Milford City Council on Sept. 8 authorized the mayor to sign a prepared declaration of deed restrictions that will govern development and maintenance standards at the Milford Corporate Center.

City staff presented the restrictions as a mechanism for the city to retain ownership and maintenance responsibilities for stormwater and common areas initially, similar to existing arrangements at Independence Commons and the Greater Milford Business Park. The declaration also allows for the eventual transfer of maintenance responsibilities to a formal maintenance corporation operated by property owners, should council choose to do so in the future.

Planning Director Rob Pierce said the Planning Commission would serve as the default architectural review committee for the corporate center until a maintenance corporation is formed. The restrictions include architectural guidelines, including a requirement that 5% of the front building facade be glass (a one-foot-to-20-foot ratio), masonry requirements for front and side elevations, and a materials list similar to the Independence Commons standards.

Pierce said the restrictions should be recorded with Sussex County before properties are sold so prospective buyers will be aware of the requirements. He said the City worked with Emery Hill and the firm Moore & Rutt to finalize the declaration.

Councilmember comments praised the document’s balance between design standards and flexibility. A motion authorizing the mayor to execute the declaration was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Staff said recording the restrictions with the county would be a step toward marketing the property for sale.