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Not all P&Z commissioners back Shady Road project

Officials still approve 52 townhouses near Five Points
January 1, 2018

Story Location:
Shady Road
Plantation Road
Lewes, DE
United States

Over the objection of the member who represents the area, the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that county council approve a pair of applications that could pave the way for construction of a 52-unit townhhouse project along Shady Road near the Plantation Road intersection outside Lewes.

MDI Investment Group LLC has filed applications to rezone a 6.8-acre parcel from AR-1, agricultural-residential, to MR, medium-density residential, and a conditional use for 52 multifamily units. The project would have a density of 7.58 units per acre.

“Before you vote, just think of 400 more trips every day on that road,” said Commissioner Kim Hoey Stevenson, who voted against both applications during the Dec. 14 meeting.

In making a motion to recommend approval, Commissioner Keller Hopkins said the project was consistent with other housing developments in the area. He said the parcel was surrounded by multifamily housing and commercial zoning, would have central water and sewer service, 60 percent open space and was near Route 1 and the Lewes Transit Center. Both applications passed with 4-1 votes.

Nearby residents who opposed the applications said the density was not compatible with the surrounding area. They also expressed concerns with additional traffic in an area already impacted by congestion.

Road improvements along Shady Road would be required and the entrance to the adjacent Lewes Wellness Center near the Shady Road-Plantation Road intersection would be abandoned and combined with the townhouse project entrance.

If county council approves the applications, the final site will be subject to review and approval by the planning and zoning commission.

 

 

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