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P&Z recommends approval of Midway Fitness complex

Commissioners require buffer, fencing to shield neighbors
May 22, 2017

Story Location:
1523 Savannah Road
Lewes, DE
United States

Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a conditional-use application for a 67,500-square-foot therapy and fitness center Savannah Road in Lewes.

A small crowd groaned in disbelief as Commission member Kim Hoey Stevenson argued the proposed facility near the Wescoats Road intersection outside Lewes would have “minimal impact on the character of the neighborhood.”

After commissioners voted 4-1 to recommend Sussex County Council approve Quail Valley LLC's application, Chairman Bob Wheatley encouraged disappointed residents to take their concerns to County Council.

“They will vote and have the final say on what happens to this,” Wheatley said before about a dozen residents got up and walked out. “You've yet to be heard. I encourage you to attend the public hearing if you can.”

The 6-acre site of Gateway Motion and Fitness complex is zoned agricultural-residential, AR-1, and the conditional-use approval came with several conditions, including buffers so the facility is screened from the view of nearby residential properties.

Commissioners estimated the closest homes are about 45 feet from the proposed facility.

During an April 6 public hearing, several residents opposed the center at 1523 Savannah Road.

“This is out of character with the area,” said Covey Creek HOA President Vance Parker at the hearing. “It's like putting in a strip shopping center.”

Commissioners also are requiring the facility to reduce its proposed parking from more than 300 spaces to no more than 200. In addition, commissioners have required 30-foot setbacks; specific low-level security lighting; and 8-foot fencing around the property. Hours of operation are set at 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The fitness center would have an entrance on Savannah Road, which the applicant will pay for, Hoey Stevenson said. During the April hearing, Rich Garrett, owner of Midway Fitness and Racquetball, said the Savannah Road site would feature a gym, four racquetball courts, pool, boxing area, massage therapy room, wellness center and the Cape Center for Movement and Disabilities.

“The project, with the conditions and limitations placed upon it, will not have an adverse impact on the neighboring properties or community,” Hoey Stevenson said as she read from a motion to recommend approval. Commissioner Douglas Hudson was the dissenting vote.

The final site plan will be subject to planning and zoning approval, while Sussex County Council will have the final say on the conditional-use application. A public hearing before council is set for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, in the county administration building at 2 The Circle in Georgetown.

To read the full motion, click on the attachment “Motion to recommend approval of Quail Valley.”

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