On Monday, September 14, Mayor Todd Culotta reversed a decision regarding the reappointment of Shelby DiCostanzo to the Planning Commission. Last month, Culotta announced he was replacing DiCostanzo with someone with views “more in line” with his for the future of Milford.
“I recently discovered that we could have nine members on the Planning Commission,” Culotta stated. “We have only had seven for quite some time. So, I would like to reappoint Shelby DiCostanzo along with two others.”
Planning Director Rob Pierce asked Culotta to push the nominations out past Tuesday evening as there was a Planning Commission the next night. Culotta stated that the appointments would take effect September 16 to avoid any quorum issues.
Francis Reagan who has been a resident of Milford for three-and-a-half years, is employed as a right-of-way agent for DelDOT. Reagan has a master’s in urban planning who worked as a licensed planner in New Jersey for 16 years. Reagan was also an attorney in New Jersey for 28 years with a practice focusing on land use, zoning, redevelopment and municipal law.
“Since my wife and I moved to Milford in October 2022, we have embraced the Lower Slower Delaware mindset and very much enjoy all aspects of the state,” Reagan’s application reads. “Having lived in north NJ, we like the urban feel of Milford and are very glad to see it progressing forward. The Milford area provides the best of both worlds for us, walking downtown with nice amenities as well as easy access to the beaches, ponds, farmland and wetland areas. I believe my experience as a planner and attorney can be of assistance to the community as it grows.”
Robert Longo has lived in Milford for nine-and-a-half years and is a retired Police Chief, although he currently serves as a Corporal with the Delaware State Police and as a volunteer pastor in Georgetown.
“Through my experience as a police chief, I have always maintained the highest level of integrity which includes admitting when I’m wrong,” Longo’s application reads. “I also have experience in teamwork, policy development, budgeting, police station construction planning, making good, fair and impartial decisions, problem-solving experience, good communication skills and community leadership. I have a lifetime of commitment in serving the community.”
According to the application, Longo is a volunteer pastor for the Drive-in Church in Georgetown; Hiram Lodge #21, F&AM, Life Member VFW Post #6483 in Milford; FOP Lodge #11 where he served as a former President, VP and Chaplain; Sussex County Police Chief’s Association; former volunteer firefighter and EMS member in NY and NJ; International Association of Chiefs of Police; National Chief’s of Police Association and the Delaware Police Chief’s Association.
“I wish to serve on the Milford Planning Commission because I care about our community and want o use my experience in public service to help ensure our community growth is balanced,” Longo’s application reads. “During my 9.5 years as a resident, I have seen our population grow by approximately 40 percent, if not higher. Whti this growth and expected future expansion, I believe my leadership and policy experience would help the community itself and the Planning Board in performing its duties in addition to updating our zoning laws and the infrastructure you need to support our rapid growth.”
Councilwoman Nadia Zychal made a motion to nominate DiCostanzo and Culotta stopped her, stating he would prefer to do all three. Solicitor Gregg Morris explained that they should be voted on separately as members of council may not want to approve one or more of them. All three were nominated and voted on separately with all appointed unanimously.
