Milford Redevelopment Commission President Dan Brown, left, and Doug Ruch at the June 12 meeting in Milford Community Building. InkFreeNews photo by David Hazledine.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — The monthly public meeting of Milford Redevelopment Commission ended on a high note on July 12 when members reported renovations at two Milford businesses as well as progress in efforts to create more affordable housing.

Renovation of the former Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center building may begin soon, according to Milford Town Council President and RDC member Doug Ruch. Dumpsters have appeared at the 505 W. Fourth St. address. A 20-23 unit housing complex, tentatively named The Village on 4th has been under consideration for months following the property’s rezoning from agricultural to commercial.

However, according to Beacon, the property remains under ownership by Trilogy Health Services, which owned Lakeland Rehab.

RDC President Dan Brown said construction of a second building at Williamsburg Marine on Old SR 15 has begun. The building is intended for more manufacturing and warehouse space, he said.

Brown said the proposed tax increment financing district for housing that the commission is working on with Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation is a step closer to reality. KEDCo recently acquired an option to purchase 20 acres directly east of North Park housing development. “It’s moving along,” he said.

Currently, a petition is circulating in North Park to request annexation by the town, Brown added. Annexation is a “positive thing,” he said, since the addition of town services could increase home values.

If annexation happens, Ruch said the town may seek funding from RDC for street lights.

Milford Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall reported RDC’s TIF fund received its June property tax distribution of $66,756.89, bringing the fund’s balance to $923,241.70.

The board approved motions on invoices on three invoices more than $1,000, which require members’ approval: $1,457.50 to Carson LLP and $1,522.50 to LWG CPAs and Advisors for work on Chore-Time Brock tax abatements. Also, $7,580 was approved to pay hydrant fees for 19 hydrants supporting TIFs.

The hydrants are primarily located along Syracuse Street and Old SR 15.