This letter was sent to Sussex County Council with a copy provided to the Cape Gazette for publication. It has been slightly edited to meet the word limit.
I want to register my objections to Cool Spring Crossing. My objections to this development are twofold. I will list the specific aspects of this development I find objectionable. But my motivation to do whatever is in my power to halt this development is the frightening realization that if this massive project is approved, it would be precedent-setting. Other developers posing challenges to existing AR-1 designations would have every reason to expect success either from county council or, when needed, the courts, based on a favorable ruling to this application. Such an outcome would serve as a death knell for wise and balanced development in Sussex County.
Both state and federal authorities are in agreement that this land mass on Route 9 should remain low-density/AR-1 for the foreseeable future as designated in the 2018 comprehensive plan. Given that Sussex is required to revisit the comprehensive plan for 2028, consideration of a potential change in the AR-1 designation can be determined at that time, based on the input of residents, stakeholders and public officials. Moreover, the Sussex County Land-Use Reform Working Group recommendations must first be considered. It is clearly out of order to consider Cool Spring at this time. In addition to the recommendations of this group, DelDOT’s corridor study on Route 9 is slated for completion in 2026, and would include the traffic impact of the recently approved Northstar project, as well as all the other projects in the area. Moving forward, isn’t it about time that Sussex aligns its development policy with state policies?
The addition of approximately 5,500 residents moving into 1,922 residential units, resulting in approximately 33,000 vehicle trips on Route 9 boggles the mind, especially since DelDOT has no plans to improve Route 9 in the foreseeable future. The notion that new residents would confine their activities and mobility within the proposed development is unrealistic. As school authorities have already stated, the school system is either at or has exceeded capacity. It would be impossible to accommodate the estimated 450 to 550 children this community would generate. As the county is trying to catch up with the overwhelming demand for emergency services and existing residents are on waiting lists to find primary care physicians, not to mention specialists, why make these challenges more onerous by approving this development?
I ask that you reject this development application.
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