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City of Milford Council Approves Two Land Purchases

Terry RogersGovernment, Headlines

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City Council approved the purchase of the Fry Farm which will be used as an industrial park

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City Council approved purchase of the Herman Sharp property on Rehoboth Boulevard for possible use as a park

The City of Milford Council recently approved two agreements of sales – one for the 182-acre R&C Fry Farms LP on the corner of Rt. 14 and Rt. 15 (Canterbury Road) for $6.38M and a second for a 19-acre parcel on S. Rehoboth Boulevard adjacent to N. Horseshoe Drive, presently owned by Herman Sharp, III, for $550,000.

The Fry Farm, currently zoned a combination of R-3 (Garden Apartment and Townhouse) and C-3 (Highway Commercial), will be on the Tuesday, Sept. 21 Planning Commission agenda and Monday, Sept. 27 City Council agenda with requests for rezoning to I-1 (Limited Industrial).  Pending a successful vote, the City plans to settle on the property by late November.

The addition of an industrial/business park will centralize such businesses and fulfill the current and future needs of manufacturing, light industrial, warehousing and employment in the greater Milford area.  The property, which is adjacent to the present Milford Business Park, will also be evaluated for potential drinking water wells and possible water tower for the northwest section of the City.  The creation of an industrial park was included in the 2018 Strategic Plan.

“The city is growing and we need an industrial park,” said Mayor Archie Campbell.  “We also need open space.  My vision is a park where we can build a playground, pickleball and tennis courts, soccer and softball fields.”

The vacant Sharp property will lend itself to this vision.  With a year left on the current agriculture lease, the City can begin planning phases for another city-owned park, specifically addressing the priorities identified in the 2018 Strategic Plan.  Once established, this park will be maintained by the City of Milford’s Parks & Recreation Department and give them an opportunity to expand their recreation offerings.

Funding for the purchase and infrastructure improvements on the industrial park will come from City reserve funds, and possible private investment.  As lots are sold, the reserve accounts will be reimbursed.  Initial funding for the Sharp property purchase will also come from City reserve accounts, with grants later reimbursing those accounts.

The City of Milford, incorporated in 1807 and located in Kent and Sussex Counties along the Mispillion River, is home to 10,000+ year-round residents, 500+ retail businesses and non-profits, local restaurants, parks, trails, small town events, major healthcare providers, an historic shipyard, and its own school district.  Known throughout the state as River Town, Art Town, Home Town, the City celebrates the beauty of its natural resources, the ingenuity of its people and its commitment to quality of life.

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