Community Bank offers cemetery to family

Jack Riddle, president and director of Community Bank Delaware, has issued a video update on the Lingo cemetery at the site of the company’s proposed Long Neck branch at the intersection of Route 24 and Route 5.

At its Dec. 14 meeting, the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission approved a final site plan for the new bank.

The plan includes a 3,200-square-foot bank and 4,000-square-foot and 4,900-square-foot retail buildings on a 2.47-acre parcel. The plans also include the reinterment of 11 gravesites on a small section of the parcel along Route 5.

Riddle said the Lingo family has been contacted. “We want to receive their wishes and offer to give them the cemetery. If the Lingo family decides to take over the cemetery, they will make the final decision,” he said.

Riddle said the family could either decide to keep the small cemetery where it is or move it to a more suitable, secure setting.

“The location of the bank building is nowhere near the cemetery and is separated by 500 feet,” he said, adding if the cemetery remains, it will have no effect on the project. “As of Jan. 2, no decisions have been made by any of the parties,” he added.

Riddle said, “Since May 2022, we have been working on building plans, but just as importantly, [we want to] be respectful of the cemetery and the people buried there.”

He said when the nearly 3-acre parcel of land was purchased, one headstone was visible, but another 10 headstones were discovered after the land was cleared.

Riddle said the bank has been working with “one of the most dignified professionals in the area,” the Parsell family, to consider what actions could be taken.

“We appreciate the constructive feedback we have received and thank you for taking the time to get the facts on our new branch,” he said at the end of the video.

He also said people with questions can call 302-226-3333. Community Bank Delaware also has branches and offices in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.