Milton Crossing could create 50-plus jobs

Plans call for five to seven retail stores with plenty of parking, and landscaping for aesthetics. (Courtesy image)

MILTON - Plans for a colonial-style mini-mall that could house five to seven retail spots - including two drive-thru units that would co-anchor the complex - are in the works for the former Ray's Marina showroom and boat storage pods on the south side of White Mountain Highway.

The plaza will be called Milton Crossing and its architectural style will be traditional and colonial in keeping with the quaint and cozy New England character of downtown Milton, said developer Danny Bouzianis of Scarborough on Friday.

Bouzianis has developed similar projects in North Berwick and Waterboro and said he hopes to break ground early next year. He said it could be open as early as next spring and added that more than 50 jobs could be created at Milton Crossing.

A Dunkin' Donuts is expected to fill one of the drive-thru sites, while the other could house a bank or another drive-thru retailer. Both will also have space for walk-in customers, he said.

Between the two drive-thru storefronts, three-to-five other retailers would be housed in the former Ray's Marina showroom. The boat storage buildings would be removed.

Bouzianis said a wide range of businesses could be accommodated in those units, including eateries, medical and financial offices.

Heavy landscaping to make the plaza aesthetically pleasing is planned for the front, which borders on White Mountain Highway.

He said retail spaces from 2,000-9,000 square feet will be available.

The next step, he said, is completing the engineering and architectural drawings so town planners can see a true rendering of the project.

For more information Bouzianis said he can be contacted at Dannyb3@gmail.com.