Milford Planning Commission Meeting - November 18, 2025

The Milford Planning Commission convened on November 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM to hear two public hearing items: a preliminary major subdivision application for 609 Walnut Street and an annexation request for a property in Shawnee Acres. The commission also approved the consent calendar and held elections for officers. Acting as a fact-finding body, the commission makes recommendations to the Milford City Council, which will hold its own independent hearings on November 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the March 18th meeting were approved as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Comment (Julie Morris, 210 East Street): Ms. Morris expressed frustration that growth in Milford does not match the reality of living in the town. She argued that trust is undermined when decision-makers involved in approving projects also financially benefit from development. She urged the commission to treat public input as more than a checkbox and to plan for residents, not builders.
• 609 Walnut Street (Ordinance 2025-19):
  • In Opposition (Karen Duffy, 607 N. Walnut St.): Ms. Duffy opposed the single-family lot on lot 10, stating it does not match the neighborhood and that street parking will remain a problem despite new driveways. She stated she felt unheard by city officials.
  • In Opposition (Julie Morris, 210 East St.): Ms. Morris argued the project's density is too intense for the R2 district, stating that cramming six units onto 40-foot wide lots conflicts with the purpose of R2 zoning. She criticized the lot width variance and the reliance on cash-in-lieu of open space. She raised safety concerns regarding 71 new daily trips and eight new driveways on a busy residential corridor.
  • In Opposition (Greg Kelly, 602 N. Walnut St.): Mr. Kelly stated the applicant's motive for the layout is maximizing profit at the expense of neighbors and altering the character of the main street into town.
  • In Opposition (Trish Marvel, via Zoom): Ms. Marvel expressed concern about the city making exceptions to zoning codes and questioned how cash-in-lieu fees would be tracked.
• Annexation (Ordinance 2025-18):
  • In Opposition (Julie Morris, 210 East St.): Ms. Morris argued the homeowner would likely qualify for a hardship exemption from Den Rec to replace the septic system, making the annexation unnecessary. She criticized the logistics and legal complexities of the city annexing a single lot within a platted HOA, stating she could find no precedent in Delaware or neighboring states. She noted the homeowner never applied for a septic permit.
  • In Opposition (Trish Marvel, via Zoom): Ms. Marvel raised concerns about the logistical challenges and potential legal issues for the city in servicing a single property within a larger, privately governed HOA. She suggested helping the homeowner replace the septic system instead.

Discussion Items

• 609 Walnut Street Subdivision (Ordinance 2025-19): The applicant (Mark Davidson, Pannoni Associates) presented plans to subdivide three parcels (1.44 acres) into eight lots, comprising two single-family detached dwellings and six single-family semi-detached dwellings (duplexes). A variance for lot 10 (reducing minimum lot width from 80 feet to 56.45 feet) was previously granted by the Board of Adjustment. Planning Director Rob Pierce noted the project generally complies with zoning and subdivision codes excepting the variance, and is subject to a cash-in-lieu payment for open space. Commission discussion considered lot density, neighborhood compatibility, traffic safety from the eight driveways, and the impact on the character of North Walnut Street. The applicant confirmed the existing “White House” will be retained.
• Annexation of 2 North Brandywine Road (Ordinance 2025-18): The applicant’s realtor, Joanne Milton, stated the homeowner (Pamela Davis Thompson) has a failing septic system and is seeking annexation to connect to city water and sewer. Staff confirmed the annexation is consistent with the comprehensive plan and was supported unanimously by the annexation committee. The city already provides electric service and fire protection to the area. Commission discussion explored whether a hardship exception for a new septic was viable (it was investigated and found not applicable), the precedent for other Shawnee Acres properties, and the logistical complexity of the city providing services to a single home inside an unincorporated HOA. Planning Director Pierce stated the city’s longstanding policy requires annexation when properties become contiguous and connect to city utilities.

Key Outcomes

• 609 Walnut Street (Ordinance 2025-19): The commission voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the preliminary major subdivision to the City Council.
  • In favor: Wright, Hammond, Purcell, Sylvester, Reddin. The majority cited general consistency with the codes as the primary reason for the recommendation.
  • Against: Soles. The commissioner stated the project was too crowded for the neighborhood.
• Annexation (Ordinance 2025-18): The commission voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend approval of the annexation to the City Council. Commissioners noted the request was initiated by the homeowner, existing services are available, and the plan is consistent with comprehensive plans.
• Election of Officers: Ian Wright was elected Chairperson. Shelby (absent) was elected Vice Chairperson. Jim Purcell was elected Secretary.
• Next Steps: The Milford City Council will hold public hearings for both applications on November 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall and will make final independent decisions on each matter.