The City of Milford will break ground on a new corporate center Tuesday, March 4 at 11 AM. This project has been in the works for several years with the goal to bring high paying, permanent employment to the city.
“We are excited for this ceremony which will celebrate a big milestone in our journey toward bringing sustainable jobs to our town,” Lauren Swain, Economic Development and Community Engagement Director, said. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s economic growth.”
In December 2021, the city purchased what was known as the Fry farm on the corner of Milford Harrington Highway and Canterbury Road. Prior to the city’s purchase, the land had been approved for a large housing development. Over the past four years, the city has worked to create a plan for the property that would promote job growth.
“Economic development is funny,” Sara Bluhm, previous Economic Development and Community Engagement Director, said at a meeting in 2022. “People think we need a Texas roadhouse or Target. Those things are not really economic development. Economic development is purchasing land and having the ability to bring in warehousing and industrial, something that will create hundreds of jobs.”
The city has remained steadfast in its creation of the corporate center, working with Tsionas Management and Emory Hill to provide advice on the best way to market the site which will offer space for up to 27 businesses. DelDOT reviewed the project and determined off-site improvements were needed, including lengthening turn lanes on Milford-Harrington Highway as well as a roundabout at Airport Road and Canterbury Road.
“Phase I will include an entrance at Canterbury Road and Airport Road as well as a service road through the entrance on Route 14,” Rob Pierce, City Planner, said at a council meeting last year. “A traffic signal will be required at Williamsville Road. There is also discussion of a roundabout at Church Hill and Canterbury Road.”
Several workshops were held to allow nearby residents to express any concerns regarding the project. The city incorporated several recommendations from neighbors, including additional buffers as well as public walking paths, as accommodation.
“In the next year or two, this will be one of the most important things that we’ll be focusing on to bring jobs and economic growth to Milford,” Mayor Todd Culotta said at a council meeting in 2024. “This is a great start and for any of the new council members, please ask if you have questions.”
Culotta also asked Pierce to sit down with new members of council, many of whom were elected or appointed in May 2024, to educate them on the project. The cost of the project is $17.9 million, and it is anticipated it will be completed next year.
