MILFORD, Del. - In a bid to tackle the pressing need for affordable housing in downtown Milford, the Milford Housing Development Corporation has been given approval by Mayor and City Council to construct 27 new townhomes along the picturesque Riverwalk area. This initiative aims to offer viable homeownership options.
Kaley Phillips, a local resident with two jobs downtown, expresses enthusiasm about the possibility of more affordable housing options, saying, "It's a great opportunity because I don't want to live with my mama for a while."
Addressing concerns about potential disruptions to the scenic Riverwalk experience, developers emphasize a pre-planned buffer designed to minimize any inconvenience to pedestrians. This assurance seeks to maintain the area's allure while accommodating new residential construction.
The MHDC mentioned opening the townhouses to be purchased rather than rentals.
"I think it has been too long since people were actually able to do more than just rent a home," said Phillips.
Beyond meeting housing needs, this development is anticipated to stimulate the local economy. Taylor Rettano, the owner of The Village and Venue on Walnut Street, foresees increased foot traffic and views this initiative as an opportunity to provide housing options for employees.
"The more homes, the more people. Obviously, we all struggle with staffing so hopefully that'll bring opportunity for us as well as for staff," says Rettano.
For individuals like Phillips, the prospect of these upcoming townhomes signifies more than just new constructions; it represents a glimmer of hope for securing stable homeownership. "Before I was just comfy where I'm at... This is going to help me explore and look at my options better," Phillips says, embodying the aspirations of many working-class residents striving for homeownership in downtown Milford.
However, prior to the commencement of construction, the City of Milford said that the developer must obtain necessary agency approvals before construction of the villas can begin.
