Sussex County Council’s recent decision to deny the Atlantic Fields rezoning deserves recognition. It was a decision grounded in protecting quality of life for the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach area, balancing economic growth with the realities of traffic, infrastructure and community impact. That outcome should not be viewed as anti-business, but rather as an affirmation that where development happens matters just as much as whether it happens.
Importantly, the denial of Atlantic Fields does not mean Sussex County has closed the door on new retail opportunities, including the kind of anchor stores many residents would welcome. The proposed Ocean One development, located near Routes 1 and 16 and zoned C-3, represents a strong and timely alternative. According to recent reporting in the Cape Gazette, Ocean One is expected to open around 2027 and would deliver much of the retail capacity Atlantic Fields sought to provide, while avoiding the intense congestion impacts associated with funneling additional traffic into the already-strained Route 24 and beach corridor.
Ocean One also offers several advantages that align with long-term county interests. The project includes workforce housing, which reduces commuting distances for employees and helps address a critical housing need. Its location is closer to existing population centers with labor pools, which means fewer daily work trips into the Lewes and Rehoboth area, easing seasonal and year-round traffic pressures. At the same time, tax revenues would still benefit Sussex County as a whole and continue to support the Cape Henlopen School District, while strengthening the economies of Milton, Lewes and surrounding communities.
For residents who were hoping for a Costco, there is still a clear path forward for Sussex County. Costco actively solicits location input from the public. Individuals should be able to submit a location suggestion directly through the company’s website or contacting customer service on the Costco toll-free number.
Encouraging Costco to consider the Route 1 and Route 16 corridor, where zoning is already in place, infrastructure demands are more manageable and development timelines are shorter, gives Sussex County a realistic opportunity to attract this retailer without repeating the mistakes that led to Atlantic Fields’ rejection.
The lesson here is not that Sussex County must choose between growth and quality of life. With thoughtful site selection and public engagement, we can support both. Ocean One shows how.
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