Mixed-use development proposed for Federal Street

A proposed mixed-use development in downtown Milton is expected to be heard by town council at its Monday, Feb. 5.

Developer RJL Associates has proposed a residential and retail complex at 100 Federal St., right on the corner of the town’s central business district. The proposal calls for a three-story building that would have space for five small retail businesses and a restaurant on the first floor and two-bedroom apartments on the second and third floors. Parking for the complex would utilize the existing parking lot fronting Front Street; the developer has proposed 37 parking spaces at the development.

The 1-acre parcel is zoned Town Center Use, which allows for both residential and commercial uses. The developer has proposed a 50-foot wetland buffer at the rear of the property, which backs up to the Broadkill River. 

While council will have a discussion of the development, the most likely outcome of the Feb. 5 meeting is that the development is sent to the planning and zoning commission for preliminary site-plan review, typically the step in the process where the commission and the public are able to weigh in on the project.

RJL Associates brought the proposal before the planners in November 2021 for a concept review, in which the commission is able to provide feedback to an applicant before moving forward to the site-plan review process. While no vote was taken at that time, commission members liked the plan for its development of a key area in the town’s center. There were questions regarding the building orientation and the parking, but overall, the project idea was well received.

DelDOT to present all-way stop proposal

At the Feb. 5 meeting, representatives from Delaware Department of Transportation will give a presentation on a proposed all-way stop at the intersection of Shingle Point Road, Chestnut Street and Harbeson Road. 

Besides being a busy intersection that provides the main road from Georgetown to points of interest like Dogfish Head and Cannery Village, that area is also the location of the proposed Scarlet Oaks residential development.

Other items on the agenda include reviewing the town’s fiscal year 2023 audit, proposed improvements as part of the special development district for the Granary at Draper Farm, street closures for the annual Zombie Fest and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and proposed increases to the water tapping fee and water impact fee.