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Friday Editorial

Additional density request? Just say no

September 29, 2016

Sussex County Council members recently approved a rezoning of 35 forested acres on Warrington Road from Agricultural-Residential to Medium Residential. The rezoning doubles permitted density on the property from two units per acre to four units per acre. As originally zoned, the property could be developed with 70 units. The rezoning will allow somewhere around 140.

However, the developers have asked that in addition to the doubled density permitted by the rezoning, they would also like approval of a conditional use which would allow them to build a total of 202 units including single-family, townhouses and apartment-style condominiums. That's 60 more units than what the rezoning already allows.

Given the congestion that already causes problems on Warrington and Old Landing roads and nearby Route 24, with no relief in sight, the answer to the conditional request should be very easy.

No.

The property already carried zoning for 70 units. The zoning change gives the developers twice that many. More has already been given. To give more on top of more would be completely irresponsible. Nobody's rights are being denied. The developers have every right to ask for more. But that more would come at the clear expense of the thousands of other residents already living in the area and already dealing with traffic problems for which no solutions have been offered.

The situation has grown so dire that the county and state are working on development of a Traffic Improvement District to bring some semblance of sanity to an already failing system.

Allow the developers to cluster the presently permitted 140 units as much as possible to save some of those beautiful trees that add so much to the quality of life for all in the area. But that's the only further concession that should be given.

Sussex County's zoning is already plenty permissive. Council members have given enough. Four units per acre is generous. It's way past time to say no on this one so more time is available to discuss the critically important comprehensive development plan for Sussex County's future.

  • Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood. 

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