EPIC Design and Build presents Milton townhome project to planning commission

The City of Milton Planning Commission convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss a proposed 20-unit townhome development, which has sparked significant community interest and debate. The meeting highlighted key aspects of the development plan, including driveway specifications, parking requirements, and landscaping buffers, all of which are crucial for ensuring the project aligns with local regulations and community needs.

One of the primary discussions centered around the driveway design, which is permitted to be between 18 and 20 feet wide. This specification aims to prevent vehicles from obstructing the street, thereby enhancing safety and traffic flow. Additionally, the development will include one designated handicap parking space near the mailbox kiosk, addressing accessibility concerns for residents.

A notable point of contention was the absence of sidewalks in the current plan. The city code does not mandate sidewalks for this development, and the applicant expressed a preference against including them along 5 Acre Road. However, there is an expectation that future improvements to Highway 9 may incorporate sidewalks, raising questions about the timing and necessity of installing them now versus later.

David Saunders, representing the applicant, emphasized that the project complies with all requirements outlined in the State Road 9 vision plan. He assured the commission that the development would maintain significant landscape buffers, including a 50-foot native buffer along the north and east sides of the property, which is intended to provide natural screening for neighboring homes.

Community feedback was mixed, with some residents expressing support for the development, while others raised concerns about traffic impacts and the design choices made. Alex Memendus, a local property owner, voiced his support but suggested that the entrance to the development be relocated to 5 Acre Road to mitigate traffic congestion on Highway 9. He also offered to collaborate on signage for the 5 Acre entrance, indicating a willingness to engage constructively with the developers.

Conversely, Patrick Dodson, representing several concerned residents, raised issues regarding the potential negative impacts of the development on the community. His comments reflect a broader apprehension among some residents about how the new townhomes might affect local traffic patterns and neighborhood character.

As this was the first of two hearings on the matter, the commission will continue to gather input from the community and the applicant before making a final decision. The discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing balancing act between development and community interests in Milton, as residents seek to ensure that new projects align with their vision for the city’s growth and infrastructure. The next steps will involve further deliberation and potential adjustments to the development plan based on community feedback and regulatory considerations.