I’m writing this letter to the editor to bring attention to the referendum regarding the proposed annexation of Scarlet Oaks into the Town of Milton scheduled for Feb. 3, being held at the Milton fire house on Front Street starting at 8 a.m. All duly registered Milton voters are eligible to vote either in person or by absentee ballot.
One incorrect notion that is circulating is that if the referendum fails, the houses will not be built. Mayor John Collier recently received a letter from the developer confirming they intend to go forward with building homes in the development with Sussex County approval if the annexation referendum fails.
That means the houses will be built. Voting against the referendum will not prevent growth or additional development from happening. These new property owners will use the Milton services – streets, parks, police services, etc. – because Milton is the closest town to the development. If voters approve the referendum, the town will receive property transfer taxes and annual property taxes from each new owner. Otherwise, they will not contribute a fair share of the costs of the services they use. So, in case you’re wondering who will pay for those services, the current property owners in Milton will pay.
A second incorrect notion is that the annexation is tied to a special development district zoning. The annexation will not automatically mean the SDD request will be honored by the town. The SDD request is a completely separate issue, and requires a completely separate analysis and vote by town council in the future.
In summary, I ask that all duly registered Milton voters vote to approve the referendum annexing Scarlet Oaks into the Town of Milton.
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