Alliance provides analysis for Sussex plan

Of the nearly 700 comments received during the first public workshops on Sussex County's 2018 comprehensive plan, the majority involve three major issues: transportation, land use and conservation. Members of the grassroots group Sussex Alliance for Responsible Growth analyzed the comments from the five September workshops and presented their findings during a March 29 planning and zoning commission workshop.

Group member Jeff Stone said 68 percent of comments from throughout the county concentrated on on those three chapters of the plan. “We think this is an extremely important indicator of the issues the residents of Sussex are most concerned about and need the greatest attention from our county government,” Stone said.

During public comment, group member Rich Borrasso told the commission that the alliance is not against growth but is concerned about how the county grows.

He said many comments suggested a moratorium on building until infrastructure improvements are in place. “We need to be between where we are today and a moratorium, and tap into some tools that provide for economic growth that set the pace for Sussex County,” he said.

The group listed the top three concerns expressed by residents for each of the three chapters of the plan.

Transportation

• A need for increased coordination between county and state transportation officials for a regional transportation plan, including public transportation.

• A limit on residential and commercial development until necessary infrastructure improvements are made.

• Developers should increase financial contributions to fund road improvements.

Land use

• Traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure.

• More preservation of open space and farmland.

• More protection for water sources and watersheds.

Conservation

• Pollution control including wastewater and stormwater management systems and pollution of the Inland Bays, its tributaries and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Preserve wetlands.

Among the other top concerns/suggestions are: increased affordable housing in high-density areas; expansion of broadband; county-funded parks and recreational facilities; preservation of historically significant properties; and impact fees for developers.

Borrasso said alliance members want to educate the public about the plan and also speak for those who can't attend meetings or workshops.

Go to Sarg2018.org or sussexplan.com to make comments or get more information.