nine new units in a separate building.

Alderman Phil Vetro, D-4, who represents the area, spoke in favor of the proposal. "This building was in disrepair and

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a big nuisance to the neighborhood.

"Compared to what it was, this is a vast improvement," Vetro said. "The big question I get now is 'when will it be done?'" he said.

The 50 tenants were relocated and the three-story brick building sealed off in September 2005 after Dr. A. Dennis McBride ruled it uninhabitable because of numerous health and safety code violations. Three months later the city's Housing Code Board of Appeals upheld the health director.

Studer said the developers will correct all documented code violations as part of the project.