The following letter was sent to Sussex County Council with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
I could not attend the April 11 meeting and planned discussion of the Transportation Improvement District and request the following be made part of the public record.
My deep concern is the continued planning outside the Land Use Plan update of the Transportation Improvement District concept.
This is totally counter to thoughtful land-use planning. Transportation, per se, must not be the driving force of the land-use plan.
Transportation planning includes all aspects - public safety, emergency response time, provision for improved fixed bus route transportation, need to provide safe bike and pedestrian access - all must be considered and planned in the context of land-use priorities.
By this outside method, your appointed planning commission is being pushed aside with even the printed quote, "We have to stay competitive to keep the district attractive to developers."
No! The Land Use Plan update process is for all of us who live here and those who would visit.
The major goal is public health and safety, not how to fill the land without careful thought and purpose, and just put more cars on the road.
Another important factor is water. We in eastern Sussex are vulnerable along our coastline and must consider projected sea level rise. Recent storm surges have already raised the issue. It could even change how we plan or maintain our roads. Therefore, working closely with DNREC is important.
I ask you to place the Transportation Improvement District within the context of the Land Use Plan update so that the planning commission can continue its work involving the public as possible.
Mable Granke
Rehoboth Beach
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