I am writing regarding Atlantic Fields, in light of the impressive Ocean One project to be located at routes 1 and 16 near Milton.
Having reviewed the materials for this mixed-use center, it’s clear Ocean One is a project that’s been carefully and logically planned for from both a location and infrastructure standpoint. It will be situated along a major highway (Route 1), which has recently been improved to direct traffic to the new property when its occupants are ready to open.
The easiest way to compare Atlantic Fields with Ocean One is to point out what Ocean One will not be.
Ocean One will not be located in a quiet, rural, residential area navigated via narrow, meandering country roads. It will not include gas pumps, compromising the safety of groundwater. It will not worsen traffic in an already-congested area, creating bigger regional road bottlenecks. It will not negatively impact already-struggling small businesses in Rehoboth Beach. Ocean One will not be located a stone’s throw from two schools and several medical complexes. It will not be yet another retail center built without affordable housing for its workforce. It will not be detrimental to lower Delaware tourism. It will not be a project built without ample supporting infrastructure.
Atlantic Fields, on the other hand, would be all of those things.
Ocean One is clearly a complex deserving of Sussex County Council’s support; Atlantic Fields is not. Council must take the responsible action and vote no on the rezoning of the Atlantic Fields property.
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