Sussex land plan in spotlight

With public open houses scheduled in all five Sussex County Council districts, residents have started commenting on a new county comprehensive land-use plan. The last plan was developed in 2008.

A large crowd turned out for the first open house Sept. 26 at Lewes Fire Department Station 2. While there, residents were asked to write on post-it notes what they loved about Sussex County and place them on large display boards. Among the most common comments included farms, beaches, woods, low taxes, natural beauty, history and bike paths.

They could also post comments about land use, transportation and conservation challenges and complete an online survey relating to the land-use plan. It didn't take long for the transportation board to fill up with comments and push pins where residents had concerns.

Janelle Cornwell, the county's planning and zoning manager, said data gathering from the public is crucial in the early stages of writing the new plan. “The public is very important in development of the plan,” she said. “We want to know what they love about the county and what they see are the challenges.”

Cornwell said data collected at the open houses will be compiled by consultant McCormick Taylor.

“In the spring we will present different options and visions to the public to see if we have the right ideas,” she said.

The new plan must be adopted by county council by June 2018 and then approved by state planners and the governor.

The plan will include information on existing conditions and demographics, future land use, transportation, housing, intergovernmental coordination, conservation, recreation and open space, economic development, utilities, proposed capital improvements, historic preservation and community design.

“There will be a lot of different and sometimes opposing ideas. We will narrow those to a common ground to satisfy most concerns to get a sense of direction the public is looking for,” said county spokesman Chip Guy.

Remaining open houses are scheduled from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4, at Georgetown Fire Hall, 100 S. Bedford St., Georgetown, and from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Millville Fire Hall, 35554 Atlantic Ave., Millville.

How you can provide feedback and keep informed:

Go to sussexplan.com to subscribe for emails and meeting announcements, as well as to review materials and submit comments or questions.

Time is provided at the end of every Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting for comments related to the plan. Go to sussexcountyde.gov for a meeting schedule.

THE PLAN'S PURPOSE

• A blueprint for future development, redevelopment and preservation

• A resource for decision makers as they plan how the county will develop

• A snapshot of existing conditions

• A vision of the county

• A realistic action plan

• Promotion of collaboration between stakeholders and residents in the planning process