Ocean Meadows plan gains preliminary approval
At its March 14 meeting, Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission granted preliminary approval to a 136-single-family-lot cluster subdivision on 70 acres on the northwest side of Beaver Dam Road near the Kendale Road intersection near Lewes.
Developer Ocean Meadows-Estates at Cedar Grove LLC had previously received approval for 100 lots in 2016, but refiled the application for the additional 36 lots on AR-1, agricultural-residential, land. “The amendment is within the permitted density in the cluster subdivision regulations,” said Commissioner Kim Hoey Stevenson, as she made a motion for approval.
Under county regulations, two units per acre are permitted in AR-1 districts. The new subdivision's density is about 1.9 units per acre, and lots will average just under 9,500 square feet.
She said the revised site plan for Ocean Meadows meets superior design requirements and provides for preservation of a wooded tract on the property. Superior design elements include central water and sewer service, 39 percent open space, amenities and sidewalks on both sides of each street. A 20-foot vegetated buffer must be place around the perimeter of the parcel.
Hoey Stevenson said the developer is required to eliminate one street in the subdivision, Wentworth Avenue and four lots, to maintain the wooded area adjacent to The Ridings subdivision.
Under conditions of approval, a pool, clubhouse and walking path must be completed by the issuance of the 70th building permit.
In addition, the commissioner said, an emergency access stub road is required in the northeast section of the parcel. Under the conditions, the road would be available for use if the adjacent property is developed.
The developer will be required to submit a revised site plan to the planning and zoning office and a final site plan will be reviewed by the planning and zoning commission before final approval can be granted.
