Developers propose 675-lot subdivision near Long Neck

One of the largest subdivision applications in recent years has been presented to Sussex County officials for review.

Keastone Bay – Baywood LLC and Sussex Realty Company have filed plans for Bridlewood, a 675-single-family-lot cluster subdivision on a 311-acre parcel on both sides of Green Road near the Banks Road intersection near Long Neck.

A public hearing before Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, July 25, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.

During the Preliminary Land Use Service state agency review of the application, Carlton Hall of the State Historic Preservation Office noted the potential for historic and prehistoric archaeological sites on the property based on the office's review of historic maps and other historic information.

He said there is a known dwelling complex off Banks Road, and there was a farming area known as the Lawson Agricultural Complex north of Green Road.

The Delaware Historic Preservation Office strongly recommends an archaeological survey of the area by a qualified archaeologist, Hall said.

In response to comments by the agency, the developer noted the project will comply with all state and federal laws.

Delaware Department of Transportation's Bill Brockenbrough said a traffic-impact study was completed in 2005 for a similar-sized project on the parcel. But because of growth in the area, a new study would be required, he said. Off-site improvements will be required, including a shared-use path along the frontage of the proposed community as well as 11-foot travel lanes and 5-foot shoulders along the frontage on Green Road and Banks Road.

According to the PLUS report, the community's average weekday traffic count is estimated at 6,000 vehicle trips. A vehicle trip is one vehicle exiting then returning. DelDOT calculates the average traffic count during the evening peak hour would be 637 vehicles on Green Road.