The City of Milford spans Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware. (File photo)

Milford, like Delaware’s 56 other incorporated municipalities, is mandated by state law to review and update its comprehensive plan for state certification every 10 years, while providing yearly updates on the progress of implementation. Milford’s comprehensive plan was last certified by the state in 2009, but has been amended since then to account for changes, such as the construction of a new medical campus in the southeast area.

However, a completely updated plan will be due for state certification in 2019, according to Rob Pierce, Milford’s coordinator of planning and economic development activities.

Milford’s comprehensive plan has several components, Pierce said. It presents the city’s visions and goals for the future, and addresses everything from the historical character of the city to future plans for utility and transportation improvements. The plan also tackles land use and examines what areas in the city can or should be developed. Additionally, it takes a look at what areas outside the city’s municipal boundaries are potential targets for development and future annexation, according to Pierce.

Milford’s planning commission, which will be responsible for reviewing and updating the comprehensive plan over the next 18 months, is inviting members of the community to weigh in on the document and to share their opinions on what they believe should be included in it.

“Most of the input we see from the public is about the land use section of the comprehensive plan, which guides the zoning of the city, which in turn guides what you can and cannot do with your property,” Pierce said. “That seems to be what people look at the most.”

The city has created a comprehensive plan community questionnaire, and is asking members of the public to complete it before Sept. 30, 2016.

The survey asks such questions as: What do you like most about Milford? What do you like least about Milford? Would you say Milford is a good place to live? I also asks citizens how concerned are they about various topics such as crime/safety, traffic congestion, shopping opportunities, local job opportunities, education and taxes.

For those who do not wish to complete the survey online, paper copies are available at City Hall, 201 S. Walnut St., and the City’s Customer Service Center, 119 S. Walnut St.

Results from the questionnaire will be used to guide discussions during the comprehensive plan update process and will be shared with the planning commission and general public during upcoming meetings and workshops, according to Pierce.

Anyone with questions about the comprehensive plan or the survey is asked to call Pierce at (302) 424-3712, ext 311.