Developer and consultants present Millington Crossing master plan; town resident raises annexation and process concerns

Consultants for Richardson Properties presented an informational update June 6 on Millington Crossing — a county‑designated growth area — showing a master plan, proposed parkway, open‑space network and design guidelines intended to shape future mixed‑use development. The Planning Commission did not take action; the item was billed as a courtesy presentation.

Jim Constantine of LRK described the project area and the design goals: preserve environmental corridors, establish a Millington Crossing Parkway with separated trails and complete‑street elements, create a linear park and connect Food Lion and the town of Millington to future development, and identify a preferred general location for a new wastewater treatment plant. Constantine said the design guidelines aim to reflect Millington’s historic character, to promote shared stormwater and open‑space systems, and to guide future district master plan review now that mixed‑use zoning was adopted in February 2024.

Russ Richardson of Richardson Properties said landowners in the growth area are collaborating on development sequencing and that some developers are actively marketing parcels. Richardson said parcels differ in size and that initial EDU (equivalent dwelling unit) availability from a future wastewater treatment plant will guide which projects proceed first.

During public comment, Janet Christensen Lewis of Millington criticized repeated presentations to the county planning commission by the developer and consultants, arguing the land was designated for annexation to the town of Millington and that the developer’s presentations effectively preempted town review and public input. "These informal presentations function as infomercials, promoting a private development vision without the weight, transparency, or public notice of a formal public hearing," Christensen Lewis said, and she urged the commission to honor the town’s comprehensive plan and ensure transparent process and public input.

Planning staff noted the presentation was published on the meeting agenda and that the meeting was open to public comment. Staff also said the materials presented — an overview PDF, preliminary design guidelines and land‑use/connectivity plans — will be forwarded to the commission for review and that the design guidelines will require county review before being used as regulatory guidance in plan review.

No formal action was taken. Staff listed next steps: continue design and funding for the wastewater treatment plant, complete district master plan and design‑guidelines review with county staff, and pursue coordination with the town of Millington on reinvestment and streetscape improvements. The consultants asked staff to forward presentation materials to commissioners for further review.