A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday morning to celebrate the beginning of construction of Eastfield subdivision in Milford. Pictured from left are Alan Tio, Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation CEO; Doug Ruch, Milford Town Council President; Brad Plett, Miller Brothers Builders; Dan Brown, Milford Redevelopment Commission president; Tricia Gall, Milford clerk-treasurer; and Rob Parker, Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce President. InkFreeNews photos by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — The Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce welcomed guests to a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eastfield subdivision., which will be located northeast of Milford on E CR 1250N,

The 20-acre parcel is located adjacent to the North Park neighborhood. Development will be led by Goshen-based Miller Brothers Builders, and will include 52 single-family units. Excavation of the former farm field has already begun in preparation for building. The first stage, which includes 21 homes, is planned for completion later this year.

“We are pleased to be able to help provide quality housing for the surrounding community of Milford.,” said Miller Brothers General Manager Titus Troyer. “With our rich history and 60 plus years of experience we believe that our Journey line of homes will provide adequate living space at an affordable price for families as they learn to call this home,” 

The development will include both single and two-story units, with the majority being single story. Sizes will range from 1,200 to 1,700 square feet, and most units will include three bedrooms and two baths, with two and three-car garage options. The first phase of homes is anticipated to be completed by Dec. 2023.

The project started as part of an effort to bring more market-rate workforce housing to the community. A housing needs study and strategy commissioned by the City of Warsaw, Kosciusko County, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation in partnership with the Housing Resource Hub, showed market potential for more than 3,000 new residential units throughout the county by 2024. Data from the study highlighted a specific need for housing that reduces commuting from outside the county, with a goal of growing the local workforce.

A look at the layout of 52 lots that will be part of the Eastfield subdivision in Milford.

.”How did KEDCO get involved in housing?” said Alan Tio, CEO of the county’s economic development organization..”Our team a few years ago was identified to help implement a countywide housing strategy. That strategy was developed for the city of Warsaw, Kosciusko County and our community foundation to identify the market potential for up to 3,000 new residential units across the county. .With this development in the northern part of the county will help provide a gateway in Kosciusko County. People will be able find a home here to work and play and live all in a great part of our county.”

“Multiple town and county leaders and chamber representatives were on hand to celebrate the event.

“There’s a lot of people who have helped this to become a reality,” said Dan Brown, president of the Milford Redevelopment Commission and a former KEDCO board member. “From the housing study and KEDCO and our development partners and designers. It’s just been a great team. This is a big deal for the town of Milford. There’s a lot of good things going on here and this is just of of them.”

“There is one thing about the community of Milford and people from Miller Brothers Builders will find this out,” added Doug Ruch, president of the Milford Town Council. “We welcome you in spirit here that cannot be crushed. We want you to be part of the family here as we move along with these homes, get people in them and get jobs for these people. To all those involved, we want extend a big thank you from the town of Milford.”

“Whether you’re exploring moving to Milford or looking for that next place, moving from nearby, we encourage everybody to take a look,” added Brown. “This is going to be a really great subdivision and Milford is a  great place to live. It won’t be long until we have houses for sale.”

“It’s been a great journey working with this town on this project,” added Tio. “It requires us to find the right partner at the right time to help make this project a reality. I can’t say enough about the experience working with (Miller Brothers Builders) and the team on helping us get here and helping us lay a foundation for more of this work throughout the county.”

“What a great project here in Milford,” concluded Rob Parker, president and CEO of the Chamber. “What a great opportunity this is for our county and for the town of Milford.”

The new subdivision is located off E CR 1250N northeast of Milford.

Lunch was provided for those in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony.