by Terry Rogers
Two nationally recognized fast food restaurants may be coming to Milford
Although not ready to release the name of the fast-food company he is in talks with, Arthur Helmick of Helmick Milford received approval for a conditional use allowing for two fast food restaurants on the site of the former Wendy’s location in Milford. Helmick purchased the former Wendy’s after purchasing the former Walmart/Sitel building which he has since converted to a movie theater and a church.
“The current proposal is to redevelop the approximately one-acre property with two tenants in a single story commercial building,” Thomas Schreier of Hillcrest Associates, the engineering firm helping develop the property, said. “The uses will be a fast-food restaurant and a drive-in restaurant, both of which are permitted within the underlying zoning district.”
Schreier stated that because the name of the tenant could not be released at the present time, he was unable to give details on signage or the number of employees that could be hired. He anticipated, based on the previous tenant on the property, that signage would face the road frontage and that there would be a freestanding sign along Route 113. The number of employees per shift were estimated to be around eight.
“This was a Wendy’s earlier and it was unfortunate to see it go,” Councilman Todd Culotta said. “Obviously, this is a great use of the property. I do like the developer is using two different options in that same spot. It’s just more choices for residents.”
Councilman Jason James agreed with Councilman Culotta, stating that he was often approached by citizens about wanting more choices, whether it was fast food or just having more options to eat and shop. Councilman Andy Fulton was concerned that the tenants of the new fast food location would be businesses that already existed in Milford who were simply moving to a different location.
“The two proposed tenants are not local to the market,” Helmick said. “They are national tenants that we are working with at this moment. We are very close to finishing with one on the south side and it is a name that everyone would recognize immediately and one that everyone would welcome. One other comment I would like to make is that the adjacent property, the Harrington property, I also purchased that as well.” Helmick was referring to the Harrington ERA office, which was also formerly a fast food restaurant, housing a Long John Silver’s at one time.
Council approved the request by a unanimous vote.
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