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Milton Diner, pharmacy fire ruled accidental

Property owner plans to rebuild
January 19, 2017

Milton Diner and an adjacent pharmacy have been razed after the buildings were destroyed by an early-morning fire in August. The fire has been ruled accidental by state officials.

Property owner Jim Parker said he will rebuild within the same footprint along Route 16, but he is waiting for better weather to begin construction. He said the new building will be more energy efficient, and he hopes work is underway before the end of January.

“We are going to rebuild, no question about that,” Parker said. He expects the new building to be occupied by summer, but the future tenants are not yet set.

“We thank the community for their support and look forward to getting back up to provide service in the future,” he said.

Flames ripping through the building about 2 a.m. Aug. 10 caused an estimated $500,000 in damages, destroying the diner and United Pharmacy. The pharmacy immediately consolidated operations at Sussex Pharmacy in Long Neck. Co-owner and pharmacist Paul Danielraj said he hopes to return to Milton once the building is rebuilt.

“We're still waiting on the insurance,” he said in a December phone interview. “It's a long process.”

Danielraj previously said the loss of the pharmacy's Milton location affected hundreds of customers, many of whom have remained loyal patrons, using the business's home delivery service and its Long Neck storefront.

“So far it is a little bit inconvenient, but we're taking care of the customers,” he said. “It's just a matter of time. We really appreciate the kindness that the community is showing to us by staying with us.”

Milton Diner owner Halil Ozturk could not be reached for comment.

Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Harry Miller said the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction in a circuit in the kitchen. The blaze has been ruled accidental.

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