I read with interest the story “Draft regs to limit development taking shape in Sussex.”
May I suggest that infrastructure trumps the remainder of these considerations.
Infrastructure needs to precede development everywhere. The widening of Route 24 not far west of Route 1 is a classic example. The development is racing along much farther west without the imminent plan to widen that highway. Highway widening should include utility upgrades at the same time. How often do new and/or resurfaced highways get dug up soon after completion?
For example, a Sussex County bridge construction project might take several years (Route 1 bridge over Route 16) while a huge redirection of Route 24 through a pond and wetland area gets done in just over one year, even while requiring an adjacent temporary bridge to accommodate huge cranes. There seems to be a large disparity, inability (expertise?) of contractors. Why do the slower contractors continue to get state contracts? Something is amiss!
How is it that the Route 16 and Union Street intersection in Milton has been bottled in by new businesses when it lacks any turn lanes, and it still will after these new businesses are both completed. McDonald’s and Royal Farms preclude turn lanes where they are desperately needed. Is there no right to eminent domain here in Delaware? Is anyone running DelDOT? Do any DelDOT executives and/or planners live in Sussex County?
BTW: Kudos for the new plan to eliminate eight crossovers between Red Mill Pond and Five Points by including a service road and improved access to Lewes via New Road. That’s a good one! We do hope the Old World Breads bakery survives the construction, though. Please, DelDOT, they are a huge asset to LSD. Listen to their pleas, please!
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