Milford City Council approved a conditional use plan for KD Properties to construct a new flex warehouse business, a type of commercial real estate that combines warehouses, offices and sometimes retail space into a single, adaptable building, south of the existing Meineke Car Care Center. They also agreed to waive sidewalk and curbing requirements for the project as the intersection is under review by DelDOT and will be undergoing changes in the interest of safety.
“The applicant is asking for a conditional use as they will be subdividing the parcel into two properties with one containing the Meineke business and the other the flex warehouse,” Rob Pierce, City Planner, said. “They are also seeking five tenant spaces plus Meineke on the parcel and because a flex warehouse is not specifically listed in the highway commercial zoning.”
Councilman Dan Marabello questioned whether the applicant had received approval from the state or Kent Dover MPO for the sidewalk waivers. Pierce explained that they would need a letter of no objection from DelDOT for the Walnut Street side of the property, but the city would need to allow a waiver for 10th Street.
“That is my only concern. I know how many people walk coming from Church Street,” Councilwoman Katrina Wilson said. “A lot of people walk through the property going to that area. But, from what I am understanding, I think you are saying it would be a hardship to put in a sidewalk there.”
Pierce explained that was what the applicant reported to the Planning Commission but that he believed they would be required to pay into a sidewalk fund even if they did not add sidewalks.
“I have been trying to improve the property on that corner, but then the construction industry blew up in my face and it was going to cost me two or three times more than I anticipated,” David Miller of KD Properties said. “That being said, I need to continue moving forward not only to help improve the city, but to have some income coming in. I have this small, little 6000-square-foot flex space to get some funding coming in and, once that is making money, I will go to the other side and figure out what I want to do there.”
Miller continued, stating that in order to make the project feasible, he couldn’t put in sidewalks and guttering around the entire property.
“I have worked extensively with Kent Dover MPO to coordinate this,” Miller said. “We hope eventually that street gets fixed, that sidewalk, curb and gutter will line up with what I have designed because my original design had to be adjusted and tweaked because they wanted certain locations for entrances.”
Mark Davidson, a land planner with Peroni and Associates, explained that Miller had worked closely with Kent Dover MPO on the project and that DelDOT was requiring a fee in lieu of putting in sidewalks now.
“What they told us is that it did not make sense to pay and put in sidewalks and gutters now when it will be ripped out and replaced later after the changes are made to the intersection,” Davidson said. “So, what we have done is taken the access on Walnut and instead of making it free flowing, we are making it more of a singular entrance. DelDOT has asked us to remove some asphalt so there’s going to be some impervious surface removed. Right now, stormwater runs right off this property into the city system, so we are designing a stormwater infiltration pond which will decrease the amount of stormwater currently going to the city system.”
The project will have to undergo conservation review for the stormwater pond, but with the reduced impervious surfaces and grassy areas added, the project would reduce potential flooding in the area and take less pressure off the city stormwater system, according to Davidson.
“There will be five units, approximately 40×40 feet,” Davidson said. “We have provided sufficient parking and, again, the interior curbing and interior islands and at traffic entrances.”
During public comment, James Grant spoke in support of the application.
“This is the quiet before the storm,” Grant said. “As everybody knows, the beach is getting full and many businesses are looking for places that are affordable to rent and flex warehouse is the key. Some of the businesses cannot even afford commercial anymore because commercial rent is high. This gives a better option for someone just starting out, getting their feet wet, so they can open a store in Milford.”
Grant pointed out that Milford is a great location with the proximity to the beach. He also liked that the applicant had worked with DelDOT and Dover Kent MPO to address concerns.
“I just want to be sure you are not forgetting about the big conversation we had about the school and the transfer of students,” Nina Pletcher said. “They are talking about redoing that intersection and I am concerned about the lack of sidewalks.”
Wilson pointed out that the changes to the intersection were the reason the applicant wanted the sidewalk waiver, since those changes were coming in the future.
“I just don’t want to lose sight of the fact that intersection was just under review as far as kids moving safely on all sides,” Pletcher said. “I guess I am just curious why you would pay a fee and not just put in sidewalks?”
Council approved the preliminary conditional use and sidewalk waiver with a vote of six to zero. Councilman Jason James and Councilwoman Madula Kalesis were not present at the meeting.
“I think thus far, what they have done is very attractive compared to what is there now,” Marabello said.
Councilwoman Nadia Zychal voted yes as the applicant seemed to have a good working relationship with various state agencies.
“That area needs improvement,” Councilman Danny Perez said. “So, I vote yes. I think it will enhance the general area. My only concern is that everything you promise will be fulfilled.”
Councilman Michael Stewart also voted yes as it seemed that not only had the applicant worked with state agencies, but they seemed to be on board. Wilson and Councilwoman Lori Connor were also yes votes on the application.
