At a recent meeting, Milford City Council approved an amendment to an agreement with Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC). The agreement is related to an exchange of land between the city and MHDC in lieu of providing open space for the Riverwalk Villas townhome development.
“The appraisal for the 3.892 acres of land came out to $1.66 million which is the equivalent of $426,515.93 per acre,” Planning Director Rob Pierce said. “Based on the 0.89 acres donated to the city, that had a value of $379,599.18. The required open space per the subdivision ordinance was a half-acre which was valued at just over $213,000, leaving the remaining amount of $166,000 that was utilized by the city to complete some improvements along the south side of Mispillion Street.”
Pierce explained that MHDC’s contractor, Urban Dirt, provided a proposal of $152,902 for the work the city is responsible to complete per the existing agreement. The proposal was reviewed by KCI Technologies, the city engineers, and they found the estimate reasonable.
“The city is proposing to amend the original agreement allowing the city to reimburse MHDC up to $166,341.21 for the improvements to the south side of Mispillion Street including installation of all missing curb, sidewalk, ADA ramps and road widening from Columbia Street to Marshall Street.”
Councilwoman Joan King asked if the curbing and upgrades were on both sides of Mispillion Street. Pierce stated that both sides of the street would have curbing.
“The Riverwalk Villa development is responsible for improving the north side of Mispillion Street adjacent to the townhouses,” Pierce said. “It’s going to widen the road slightly on their side. Milford would be responsible for putting the curbing along the already developed side of Mispillion Street along with any kind of ADA ramps where the sidewalks tie in.”
Construction began on the Riverwalk Villas project, a 27-unit affordable housing development by MHDC along Mispillion Street near the Mispillion Riverwalk, in June 2025. The project will feature energy-efficient, three-bedroom townhomes designed to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for working families and first-time homebuyers. In addition to the housing, the development includes improvements to sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and public spaces along the riverfront.
The agreement, which was approved by council with a vote of seven to one as Councilwoman Nina Pletcher was absent, clarified the transfer of nearly one acre of land adjacent to the Riverwalk which is designated for preservation and transfer to the City of Milford for public use. The project also supports neighborhood revitalization through a minor home repair initiative and environmental improvements, including a recently awarded $50,000 grant for green infrastructure, native plantings and pollinator gardens along the Riverwalk.
Riverwalk Villas is the latest in a long history of affordable housing initiatives undertaken by Milford Housing Development Corporation, which was founded in 1977. Over nearly five decades, the nonprofit has developed affordable rental communities, senior housing and homeownership opportunities throughout Delaware. Its previous Milford projects include the 56-unit Colony West townhome community, the 36-unit Marshall Manor senior housing complex and the 11-unit Academy Apartments. The organization has also helped approximately 250 Delaware families become homeowners through its Mutual Self-Help Housing Program, according to figures reported in August 2026. That program allows qualifying families to contribute labor toward construction, helping reduce the cost of homeownership. Riverwalk Villas continues MHDC’s efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities in Milford.
