By Brandon T. Bisceglia
People making exchanges for items bought over the internet now have a safe place in Milford to do so – the Police Department parking lot.
A resolution introduced at the Board of Aldermen’s Aug. 5 meeting to establish two designated parking spots for e-commerce exchanges passed unanimously.
The resolution was proposed by Republican alderman Anthony Giannattasio as a way to reduce the chances of theft or violence.
The parking spaces will get signs to make them visible to residents, though the parking lot had already been available regardless of the signage.
Popular e-commerce sites such as Craigslist, Facebook and Marketplace allow users to make person-to-person transactions and trades. But when the physical exchange takes place, there is a risk that one party may be taken advantage of or face other dangers from meeting face-to-face with a stranger.
In 2017, for instance, a Hartford man was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman when he went to her home to buy one of the bicycles she had advertised on Craigslist.
No such incidents have been reported in Milford to date.
“I am thrilled to support this resolution,” said alderman Karen Fortunati, who noted that the idea of establishing such safe exchange zones originated with Milwaukee police officer Lisa Saffold after a series of robberies in her community connected to online purchases.
“It will immensely change how those transactions are done and increase the safety for the residents of Milford,” Fortunati said.
“I think this is a great step forward for us as a board, and it is a bipartisan resolution,” Giannattasio said. “Sometimes things like this can pose a danger. But we’re always thinking of the best way – the safest way – for all the citizens of Milford.”
Alderman Nick Veccharelli, Jr. said he had made e-commerce purchases himself many times, but “always with reservation.”
“Having this transaction take place at the police department, you don’t have to go far if there’s a problem. And if they’re not willing to meet you at the police department, that certainly throws up a red flag.,” he said.
Alderman Raymond G. Vitali raised one concern that the parking spots would not be monitored and asked whether there would be surveillance cameras on the site.
City Attorney Robert L. Bercham replied that the spaces were not set up to be monitored by the police, but to act as a deterrent against dangerous behavior.
Chairman Philip J. Vetro said he had spoken with Milford Police Chief Kieth Mello, who had told him the police department strongly backed the proposal.
Giannattasio pointed out that residents could also come into the police station lobby to make their transactions if they felt the need for an added level of protection.
The police station is located at 430 Boston Post Rd. in Milford.