The Milford Planning Commission voted 5-0 to grant a one-year final site-plan extension for the Miss Pillion Landing multifamily project, preserving the developer’s prior approval while the contract purchaser completes due diligence.

Planning staff told the commission that the project, zoned R-3 for garden apartment and townhouse uses, originally received final site-plan approval on Aug. 17, 2021, for 102 apartment units. The applicant asked for an extension because building construction has not yet started and the one-year lapse provision in the code (Chapter 230-52.1) would otherwise void the approval if substantial work had not begun.

Engineer Cliff Mumford, representing the contract purchaser, described investments completed to date: a DelDOT-accepted entrance built and accepted on April 3, 2023, and about 150 feet of 12-inch gravity main installed across the project frontage to serve future development to the east. Mumford said the contract purchaser is performing due diligence, including an ALTA survey, architectural plans and environmental studies, and asked for the extension until July 17, 2026.

Project architect Steven Cohen said the buildings will be three stories, comply with the 2018 International Building Code, be fully sprinklered and match the previously approved form: two 24-unit buildings and three 18-unit buildings, plus a small common building. Cohen estimated drawings would take about three months to prepare.

Commissioners said the request was reasonable given market delays and prior investment in site infrastructure. Commissioner Purcell, among others, voiced support and the commission approved the one-year extension unanimously. Staff noted that the extension allows the contract purchaser to complete permitting and site work necessary to start construction under the existing approval.

The extension preserves the developer’s approvals but does not authorize construction until required permits and inspections are obtained. The applicant will return when final construction permits are ready.