Election Day - November 5th 2024
City Officials, Council & Crews Hard At Work
City of Milford Update – 60 Days In Office
..City officials, council and crews hard at work
Over the last two months I have been encouraged by the desire of Milford families to help the City and myself in this new role. City Hall has been busy as City Manager Richard Carmean, members of Council and myself have taken steps to invest in our infrastructure and economic development, sustain fiscal responsibility and enhance the quality of life in Milford. In June, City Council approved a balance budget for fiscal year 2014-15 that included no increases in taxes or utility rates, the addition of a City Planner/Economic Development Director, a 2% raise for City of Milford employees and expenditures needed to complete Goat Island, the final phase of the Mispillion Riverwalk.
My first week in office I had a great conversation with Secretary Alan Levin of the Delaware Economic Development Office. It was a great conversation regarding Milford’s ability to strengthen our business friendly environment and attract new business opportunities. Secretary Levin was impressed by the recent investments the City has made to improve our infrastructure including the engineering work that is currently preparing the South East Region for growth as well as the incentive programs we have approved for new commercial construction and job growth. I will be meeting with the Delaware Economic Development Office on a monthly basis, along with Kent and Sussex County Economic Development offices, Downtown Milford, Inc. and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford to build a partnership on the county and state level. City Manager Richard Carmean and myself are currently talking with the USDA Grant and Loan program to see how the City can take advantage of their lending programs for small businesses.
City of Milford Public Works crews have been working hard as they began construction last month on SE Front Street to replace the sidewalks from Walnut Street to Rehoboth Boulevard. Once the sidewalks are replaced a complete asphalt overlay will begin. Later in the summer N. Washigton Street will also receive an asphalt overlay from 5th street to Rehoboth Boulevard. On Walnut street the former PNC building is currently under construction as the City is preparing to move the billing office from Airport Road to downtown Milford. In addition to being more accessible to a large number of Milford residents, the billing department move will also highlight our downtown area by creating more foot traffic on Walnut Street. The parking lots located beside and behind the building will become public parking area for all residents to utilize.
The City of Milford was featured in The News Journal’s Business Section twice during the month of June. The first article, which stated that Milford is the fastest growing town in Delaware, highlighted local businesses and our recent business-friendly incentives. The second was an editorial by Secretary Alan Levin that discussed our efforts to enhance infrastructure in the town and the revitalization of our downtown area. From my talks with state officials, they are impressed with the progress that Milford has made recently and excited to see what our future holds. This is an exciting time in our town’s future and an opportunity for us to grow in all aspects of life including commerce, culture and community.