Milford, CT
The Milford Diner will remain in its downtown location for future use as a community room and information center, officials said Wednesday.

A new tax-exempt group will be established to lease and operate the facility, said Genevieve Salvatore, chairwoman of the Economic Development Commission.

The 1940s-era diner will be cleaned and possibly even restored, depending on how much funding the new group is able to raise, she said.

Bill DaSilva, who owns the diner and the SBC Restaurant across the parking lot, confirmed that a deal is close to save and reuse the stainless steel, train car-style diner.

"I'm allowing them to come in at virtually zero rent for the first few years, so that they can make a go of it,'' he said.

Under the plan worked out between DaSilva and Susan Ashelford, an Economic Development Commission who also represents the Downtown Milford Business Association, no parking would be made available at the diner.

The information center and community room would have pedestrian access only, officials said, though visitors may find other parking spots in the area. It is anticipated that many of the center's users will be visitors to Milford, most of whom arrive by boat at the nearby Lisman Landing and at private marinas.

Ashelford said old movies may be shown in the diner on occasional weekday evenings, for local residents and visitors.

Salvatore has offered her legal expertise in crafting an agreement between the community group and DaSilva. "I expect that we'll be able to make a formal announcement very soon,'' she said.

DaSilva, who lives in Milford, said he recognizes the diner's "intrinsic value,'' and sees the value in saving it. Originally published online here: http://www.connpost.com/ci_12681062