It is an understatement to say that my family and neighbors are appalled by the latest Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission consideration of a 162-acre RV campground at Ward and Cedar Grove roads. The proposal includes 451 RV sites, 149 rental cabin sites with two parking spaces for each. In addition, a clubhouse, pavilion and dock, dock bar, amphitheater, pool, general store, laundry center, etc. are planned.
Most of us are familiar with the NASCAR races at Dover Downs. DelDOT prepares for race traffic as thousands of NASCAR fans descend on Dover Downs. DelDOT workers are out in force preparing the state's highways for the inevitable crush of traffic's possible impact on neighboring properties and a large section of Kent County. DelDOT would most definitely have to add Sussex County to its preparations and use of manpower before and during NASCAR races since this RV campground will most assuredly be used by those attending the races and wanting to go to the beach or shop at the outlets.
I respect the rights of private property owners to use their land as they wish, but when a development of this size is proposed that will most certainly impact every other local property owner, our elected officials must demand total transparency from the applicants and be certain that their constituents have a full and true grasp of the full impact of the proposed project.
If this proposal comes to fruition, the current local property owners will most certainly realize a much diminished lifestyle for the following reasons:
• Contending with traffic on Plantation Road, Postal Road, John J. Williams Hwy. and Route 1 would lead to frustration and accidents, especially during summer months when beach traffic is so heavy. My guess would be that we will then have to contend with widening the abovementioned roads to accommodate the inordinate amount of traffic resulting from more than 450 RVs plus almost 300 cars renting the park's cabins.
The eminent domain excuse (government power to take private property for public use without the owner's consent “for the betterment of the public good”) has been used in the past. Has DelDOT analyzed the increase in traffic and the effect on the surrounding roadway system?
• Decreased property values because the change in zoning has eliminated the enjoyment of a residential neighborhood. Is the proposed application in comformance with the current Sussex County Comprehensive Plan?
• Will the current electric supply be able to support the influx of people and their need for electricity or will we again experience regular power outages as in the past?
• What will be the environmental consequences?
Shellie DiLauro
Lewes
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