Courier Express – New healthcare center to replace Milford Memorial Hospital moves forward
New healthcare center to replace Milford Memorial Hospital moves forward
Rob Petree
Oct 10, 2018
The planned Milford Wellness Village set to replace Milford Memorial Hospital cleared its final governmental hurdle and will now be allowed to lease space to an assortment of complementary businesses.
Milford City Council approved zoning that will allow Nationwide Healthcare Services to operate not only a nursing and rehab center as previously announced, but also lease space to an assortment of complementary businesses.
The land, which became available when Bayhealth Medical Center decided to move to a new location, had been zoned only as a hospital. Now, after the zoning change, the land can be used for purposes other than a hospital.
Potential tenants of the wellness village include medical offices, a pharmacy, child daycare, public meeting space and essential educational training, especially for nursing.
“We’re creating a place for the betterment of healthcare in Milford,” said Nationwide CEO Meir Gelley. “We are very grateful to have this zoning process completed and are also thankful for all the support the citizens and leaders of this wonderful town have shown us.”
The zoning approval covers approximately 22 acres, with the wellness village located on 12 acres of that ground. A working group of 12 Milford residents have met with Nationwide officials and will advise to help determine the best usage for the remaining 10 acres once the company is ready to develop that portion of the property.
Now that the zoning has been approved Nationwide can move forward with signing agreements with tenants. The company has been in talks with interested parties and will publicly announce agreements.
The city’s planning council unanimously recommended approval of the zoning change last summer leading to the city council vote. The vote occurred in late July, but Nationwide was required to wait in case anyone wanted to object.
The waiting period has now ended.
“Now that the regulatory items are behind us we see the fruits of our labor coming to realization,” Gelley said. “We’re looking forward to moving to the next level and seeing the plan all come together for the benefit of this community.”
-article also appeared on Delaware 105.9 FM News Talk