Council approves Arbor-Lyn rezoning

Sussex County Council has approved a rezoning request that will pave the way for Arbor-Lyn, a medium-density subdivision along Warrington Road near Rehoboth Beach.

However, council deferred making a decision Sept. 20 on a conditional-use request for increased density.

Lockwood Design and Construction Inc. sought to rezone a 35-acre parcel from agricultural-residential, AR-1, to medium-density residential, MR, for a 202-unit multifamily housing development a quarter-mile east of Route 24. That density – 5.7 units per acre – would require a conditional-use approval, as MR districts are restricted to 4 units per acre.

The site plan includes 60 single-family lots, 60 apartment-style condominiums and 82 townhouses for a total of 142 multifamily units. The homes would be marketed to those 55 and over and people seeking second homes.

Council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning but also backed Councilman Rob Arlett's, R-Frankford, motion to delay a decision on the conditional use for one week.

Arbor Lyn has already been scaled back from the original request to rezone the property to high-density residential, HR-1, zoning, which would allow up to 12 units per acre. County planning and zoning commissioners recommended denial of that rezoning request in September 2015. In April, commissioners voted 4-0 to recommend approval for MR zoning.

“This is very close to Coastal Highway and the higher density areas where supposedly the infrastructure will support it,” said Councilman George Cole, R-Ocean View. “I’m knowledgeable there are serious traffic problems, but the zoning is appropriate.”

While Cole supported the rezoning, he questioned granting additional units per acre for the development.

“Some of the surrounding communities were permitted years ago, and I think we’ve learned a lot since those densities have been approved. Density is part of the problem.” he said. “I see no justification in giving an additional 50-plus homes on this site just because there were some older areas nearby that were given it. This would also set a precedent that we’ve stuck our heads in the sand.”

Arlett said more time was needed to review the project. Council is expected to revisit the conditional-use application at its Tuesday, Sept. 27, meeting.