Milton Town Council is weighing options for a potential municipal development as it evaluates the purchase of two acres of land between Magnolia and Broad streets.
The town has entered a conditional sales agreement for $1.6 million, contingent on a 60-day due diligence period to assess feasibility of how to designate usage of the land through the results of eventual surveys and soil sampling.
Potential Uses for the Property
A public workshop on March 17 allowed council members to brainstorm possible uses for the site:
- New Police Station – The current police facility is too small, and council members support a larger, modern station.
- Town Meeting Space – Currently, meetings take place at the Milton Library or other borrowed locations; a dedicated space would provide a long-term solution.
- Parking Expansion – With limited parking downtown, adding 30–40 spaces would be a major improvement to help with congestion in and for the nearby downtown area.
- Recreation Area – Some members propose a basketball court for community use, though previous plans stalled due to land costs.
Zoning and Challenges
The majority of the land is zoned as Town Center (TC), allowing for flexible municipal development. However, two parcels on Broad Street fall under residential zoning with historic district restrictions, limiting their use.
Some council members, including Mayor John Collier, suggest selling those parcels rather than retaining them. A major concern is the property’s location in a floodplain, which could impact development plans.
Vice Mayor Lee Revis-Plank voiced concerns about potential flooding issues, though Collier noted that early research suggests the risks may be lower than previously believed.
The town’s ongoing soil and topographic studies will provide more clarity on the potential usage of this land.
Next Steps
Council members acknowledge that, even if the town finalizes the purchase, construction may not begin for five to seven years due to planning and funding challenges.
Mayor Collier emphasized the rarity of such an opportunity, urging careful consideration of how best to utilize the space.
Community input and further studies will play a key role in determining the final plans. Follow our blog to stay updated on the progress & for all news regarding Coastal Delaware!
Source: Cape Gazette