It’s back. The possibility for a convenience store on the corner of Angola Road and Route 24 – this time a Royal Farms. In 2020, county council denied a conditional use for a 7-11. This time, the conditional-use permit number is 2360. Get used to seeing that number, as we in the Angola Neck area will once again resist this type of development on our corner.
So, what has changed in this short time? We have more homes, more people, more cars and more traffic. The proposed lot size is bigger, there are fewer pumps, and a car wash has been added. I can only assume the developer has scrutinized why the first proposal was denied and is prepared to address those issues. The issues all remain the same, perhaps intensified by more cars moving along two-lane roads. And Angola Road is still two lanes, still dips down, curves and floods from time to time. I wouldn’t want to have a medical issue in the height of tourist season and expect first responders to get to me quickly.
The entrances and exits are poorly placed; there is only a right in and right out on Route 24 heading toward Rehoboth. If going west toward Millsboro, you have a problem. You must turn left onto Angola Road. When exiting, if you want to continue west, you have to venture out onto Angola Road, across oncoming traffic to get to the light. I’ve often been in a line of 20 cars heading to the light. Some will let cars in, others will not.
If you are coming from Robinsonville Road, you must cross Route 24 and turn right into the station from Angola Road. Not too bad, but if returning to Robinsonville Road, you have the same problem as those who want to continue heading to west.
The real fun starts for those heading west who have no idea they have to enter via Angola Road. When they see the station, there is no way for them to enter via Route 24. Some will try to enter using the right turn in, or try to make a U-turn. I see accidents coming for sure. If this all sounds confusing, well, it is. Does this sound like safety was a key component of planning? I think not.
The station will have fewer pumps, but the station still sits on Sarah Run, our aquifer. The possibility for groundwater contamination still exists. While we will have a new intersection, all the roads will remain two lanes! I could not help but note the work done at Burton’s Pond did not include widening Route 24.
In the coming days, DelDOT will conduct a traffic-impact study. I can’t wait to hear the results. And isn’t there a new fueling station going in at Mulberry Knoll Road? Do we really need this one?
If you want to be part of a grassroots group, Sussex 2030, fighting this, come to the clubhouse at Angola by the Bay, 33457 Woodland Circle, Lewes, at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 3. We’ll keep the gates open for you!
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