Route 1 - It’s never too late

Land use is consistently one of the most persistent topics in Sussex County. That’s as it should be. As the crown jewel and largest by far of all the Delmarva Peninsula’s counties, Sussex should be developed carefully and always with an eye toward the long-term good of all who live, and will live, here.

When a prominent land use planner with the credentials of Ed McMahon of the Urban Land Institute comes to town as he did in Rehoboth Beach Fire Hall recently, it pays to heed important insights he brought. McMahon, notably, often works with developers to help make their proposals sensible, profitable and advantageous for all. It was encouraging to see a full-house crowd at the event and among the faces those of now Sussex County Councilman-elect I.G. Burton and his opponent for that seat, Leslie Ledogar.

McMahon spoke extensively about the advantages and need for mixed-use development - commercial and residential combinations - as a means of bringing economic vitality to communities. He also noted that multifamily housing - think apartments and condominiums - is the type of housing unit most in demand. McMahon was asked about affordable housing and what could be done to improve overall appearance and conditions on Route 1 between Five Points and Dewey Beach. First off, he said, when you’re talking about affordable housing you’re talking about housing for police officers, teachers, nurses and other professionals. The Route 1 commercial zone offers great opportunity for playing to his mixed-use mantra: Building apartments and condominiums over existing retail space could keep land cost down - enhancing affordability potential - while better landscaping would provide a community feel. Adding such units would also increase the customer base for the commercial folks and provide ready, sorely needed and convenient dwellings for employees working along the corridor.

As for specific Route 1 improvement, he said extensive landscaping, greater billboard control, moving parking to the rear of rather than in front of buildings, and burying utility wires would go a long way toward positive corridor redevelopment. “It’s never too late to start to do the right thing,” said McMahon.