Milford Board of Adjustment Meeting – March 12, 2026

The Milford Board of Adjustment held a public hearing on March 12, 2026, to consider three variance applications. The board approved most requests, with one item tabled for additional information. The meeting included public testimony, staff presentations, and individual votes on each variance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the David Carr application (205 Fisher Avenue): Julie Morris expressed surprise that the city supported this homeowner’s variance while not similarly supporting a developer’s project on Walnut Street. A letter from Martha Pileggi (607 SE 2nd St) opposing the variances was read into the record, citing self-created conditions, disregard for zoning laws, and neighborhood disturbances.
• On the Ashley Furniture application: Greg Socora (334 Shore Lane, Lighthouse Estates) strongly opposed the 40-foot sign height (Variance #3), citing potential light trespass, sleep disruption, glare, and environmental impacts. He spoke as HOA president. Rachel Melton (113 Starlight Lane) asked about construction traffic impacts on the single entrance/exit to Lighthouse Estates. Julie Morris (21142 Cedar B. True) supported the project overall but opposed the sign height, noting inconsistency with past sign decisions, and suggested that approvals be conditioned on the site remaining a showroom.
• On the Milford Historical Society application: Julie Morris supported all variances, noting satisfaction that fire truck access concerns were addressed.

Discussion Items

• Lands of David Carr – 205 Fisher Avenue: The applicant requested three variances to subdivide a property containing two single-family homes: reduce minimum interior lot area from 8,000 sq ft to 5,746 sq ft, reduce minimum lot width from 80 ft to 58.68 ft, and reduce side yard setback from 8 ft to 7.6 ft. The applicant (Brenda Carr) stated the larger lot for the historic Eglington Hall honors the home and is consistent with smaller adjacent lots. Staff confirmed proper public notice was given.
• Ashley Furniture – 23529 Sussex Highway: The applicant sought three variances for a new 30,380 sq ft retail store: reduce required parking from 153 spaces to 65, reduce loading berths from three to one, and increase freestanding sign height from 28 ft to 40 ft. The engineer (Edwin Tenefoss) and representative (Justin Barnes) explained that a similar store in Millsboro with 50 parking spaces operates adequately, that the store is a showroom (no warehouse), and the taller sign is needed to be visible southbound over the Route 1 overpass. They noted the sign would be internally lit, not a digital sign, and would comply with city illumination standards. Staff confirmed that sign lighting is regulated at permit issuance.
• Milford Historical Society – Parson Thorne Mansion: The applicant requested five variances to construct a 2,000 sq ft museum building: reduce rear yard setback from 25 ft to 20 ft, permit gravel parking (except handicap spaces), reduce drive aisle width from 14 ft to 8 ft, reduce parking from 7 spaces to 5, and eliminate required screening. The engineer (John Roach) stated the property is historically constrained, the gravel and narrow aisle match existing character, and the building’s low usage justifies fewer parking spaces. Fire marshal approval will be required during site plan review.

Key Outcomes

• David Carr variances: All three variances were approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Variance #1 (lot area): Motion by Rizzo, seconded by Wiley; approved.
  • Variance #2 (lot width): Motion by Wiley, seconded by Rizzo; approved.
  • Variance #3 (side yard setback): Motion by Wiley, seconded by White; approved.
• Ashley Furniture variances: Variances #1 (parking) and #2 (loading berths) were approved unanimously (5-0). Variance #3 (sign height) was tabled unanimously (5-0) to allow the applicant to provide more details on sign design and illumination, and to potentially align with a future application for building height.
• Milford Historical Society variances: All five variances were approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Variance #1 (rear yard setback): Motion by Wiley, seconded by White; approved.
  • Variance #2 (paving): Motion by Rizzo, seconded by Muscola; approved.
  • Variance #3 (drive aisle width): Motion by Wiley, seconded by Rizzo; approved.
  • Variance #4 (parking spaces): Motion by Wiley, seconded by Muscola; approved.
  • Variance #5 (screening): Motion by Rizzo, seconded by Wiley; approved.
• Other: The board deferred approval of the finding of facts for previous agenda items to the next meeting, citing late preparation.