The Milton Town Council met on Monday, April 7th to discuss two essential waivers needed before finalizing plans for a new downtown parking lot near the Lydia Cannon Museum, located at the corner of Union and Magnolia streets.
Why the Waivers Are Needed
Mayor John Collier explained that the town is requesting:
- A waiver from the requirement to build a sidewalk along Magnolia Street
- A waiver from standard parking space dimensions
The sidewalk waiver stems from a clause in the town code that allows flexibility in cases where curbs, gutters, and sidewalks would cause hardship due to drainage, topography, or other non-self-imposed factors.
The second waiver addresses a conflict between the town’s parking size standards and stormwater management needs.
The Sussex Conservation District requires on-site stormwater control, which means the town must adjust parking space sizes to accommodate enough spaces.
Plans for the New Lot
Milton has been actively seeking solutions to ease downtown parking challenges.
In November, the town entered into a 10-year lease with the Milton Historical Society to use a vacant lot at Union and Magnolia streets.
- Annual lease cost: $36,000
- Lease includes option for a 5-year extension
- Pervious pavers will be used instead of asphalt
- Signage and installation will be handled by the town
- The existing gravel lot behind the museum remains with the historical society
Concerns about past flooding made the historical society hesitant, but pervious pavers offer a more stormwater-friendly alternative.
Financial support from Rep. Stell Parker Selby and Sen. Russ Huxtable is expected to bring in $120,000 for site improvements.
Mayor Collier said the new lot could double the current parking capacity in downtown Milton.
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Source: Cape Gazette