MILLSBORO, Del. -  Town Manager Sheldon Hudson says Millsboro has the most residential building permits a month in Kent and Sussex counties. He says about 50 to 100 people or more are moving to Millsboro each month and that growth is part of the town's pro-business, pro-family motto.
"We have multiple annexations in the pipeline," Hudson says. "There's actually one on the north side of Millsboro, about 40 acres that's pending and TidalHealth has indicated that they want to build an ambulatory campus on at least part of that 40 acres, which could potentially include doctors offices, imaging, things of that nature."
Three new developments are under construction in Millsboro. Plantation Lakes has built 1,100 of 2,500 approved homes. West Town Village has 150 new homes coming, as well as existing subdivisions. Alderleaf Meadows will eventually have 150 single-family homes.
The town's fourth water tower will help accommodate this growth. It will hold 1 million gallons by summer.
Hudson says the town is also excited about two new sit down restaurants opening up on Route 113. Grotto Pizza Is expected to be complete in March and just next door, Texas Roadhouse is expected to be complete in May.
"Avid Hotels indicated they want to be open sometime this spring," Hudson says. "The hope is that people will come, they'll stay in Millsboro as a more economical option to staying at the beach."
While the highway sees new businesses, the current businesses downtown are getting new sidewalks and pavers. Server Tina Rivera says blocking off parking spaces has blocked 60-70 percent of the Country Kitchen's business.
"They come in the parking lot, which is supposed to be a one-way entrance, so they're coming around the other way, which could be confusing to a lot of people because it could cause a lot of accidents," Rivera says.
Past and Present has parking out back and Shop Keeper Judi Thoroughgood says the construction is critical to make stores more accessible.
"The water lines need to be updated and upgraded," Thoroughgood says. "The sidewalks will be beautiful when they're done with the stone, the pavers. The sidewalks were all uneven."
Hudson says the parking on main street will come back when construction wraps up in June. He says next year the town and the state will work together to add sidewalks on State Street and make downtown more pedestrian friendly.
"The hope is when DelDOT finishes the north Millsboro bypass, they've indicated is supposed to start in 2023, the hope is that some of that heavy truck traffic will no longer pass through downtown, they'll bypass the downtown," Hudson says. "That will make it more pedestrian friendly, more walkable and hopefully will allow the restaurants downtown to have outdoor seating."