The city of Milford is open for business and, with lots of housing growth, ready to welcome new businesses that will appeal to its 10,000-plus residents. In 2021 alone, 85 commercial building permits have been issued.
Sara Pletcher, economic development and community engagement administrator, said the city will settle in December on a 182-acre farm at the corner of Rtes. 14 and 15 which has been rezoned as an industrial park. Already approved by the city are several projects downtown, some of which will convert older buildings into mixed-use structures with commercial space on the ground floor and residential apartments above.
One of the downtown buildings was damaged by fire and will be gutted and renovated, Pletcher said. Designated by the state as a Downtown Development District, the city will see construction begin this winter on a streetscape project on Northeast Front Street.
Upcoming new residential communities include a 264-unit Windward on the River, located just off Rte. 1; the Wickersham Development in northeast Milford with 203 garden apartments and townhouses; the Mispillion apartment project on Rte. 14 east of North Rehoboth Boulevard with 102 units; and the Westwood Development along Williamsville Road containing 340 residential units.
First settled in 1680, Milford was incorporated in 1807 and has served as a shipbuilding center and, later, a center of agricultural activity in the state. The Mispillion River remains an important feature enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
The area’s youngest residents can enjoy meeting Santa on Saturdays through Dec. 18. He’ll be “at home” at Santa’s House downtown and greet children in the doorway where families can take photos.
For more information on the city of Milford, visit www.cityofmilford.com.
