Another convenience store project surfaces

Another plan for a convenience store at the Angola Road-Route 24 intersection was reviewed by state agencies during the Nov. 15 Office of State Planning Coordination’s Preliminary Land Use Service meeting.

Two applications for development filed by KH Sussex LLC on the 3.5-acre parcel, including a 7-11 convenience store, have been denied by Sussex County officials. The developer has sought a rezoning from AR-1 to C-3 and a conditional use, but both were denied.

The parcel currently contains Ennis Homes, a business with boat repair and storage, lawn cutting and construction.

Both applications were met with a groundswell of opposition, including a protest outside council chambers on the day of the second application vote.

The new plan includes a 3,500-square-foot convenience store with stormwater management, utilities, central water and sewer service, and road frontage improvements. Residents say the store would a Royal Farms, which has not been confirmed by the applicant.

If approved, Delaware Department of Transportation officials would require a shared-use path and a concrete median for extra vehicular safety to prohibit left turns off Route 24. The parcel is also included in the Henlopen Transportation Improvement District, and the applicant would be required to contribute to the district fund for future road projects based on the square footage of the store.

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Beth Krumrine said there are wetlands on the east side of the property and recommended a 100-foot buffer should be considered.

Comments from state agencies will be finalized on or before Sunday, Dec. 10, after which the developer can file a conditional-use application with the county followed by public hearings before Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission and Sussex County Council.