The situation concerning the acquisition of the property at 112 Federal St. in Milton is fluid to say the least. The mayor has stated that the town was planning on the purchase in order to provide an annex to town, and possibly provide a space for nonprofits to operate.
If the purchase was either for an office or parking, then inasmuch as the street fronting the property is state-maintained, then DelDOT enters the picture. That will add years and cost to the property. This is also a change in use since it is zoned residential at the present time. Add to that the hearings before planning & zoning, historical commission, etc.
If the property is moved, then there will be the cost of moving the telephone and power wires in front of the house, plus the moving costs alone. If the lot is cleared for parking, how will the town meet DNREC requirements for water runoff?
The most important question: Does this investment meet the prudent man dictum? Is this a wise investment of town funds, when property in Milton is still stagnant?
At the Nov. 4, council meeting, the mayor stated the purchase was contingent on a home and termite inspection. At the same meeting the town treasurer stated his concerns for using the funds. Fast forward to current statements that the intent, after all, was to purchase a parcel of land and we seem to have the funds, somewhere, that may be used, according to the treasurer.
Now we have a variety of disingenuous statements. The town was actually purchasing the land for parking. Why on earth would the mayor order a house inspection when she planned on purchasing a parking lot? Something is amiss on many levels. Too much has gone unanswered.
Norman R. Lester
Milton