Milton planners table annexation request

The Milton Planning and Zoning Commission tabled debate over the proposed zoning for an annexation of 5 acres to allow the developer and town officials to further codify the allowed uses of the parcel.

Scarlet Oaks Holdings LLC is proposing to annex the parcel that sits right at the intersection of Harbeson and Shingle Point roads, and turn it into a commercial venture. 

At the commission's March 17 meeting, Mark Davidson and Eric Wahl of Pennoni Associates, representing the developer, 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. The restaurant would be developed by Megan Kee, creator of Houston White Company, among other restaurants in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. 

Wahl said there would be pedestrian paths that would connect the commercial space to the sidewalks running alongside Mariner Middle School, creating a connection between Scarlet Oaks and the town. Kee said some of the cottages would serve as year-round, bed-and-breakfast-style rental properties. 

The proposed annexation has been recommended for approval by the town’s special review committee, but before final approval can be given by town council, the planning and zoning commission must review the proposed zoning of the parcel and create an advisory report. 

The main issue for P&Z commissioners was on the proposed uses of the property. A C-1 commercial zoning district carries with it a wide range of potential uses, and commission members raised concerns about what could potentially happen to the space should Scarlet Oaks Holdings ever sell or vacate the property.

During the special review committee’s discussions, Davidson brought up the idea of imposing a set of deed restrictions that would limit the potential uses of the site. However, those restrictions have not yet been codified. The commission also raised concerns about parking at the proposed cottages. 

The commission followed the suggestion of Chair Richard Trask to table discussions on zoning until April to allow the town and the developer to clarify the potential uses of the property before moving forward. Part of the commission’s interest in settling the proposed uses – besides the zoning ramifications – is because once the annexation is approved by town council, site plans for the development would go before the planning and zoning commission.