Milton’s special review committee has begun work on whether to recommend the annexation of 5 acres at the corner of Harbeson and Shingle Point roads that would be developed as a commercial component of the Scarlet Oaks project.

The committee, comprising Vice Mayor Lee Revis-Plank, planning and zoning commission Chair Richard Trask and Councilman Scotty Edler, held its first meeting on the topic Dec. 4, to get an overview of the proposed project.

Mark Davidson and Eric Wahl of Pennoni Associates, on behalf of the developer, said the project would comprise a building called The Barn, which will have a restaurant, beer garden and outdoor seating, as well as room for a farmers market or entertainment venue, and a spot for bicycle rentals. Cottages will be on site to serve as office space. Davidson said the restaurant would be developed by Megan Kee, creator of Houston White Company, among other restaurants in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes.

“We don’t want a large hotel or a large establishment. We want something small that fits with the character of the neighborhood. We want this to be more like an amenity for Scarlet Oaks,” Davidson said. 

Trask asked whether it was considered to have some kind of affordable housing at that site. Davidson said he did not think a residential use was a good fit for the property. He said the commercial element would help transition Scarlet Oaks into Milton. 

Both Davidson and Wahl said the intention is to have trees on the site to give a green look, with plans to use fast-growing trees such as sycamores. 

Edler asked about the frequency of use at the site, given the concept seems to favor a summer business. Davidson said he would bring answers to that question to the committee’s next meeting. While the committee did not yet set a date for the next meeting, Revis-Plank said the topic for discussion would be the proposed commercial zoning.