A buyer is being sought for large tracts outside Milford and Frederica that could accommodate nearly 2,000 homes. Both sites are in Kent County.
NAI Emory Hill’s Jon Hickey of the New Castle, DE office and Ann Bailey of the Lewes office, will represent the land owner of the two developments, which were listed for sale this week. “These two developments will literally change the face of Kent County,” said Hickey.
Homestead’s site plan includes provisions for 1,057 residential units to consist of 299 single family lots, 276 town homes, 82 twin homes and 400 condominiums and/or apartments. The parcel of land is located on Route 14 just off the intersection of Route 15 within the city limits of Milford.
Spring Hall’s site plan is comprised of 935 residential units including 476 single family lots, 309 town homes and 150 twin homes as well as 225,000 square feet of retail land and 110,000 square feet of office land. The development is located on Route 12 (Johnnycake Landing Rd.) just off Route 113 within the town limits of Frederica.
Both developments “will appeal to all homebuyers, from young new families just starting out to seniors looking to retire in a beautiful setting close to Delaware’s beaches,” said Bailey. Both Homestead and Spring Hall are located off Route 1, a main route to the beach.
Websites have been set up for both Homestead Milford. and Spring Hall.
The Homestead project was believed to have been in the preliminary approval stage prior to the real estate crash several years ago, with the possibility that the property could be annexed into the city. It is believed that the project would require the buyer going through the planning and zoning process.
Both areas have been growing , due to its location that is a short drive to the beach.
Many of the new residents in the Milford area are retirees drawn by low property taxes and a more relaxed lifestyle, although Milford also sees room for business development that would support more families coming to the area.
Milford has seen a decline in its manufacturing base over the decades, but is still home to a number of companies such as Perdue and Dentsply
Milford has also been working on revitalizing its downtown and has seen some successes with restaurants, stores and service businesses coming to that area of the city.
Bayhealth, a large health care provider, plans to build a $200 million health care campus, thanks in part to continuing growth in the area.
The project would replace Milford Memorial Hospital and according to Bayhealth would allow for growth and flexibility in a changing health care landscape.
The residential construction market has been improving in central and southern Delaware as interest rates remain low. Kent County saw a run-up in home prices after 2000
Frederica, south of Dover, has been a popular spot for retirees and those working at Dover Air Force Base. The economy has seen some rough spots, due in part to federal budget pressures affecting the base, along with little or no growth in state employment.
Having just moved to the area mentioned in this article a year or so ago, my wife and I love the country living, with the added benefits of the small town of Milford. To see such a large scale housing development proposedfor that intersection is disappointing, since many folks here moved away from just such sprawl. With that many homes will come increased demand for services not now available, more class room space, more noise and pollution, and take away the feeling of “small town America” that we love. This is progress?
The property has not yet been sold and it appears that the buyer would have to go through the approval process.