MILFORD, Del. — Sussex County Habitat for Humanity has received approval of variances for yard setbacks where two single-family homes in Milford are currently being built, clearing the way for the nonprofit to expand affordable housing efforts into the community.
The Milford Board of Adjustment on Thursday approved zoning variances for two properties at 19 and 21 Columbia St., located between Southeast Front Street and Mispillion Street. The decision allows Habitat to move forward with adding stairs and a landing to the homes to make way for second floors on top of the already constructed first floors. The lots are zoned R-2 residential and designated low-density residential under the city’s comprehensive plan.
City code typically requires two side yards of at least eight feet each. Under the approved variances, the northern side yard setback will be reduced to about 1.6 feet at 19 Columbia St. and about 1.4 feet at 21 Columbia St.
Candy Huffman, who lives next door, says she's worried about one of the new homes now being less than two feet from her property.
"If something catches on fire that's going to spread very easily," said Huffman.
Huffman lives in a Habitat for Humanity home herself but questions whether the organization is being held to the same standards by the city.
"I understand they want to build on these properties. They own these properties. But they have to stick to the standards of the city of Milford. And they're pushing through. They're getting away because it's an organization. It shouldn't matter who you are," said Huffman.
Huffman also says she's worried about her dog, that's been deemed dangerous by the state, bothering new neighbors with yards so close.
Mary Skiba, who lives across the street, has her own concerns, such as limited parking on the street.
"This is a two way street; right now, you have to pull over for another car comes through," said Skiba.
On the contrary, Habitat for Humanity, says other neighbors are excited to welcome new people to the area.
Each parcel measures roughly 0.067 acres and will be developed with a single-family detached dwelling.
Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, which currently operates out of an office in Georgetown, is a nonprofit that focuses on building affordable homes for families in need.
The nonprofit told CoastTV Thursday that the two homes are part of a nine home "neighborhood revitalization project" aimed at increasing homeownership in the area, as opposed to renting, saying it helps foster community and build the neighborhood up. Habitat for Humanity says they've completed and sold 206 homes throughout Sussex County since 1991.