A statement was made by the mayor and Milton Town Council that our taxes had to be raised to keep the citizens’ lifestyles and services at the level we have become accustomed to (26% in last two years). What does this have to do with the annexation request by the developer of the Scarlet Oaks development? A lot! Think about this statement. As a small town, we have limited resources to cover expenses unless taxes keep rising. Do we really want to continue down this path? If we keep adding new developments, and all the expenses associated with annexation, the responsibility will be to all the townspeople!
Currently there are at least 50-plus homes in Milton town limits, or adjacent to, that are serviced by Sussex County and pay no town taxes. Why haven’t these properties been annexed? There are also 35-plus developments just outside Milton town limits (within two miles, as the crow flies) that have a Milton address. The town does not provide any services to these communities like police, water, trash, snow removal, road repairs, etc., and they do not pay Milton taxes. If annexations are looked upon favorably by the current town council, Milton will cease to be a quaint, quiet, charming small town.
Our town will need more infrastructure (personnel, service equipment, police officers and staff, streets and sidewalk workers, etc.) and new buildings to house these added personnel.
There are currently no connecting sidewalks for the annexation as a pedestrian bridge would have to be built across Route 5. The properties across Route 5 from this annexation have no sidewalks and are not in Milton town limits. Increased vehicular traffic can surely be expected. Taxes will keep rising. We should say no to more development sprawl and keep Milton manageable. We should encourage developing property owners to explore land preservation programs. This has been done by several farm owners adjacent to Milton limits including the brother of Scarlet Oaks and the Granary property owners.
Please do not let Milton become a clogged traffic crisis like Lewes, Georgetown and Rehoboth.
It is good that everyone can have a vote to determine our town’s future. The next generation will thank us.
We owe a thanks of gratitude to our past leaders for preserving our historic charm. We must do the same.
Please vote no to annexation at the Saturday, Feb. 3 referendum.
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