The following letter was sent to Sussex County Council with a copy provided to the Cape Gazette for publication.
Regarding the buffer ordinance before you now, I am writing to emphasize the importance of the following and request that the final ordinance reflects them:
1. Require forested buffers be maintained or established
2. Eliminate options to reduce buffer widths
3. Eliminate an increase in the number of lots from four to five in a minor subdivision
4. Eliminate reference to reduction of perimeter buffers
5. Increase buffer widths to ensure their effectiveness as sea level rises – tidal wetlands and waters - 200 feet; non-tidal wetlands - 100 feet; perennial streams - 100 feet
6. Include disincentives for deforestation of buffers (as well as entire parcel) for five years before submission of application for development proposal.
You have already spent hours (actually years) listening to and reading the testimony that supports these points. I won’t repeat that here, but none of it is forgotten by your audience.
You must by now realize the intense public scrutiny this issue and your votes are under. This is truly a watershed moment for the council.
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