Milton committee recommends moving forward with annexation
A three-member committee in Milton recommended moving forward with the proposed annexation of 5 acres at the intersection of Harbeson and Shingle Point roads, which is planned for development as a commercial venture.
The Milton Special Review Committee, which includes Vice Mayor Lee Revis-Plank, planning and zoning commission Chair Richard Trask and Councilman Scotty Edler, made the recommendation Jan. 29, with the caveat that deed restrictions on the uses of the parcel are still to be negotiated.
Mark Davidson and Eric Wahl of Pennoni Associates, representing developer Scarlet Oaks Holdings LLC, said the concept for the proposed development is for a building called The Barn, which will have a restaurant, beer garden and outdoor seating, as well as an outdoor space that will have multiple uses, such as a farmers market or entertainment venue, and a spot for bicycle rentals. Cottages will be on site to serve as office space, and there will also be a larger homestead on site. The restaurant would be developed by Megan Kee, creator of Houston White Company, among other restaurants in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes.
Wahl said there will be 170 trees on the parcel. The commercial venture will be adjacent to the proposed Scarlet Oaks development; Davidson said the intention is for the space to be an amenity for the whole town, not just Scarlet Oaks.
In discussion of the proposed C-1 zoning at the site, Davidson responded to the committee’s concerns about potential uses of the site by suggesting a voluntary deed restriction to prevent certain uses, such as a liquor store. He said the developer wanted to ensure the project is not disconnected from the town, and portions of the plan include pedestrian and bicycle connections to the walkways across Harbeson Road to Chestnut Street.
The committee was happy with the idea of the deed restrictions, with Edler saying he’s glad the developer is not planning a high-impact use and is willing to work with the town on keeping certain uses from happening at the site.
The committee unanimously agreed to send an advisory report to town council to move forward with negotiating a formal annexation agreement.
Ryan Mavity covers Milton and the court system. He is married to Rachel Swick Mavity and has two kids, Alex and Jane. Ryan started with the Cape Gazette all the way back in February 2007, previously covering the City of Rehoboth Beach. A native of Easton, Md. and graduate of Towson University, Ryan enjoys watching the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Capitals and Baltimore Orioles in his spare time.
