Milford council to talk housing, Food Bank plans Monday
MILFORD — City Council invites residents to give their input on several developing projects Monday.
A series of public hearings is on tap, regarding a proposed 340-unit housing development, a new Food Bank of Delaware location and Milford’s first accessory dwelling unit, three initiatives that were approved by the city’s Planning Commission on Tuesday and now move on to council’s consideration.
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Milford council to talk housing, Food Bank plans Monday
By MILFORD — City Council invites residents to give their input on several developing projects Monday.
A series of public hearings is on tap, regarding a proposed 340-unit housing development, a new Food Bank of Delaware location and Milford’s first accessory dwelling unit, three initiatives that were approved by the city’s Planning Commission on Tuesday and now move on to council’s consideration.
In a 3-2 vote, the commission allowed a subdivision and planned-unit development request by Ribera Development, dubbed Westwood. The Millersville, Maryland, firm hopes to build a 340-unit community of 182 single-family detached homes and 158 single-family semidetached dwellings on Williamsville Road, behind United States Cold Storage.
“The property is situated on the north side of Williamsville Road, approximately 2,300 feet west of the Route 14 intersection, and it contains more or less 130 acres,” said Milford Planning Director Rob Pierce on Tuesday.
The no votes came from Commissioners Ian Wright and Jim Purcell, who said, “I think there needs to be more study on this property.”
However, commission chairman Marvin Sharp, while stating he wasn’t pleased with the plan, voted in favor of it because he said it meets the city’s standards.
The neighborhood, if approved, will lead to a widening of nearby Williamsville Road and a potential traffic light at its intersection with Milford-Harrington Highway.
City Council is expecting to hear from some area residents who oppose the construction based on concern about congestion and environmental impact.
Council members will also be addressed by Food Bank of Delaware representatives about their updated plan to build a campus on 11 acres next to the Delaware Veterans Home, along Airport Road.
It will hold the facility’s offices, along with greenhouses, growing space, an orchard and a grocery store-like facility.
The Food Bank plans to use the garden and greenhouse to grow produce for its clients, as well as offer a community garden.
“We have had regular conversations with the veterans’ home. That area is handicap-accessible, so the veterans will be able to come over and access that space,” Food Bank executive director Chad Robinson said Tuesday.
In other business, City Council — which recently approved regulations for accessory dwelling units in the city — will now take on a proposal for Milford’s first ADU structure.
ADUs provide additional living quarters on single-family lots, independent of the primary dwelling unit.
On Monday, council will review a request for an ADU at a residence in the 200 block of South Walnut Street. The homeowner plans to convert an existing garage into a dwelling, so he can live in it while he restores the main house. It is expected to be approved.
Also on Monday’s agenda:
- An additional public hearing relating to the Buccaneer Car Wash project on North Dupont Highway and North Walnut Street.
- A discussion about an update to council’s Freedom of Information Act policies.
- A presentation of the city’s fiscal year 2021 audit.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall and here.
