Millsboro a beehive for new housing development

Just about anywhere you go in Sussex County, there is housing development.

And nowhere is it more evident than in Millsboro, one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Delaware.

Spearheaded by Plantation Lakes — home to 1,645 upscale dwellings with a buildout of 2,497 — there are 15 approved projects. Seven projects, led by Somerton Chase with a maximum of 223 units, have the green light with final approvals, but construction is not yet underway.

Here is the breakdown of approved housing projects in the town of Millsboro:

• Plantation Lakes, 1,645 of 2,497 completed.
• Peninsula Crossing, 177 of 180 completed.
• Retreat at Millsboro, 196 of 200 completed.
• Somerton Chase, 223 (none built).
• Dove Point, 93 (none built).
• Alderleaf Meadows, 90 of 187 completed.
• Beam Development, 43 (none built).
• Dyer, 240 (none built).
• Dukes Manor, 18 (none built).
• Monroe Square, 29 (none built).
• Burtons Crossing, 96 of 114 completed.
• Otter Branch, 35 (none built).
• Foster Commons Apartments, 69 of 69 completed.
• Millwood, 323 of 362 completed.
• Westtown, 92 of 150 completed.

The information provided by town manager Jamie Burk lists 3,323 as built, with 2,193 to be built.

Georgetown

At present, there are three approved housing projects, representing a mix with 288 total units.

Admiral’s Landing, which has a maximum buildout of 158 townhomes, is undergoing utility construction.

The Village of College Park is under construction, with plans for 121 single-family homes.

The Ponds, a planned apartment complex with 72 units, is approved but construction has not yet started.

Dagsboro

There is housing development in Dagsboro, with its population closing in on 1,000.

The singular approved subdivision plans for 51 single-family homes completed in two phases. The subdivision is called The Highlands of Pepper's Creek, off of Clayton Street. This will be done by Ryan Homes. The project is not designated as workforce housing.

“We don’t have much detail on the homes as yet, but they will be built only when sold and maybe a ‘spec house’ to begin the project,” said Cindi Brought, town administrator. “It is currently being developed in the initial stages, but we hope to see some homes started this year in Phase I, once the infrastructure is in place.”

Seaford

Several approved developments totaling 881 units are underway in Seaford, whose population is approaching 9,000.

The Mearfield I development, which is designated exclusively for single-family homes, has a maximum of 213 homes.

Meanwhile, Mearfield II has a buildout of 153 townhomes. “They have started, but it has been slow. with only eight units so far,” said Seaford building official Michael Bailey.

Belle Ayre, which offers townhomes and single-family homes, has a total buildout of 83 units in three phases.

Melanie’s Ridge, an apartment complex, has 288 total units. Thus far, 16 units have been completed in two buildings.

Approved but not yet underway is Riverplace, which has 144 total apartments in view of the Nanticoke River.