A recent headline from the Cape Gazette, “Developers could get last word in Sussex,” was disappointingly inflammatory and risks misleading readers about what is, in reality, a modest procedural proposal.
The article describes a change that would allow a project applicant such as a home builder, engineer or attorney to respond to public comments or questions posed during a hearing, as well as address comments that contain factual inaccuracies or misrepresent the project. That is not “getting the last word.” It is ensuring the record is accurate and fair.
Members of the public are rightly protected by anti-SLAPP [Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation] laws and are free to speak at public hearings without fear of legal consequences, even when statements are incorrect. Project professionals, by contrast, are bound by ethical and professional standards, and cannot knowingly misstate facts. Allowing them to respond does not silence the public; it simply ensures decision-makers are not left with uncorrected misinformation.
In a rapidly growing county like Sussex, headlines that frame every procedural clarification as a power grab only deepen mistrust between residents and the development community. That tension may generate interest, but it does little to help readers understand how land-use decisions are actually made.
It is also worth remembering that property rights belong to the landowner, not to the community at large. Public input is an important part of the process, but it does not, and should not, come with a veto or a monopoly on the narrative.
If the goal of public hearings is informed decision-making, then accuracy matters. Allowing applicants to correct the record supports transparency, not domination. Our local discourse deserves clearer explanations and less-incendiary framing.
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
