We moved to this area in May from a large, metro area, and have been reading the articles and viewpoints regarding the Atlantic Fields development.
First, let me start by saying the developers of this project do not live here, so I'm not sure why they are trying to dictate our way of life; however, I suspect this proposal will move forward despite the horrible location being considered so Lewes can move into the metro world.
Since we are looking at farmland, I wanted to throw out some ideas for those decision makers to consider to lessen the impact this commercial development will have on our beautiful area. These ideas I propose include creating a small-town shopping footprint laid out so shops face each other with walkways, fountains, etc. You can research areas such as Southlake, Texas; Naperville, Ill.; Plymouth, Mich.; and The Woodlands, Texas, that reflect how these commercial developments evoke a town-center feeling as opposed to long, mundane strips of concrete and asphalt. I'm sure you can already hear the cries of foul from these developers as the cost will be higher.
Also, I propose a low-level (max three stories) parking garage to accommodate the masses that will be arriving; this will help eliminate acres and acres of hot, smelly, ugly parking spaces that, when it's busy, looks like a car dealership on steroids, and, when empty, looks like a huge, black, lifeless mole.
Lastly, I propose every entrance, exit and areas within the mega complex to have waterfall features, trees, native foliage and park areas to help soften the concrete jungle most of us are familiar with.
I'm sure anyone reading this has seen shopping strips just like this one being pursued and has witnessed the rise and fall of many. Empty storefronts, trash, crowds, traffic, but no matter the outcome, if this is built, I do know the developers and the CEOs of these anchor stores will not have to deal with the problems this commercial folly will create, as they don't live here.
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