By Elle Wood

MILFORD — Downtown is beginning to take charge, as a ribbon cutting was held Friday for a set of two electric vehicle stations in the parking lot of Arena’s and Surf Bagel.

Tony Chipola, Milford’s electric director, was hired after the plan for the chargers was in place, but he soon learned the value of them and aided their delivery to Northeast Front Street. The project was funded by a DC Fast Vehicle Charging Station Grant from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in 2022, and they are the first in the downtown area.

“The city wanted to recognize the need for electric vehicle charging in the area,” he said. “It would bring in traffic from the major highways to the downtown area.”

Though the site was not the only spot officials were considering, they determined that it is the most suitable to attract visitors.

“We looked at a couple different locations,” said Mr. Chipola. “This one was chosen for the size, the electrical infrastructure that was already available and the proximity to the downtown area.”

Because the use of electric vehicles is growing in popularity, Milford leaders wanted to serve those drivers more readily. Presently, the stations charge a $1 flat fee.

“As a city, we want to be as in tuned with the new technology as possible,” Mr. Chipola added. “We also want to be environmentally conscious about our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. Anything we can do (to) help the public and the environment is something beneficial.”

He said the city will monitor how much the chargers are used before more are installed.

“I definitely think it is a possibility to expand this to other parts of the city,” said Mr. Chipola. “The idea started small with these two chargers, just to see how much they are going to be used, to make sure we are not presenting any economic burden on the city and, at the same time, recognize the needs of the community.

“I am excited to see where these electric vehicle chargers take us.”