MILFORD, DE- Milford City Council has given the green light to a new 27-unit townhouse development, aiming to expand housing options in the community.
Riverwalk Villas, a project featuring three-bedroom townhomes for sale—not rent—will be built on a vacant four-acre property at the intersection of Mispillion and Marshall street, adjacent to the Mispillion Riverwalk.
City officials say the project will help address the increasing demand for affordable housing.
Mayor Todd Culotta believes it will provide much-needed options for local workers struggling to find homes.
"A lot of the, the, things that, you know, people that work in restaurants and service and things like that, for the city or for the state, they're always struggling to find housing, homes that are affordable."
The site was previously approved for a 48-unit apartment complex, but that approval expired before the current developer acquired the property.
As part of the project, the developer will donate 0.89 acres of land near the river back to the city as open space.
Culotta says this will allow the community to benefit from the development while also revitalizing long-vacant land.
"This is great for, you know, unused land that's been empty for a great deal of time. Good location. And a portion of the land is being donated back to the city, so we'll maintain it and keep it open."
However, not everyone is in favor of the project.
Rachel Barnes, who lives nearby, worries about increased congestion and its impact on a popular dog park.
"I think it's going to create more traffic and maybe some complaints because there is a dog park right here, and it does get packed some days."
Others see the development as an opportunity for economic growth.
Khyron Reynolds, who works at Park Place, believes the project will bring in more people and boost local businesses.
"More money's coming in so we can improve more in town. It's just a win-win-win in my opinion."
According to city officials, construction on Riverwalk Villas is expected to begin in the coming months.