In this final edition of 2025, Milford Times is taking a look back at some of the decisions made by state and local government in the year gone by.
The City of Milford began the year with a groundbreaking for the new Milford Corporate Center. The development, located on the corner of Canterbury Road and Milford Harrington Highway, is designed to bring high-paying jobs to the area. The development led to a road closure of Canterbury Road and Airport Road for several months in order to construct a roundabout.
A referendum was held to construct a new water tower in north Milford to address water pressure issues. The referendum did not increase taxes, and the costs will be covered through impact fees from new construction.
Danny Perez replaced Councilwoman Nirmala Samaroo who 
chose not to run for another term as representative of Ward Three. Councilwoman Katrina Wilson was recognized for her long service on city council with an award from Black Girls Rock!
Another controversial decision was to construct Deep Creek Park on land purchased by the city several years ago. The land was purchased with the intention to construct a park but became entangled in a controversial land issue that occurred in 2023. That land use issue led legislators to require the City of Milford to adjust their charter that would forbid them from using eminent domain inside or outside city limits. No other city has been required to add that language to their charter.
Another controversial development planned for Truitt Avenue was denied by both Planning Commission and City Council despite approval by neighbors but a development that had pushback from neighbors on Walnut Street was approved to build six duplexes and two single-family dwellings. Construction began on the bridge over Haven Lake after an inspection by DelDOT found issues with bearings on the bridges.
Council also tabled upgrades to the front of City Hall citing budget oversight. Previous council had requested a new design in front of City Hall.
Christopher Coleman accepted the position of City Manager, replacing retiring Mark Whitfield.
In May, the Board of Adjustments and Planning Commission denied a request from Zack and Marissa King for a height and setback variance that would have allowed the couple to construct affordable apartments on a vacant lot they own. However, in December, Board of Adjustments granted a height variance to a developer for an apartment complex near Milford Ponds.
Ethics charges were filed against Mayor Todd Culotta by a member of the community. The charge alleges that Culotta accepted VIP NASCAR tickets from Board of Adjustment Chairman Brendon Warfel.
Congresswoman Sara McBride visited downtown Milford and then spoke about her visit on the House floor in Washington DC.
Riverwalk Villas, an affordable housing project created by Milford Housing Development Corporation, broke ground along the Mispillion River in June.
Over the summer, there was a growing push for a building moratorium not only in Milford, but in Sussex County. The push led Sussex County Council to form a task force that would make suggestions on how to manage growth.
Council appointed Gregory Morris as the city solicitor, replacing David Rutt who stepped down this year.
A pedestrian walkway was constructed near Milford High School and Milford Central Academy, changing the walk boundaries for the two schools.
Medical debt in Delaware is no longer allowed to be reported on credit reports. In addition, the state invested $500,000 with a non-profit to eliminate up to $19 million in medical debt throughout the state.
A new evidence building was approved for the Milford Police Department. The new building was part of the design of the original building but cut to keep the cost of the new police station under $17 million.
Roni Baltazar Lopez, a Milford native, was appointed to lead the first Office of New Americans in Delaware.
Annexation of a lot in Shawnee Acres due to a failing septic system was approved by City Council. The city signed a contract to bring fiber to Milford in order to offer an additional option for internet.
Matt Bucher who is currently the Vice-President of Milford School District Board of Education, announced his candidacy for the 33rd District State Representative District after current Representative Charlie Postles announced he would retire.
Carlisle Fire Company announced they were adding a new substation on Cedar Beach Road to better serve the southeast sections of town.
The city received a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile to build public restrooms downtown. One of the most unusual requests of state legislature was from PETA who asked the state to pass a law requiring all dog owners to walk their pet at least three times per day with one walk at least an hour.
Check out our various sections to look back at other areas of the city over the past year as well as comments from different organizations and city leaders about their views on this past year. Next week will feature a look forward to 2026.
