The first steps toward writing a new Sussex County comprehensive land-use plan have been set in motion. The final draft is due in 2018, and the first three of four focus-group meetings took place in June on key elements in the plan.
In addition, countywide public meetings have been scheduled for the last week in September and the first week in October, said Janelle Cornwell, the county's planning and zoning manager. She said the meetings will have an open-house format to allow residents a chance to ask questions and provide suggestions to county staff.
The last county comprehensive plan was published in 2008. The plan – which carries the force of law – provides a blueprint for land-use in the county. Once approved by county officials, it must also be approved by state planners and signed by the governor.
Three focus group meetings – economic development, housing and utilities – have already taken place with a focus group discussion on conservation yet to be scheduled.
Cornwell said focus-group members have been selected with consultation from county council and planning and zoning members.
At its Aug. 11 meeting, county planning and zoning commissioners debated how to better engage the public in the final focus-group meeting.
“The real trick will be to get the private individuals there,” said Commission Chairman Bob Wheatley. “For government people, it's part of their job, and they will be there. And there is a limit of how much our staff can do. It's incumbent on us to reach out to people.”
“We have to be careful how we write the agenda and what we focus on,” said Commissioner Marty Ross.
He said state regulations will exist with or without a county plan. “We need to get the other side. That's what the county can do to enhance what the state is doing,” Ross said. “Then people have to feel their time has been productive.
“We need a broad spectrum of people to provide a true indication of what Sussex County wants and not what government wants,” said assistant county attorney Vince Robertson.
Cornwell said information gathered from the meetings will provide consultant McCormick & Taylor a better background in preparation for the upcoming public meetings.
Cornwell said residents can provide comments on the website, at scheduled public meetings and at planning and zoning commission meetings.
Go to sussexplan.com for more information.
Public meetings will take place from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
• Monday, Sept. 26, Lewes Fire Station #2
• Tuesday, Sept. 27, Millsboro Town Center
• Thursday, Sept. 29, Seaford Fire Hall
• Tuesday, Oct. 4, Georgetown Fire Hall
• Wednesday, Oct. 5, Millville Fire Hall
Resident files complaint over focus-group meetings
The focus-group meetings – coordinated by the county's land-use consultant – were were open to the public but they could not make comments, said Janelle Cornwell, the county's planning and zoning manager. “The public's opportunity to comment will be at the scheduled public meetings,” she said.
Greenwood resident Dan Kramer has filed a Freedom of Information Act complaint against the county with the Delaware Attorney General's Office alleging the county violated open meeting provisions of the act by holding the focus-group meetings without a public notice.
“In my opinion, the groups are public bodies and the meetings should have posted seven days in advance,” he said.
According to state law, a public body includes special committees, temporary committees, groups or associations, which are supported in whole or part by public funds or are charged by any other public official or body to advise, make reports or recommendations.