By Elle Wood

MILFORD—After about a month-long fight with the city of Milford, Annette Billings will get to keep her property that was in the process of being condemned through eminent domain for a bike path.

The Milford City Council met Wednesday to vote on the next steps in the controversy. After hearing public comments and an executive meeting, a motion was made to terminate eminent domain on the property.

The motion was passed and voted on by the council in favor of no eminent domain. The public in attendance roared with cheer after the vote was decided.

Throughout Annette Billings entire journey, she has had lots of support from members of not only the Milford community, but people across the state.

During the public comment period at the meeting on Wednesday, James J. Weller Jr., of Weller’s Utility Trailers and Jim Weller Does Delmarva radio in Bridgeville, spoke about character and how people want to be remembered.

“You have to think about how you live your dash between the day you were born and the day you die,” said Mr. Weller. “On the day you die, there is going to be a dash on your tombstone, and I want you to think about if you truly want to take this lady’s land.”

“To you all, it’s (the land) just dirt and letters on paper, but to her it her land and it matters.”

These comments, along with the public comments from the Feb. 12 meeting, allowed the council members to think differently than the plan they were pursuing.

Councilman Andrew Fulton made the motion to go into settlement with Ms. Billings for a competitive compensation for the property. The motion was voted four to four with the deciding vote from Mayor Campbell who voted against the settlement.

Councilwoman Katrina Wilson made another motion to terminate the eminent domain altogether. The vote was six votes for the termination and two abstained.

The councilwoman explained after listening to the residents in Milford, she felt that they were not helping the city in any way. She felt that they were going against the people that the council is working to help and serve.

“Having served the city of Milford for over 30 years, my reputation is the utmost important to me,” said Ms. Wilson. “And being labeled as a thief is deeply troubled.”

“After hearing Ms. Billings’ testimony, I was struck by the realization that the information I lacked the humanistic value it should possess.”

The residents of Milford continued to stand with Ms. Billings as she fought to keep the family farm. Julie Morris, a Milford resident who grew up in the city, was a strong advocate for her through social media and many other ways.

She explained that the story is more than eminent domain, it was about the citizens and their lack of knowledge about what was going on in the city.

“We (the residents) had no idea, and that’s what is the most surprising to me,” said Ms. Morris.

As she has been very active in trying to raise awareness to the controversy, she noticed many other people were becoming involved in conversations through social media. However, she knew the only way to make change was to come to the meetings and help spread awareness in that aspect.

“It’s one thing to say something, but it’s a different thing to act,” said Ms. Morris. “I think the meeting is going to be a big difference with who comes out to support Annette.”

Prior to the meeting on Wednesday, Ms. Morris helped to plan a march that was scheduled for Feb. 25 in support of Ms. Billings.

The advocation for Ms. Billings is what pushed the council to reach their decision to terminate the eminent domain for her property. That is what the city residents need to do to make sure they continue to know what is going on in the city and get what they need, said Ms. Morris.