MILTON, DE - The Sussex County Town of Milton has several new residential developments coming down the pipeline, with 96 new apartments receiving preliminary approval at last nights Town Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting. But as the town continues to grow, some residents are worried that the town might be moving too fast.
The building would be located off Cave Neck Road and is part of the pre-existing Cannery Village neighborhood.
Dean Abbott, a longtime resident, believes change isn't necessarily bad - but worries the town is struggling to keep up.
“In many ways it can be good, but in terms of hospitals, doctors, dentists, roadways – we’re being overwhelmed. The changes are dramatic, in terms of the number of people, in terms of density, it’s a whole new world. Growing up we we’re rural with small towns, and now it feels suburban." said Abbott.
Milton Mayor John Collier tells WBOC he believes that attracting more residents is essential to expand the town's tax base. He says residents are looking for new parks, sidewalks, businesses, and other public goods - and the town needs the money to provide it.
The mayor says it's better to keep the development on town property, rather than on county property, because the revenue stream would directly benefit the town itself. If on county property, population growth would still occur, but the town wouldn't benefit the same.
The 96 new apartments were approved with the condition that extra security lights would be installed behind the building, and that a licensed landscaping architect is involved in the planning and construction.