Developer withdraws proposed C4 commercial zone plan in Milford
MILFORD, Del. – Plans to add a commercial mixed-use zone on the southeast side of Milford next to route one have been withdrawn by Key Development and Architecture firm Davis, Bowen, and Friedel according to principal architect Jamie Sechler.
The project sought to convert the rural area into a high-density mix of commercial space and high-density rental units, despite failing to garner approval by the City of Milford during three separate proposal periods stemming back to 2016.
The latest planning proposal was before the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Department, before being withdrawn.
Milford Mayor Archie Cambell tells WMDT he opposed the project, as none of his issues with the sight were addressed between the proposals before the town or county.
“It’s sitting of route one, there’s no infrastructure, there’s only one way to get in there, which is bad,” Cambell said, adding that the project would have to be annexed into the town for them to supply the adequate water and sewer, a move he would veto.
Rep. Bryan Shupe tells WMDT he has been against the project since he was still mayor of the town, citing a danger to the local environment.
“We did not, as a community, even going back 100 years, not want a huge commercial impact on these natural resources to be able to inhibit the Mispillion River River and also the natural habitat of all the animals that are and the ecosystem that’s out here,” Shupe said.
Shupe tells us he does not have confidence in Key Development to manage the project, citing constituent calls he receives as state rep regarding the conditions at current Key properties.
“Why would we green light this developer who has a less than stellar record,” he said adding “The developers want to put eight, 8000 square foot commercial properties out here and the parking and the traffic and all the pollution that that would bring, I think, would be unacceptable to have right next to Cedar Creek and also the other farms and natural habitats.”
Mayor Cambell tells WMDT he is all for mixed-use development, but believes there are lots within city limits that are better equipped to handle the increased traffic and population density.
“We’re building an industrial park. So if they want, you know, they can have those companies that they want to put out there, put them in an industrial park which is already annexed into the city,” he said.
Sechler tells 47ABC the project has been withdrawn citing a need to reach out and work with DelDOT to concerns about the proposal addressed.
