The recent development proposal for Love Creek Farm (formerly Belle Mead) is for 332 apartments and 125,000 square feet of retail space.
Because DelDOT’s Land-Use Transportation Plan does not support the volume of traffic resulting from this development, the developer had to do a traffic-impact study. The proposed development would add 6,800 vehicle trips per day to Route 24. Already stressed, Route 24 is a designated evacuation route, which should concern anyone anywhere near this proposal.
Lewes Fire Department and EMS already stated they are overextended to provide services to existing homes in the area: “We urgently need your assistance,” “Please consider this letter as formal notice that without a substantial increase in funding ... we will be forced to initiate the process of dissolving our EMS service” (Cape Gazette, March 14).
Concerned about flooding? According to DNREC, this proposal would remove 50% of the existing forest. The PLUS report for the site states: “Mature forest possesses the potential for rare, threatened or endangered species that rely on this type of habitat. Forests filter water for improved water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, absorb nutrients, infiltrate stormwater, moderate temperatures and store atmospheric carbon which would otherwise contribute to climate change.”
Affordable housing for whom? Only 10% of the rental units are affordable housing, though your income would have to be 20% higher than the area's average annual income to afford these units.
Even the Cape Henlopen School District voiced opposition and cited the negative impact on schools if this plan is approved.
People have the power to oppose this plan.
1. Attend the community meeting to unite with other residents from 2:30 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 29, at Delaware State Police Troop 7, 19444 Mulberry Road.
2. Write a comment to the county, connect.sussexcountyde.gov/PublicDocket/#/details/CZ%202001.
3. Testify at the public hearing at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, at 2 The Circle, Georgetown.
Live links on this flyer and more information can be found at route24alliance.com/pending-applications/rt-24-c4belle-mead.
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