Preliminary plan for Armada approved
The preliminary site plan for Armada, a 67-unit, single-family home cluster subdivision, has been approved by the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission.
At its May 11 meeting, the commission voted 4-0 in favor of the project planned for a 47-acre parcel on Harmons Hill Road, off Route 5 between Lewes and Long Neck.
Making the motion for approval, Commissioner Holly Wingate said the plan complies with cluster subdivision superior design regulations. She said environmentally sensitive areas will be preserved, including 15 acres among 27 acres of trees, with lots at least 150 feet from wetlands areas.
A section of Phillip's Branch nontidal wetlands on the fringes of the eastern and southern boundaries of the property will also be protected by a 30-foot buffer. The community will have a 30-foot forested buffer around the perimeter, which will add to a 30-foot buffer along the adjacent Wetherby subdivision, which has site work underway.
Sidewalks will be provided on one side of all interior streets, and a 2,900-foot walking trail will connect to natural areas and a network of trails. Water will be provided by Artesian Water Co. and sewer services by Artesian Wastewater Co.
Wingate said the amenities, which include a playground, pavilion and walking trail, must be completed by issuance of the 34th residential building permit.
Delaware Department of Transportation has determined the proposed project will generate 719 vehicle trips per day. Although DelDOT recommended a traffic-impact study be conducted, developers chose the option of payment to an area-wide traffic study at $10 per trip or $7,190.
The average daily traffic volume on Harmons Hill Road is 3,478 vehicles per day.
The project will require road improvements with 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders on Harmons Hill Road along the frontage of the parcel, and the community's entrance will align with the Independence community entrance. The developer may be required to contribute funds to two off-site road improvement projects, including a traffic signal at the Harmons Hill-Indian Mission-Phillips Branch roads intersection and a roundabout at the Harmons Hill-Hollyville-Zoar roads intersection.
The final site plan will be reviewed and voted on by the planning & zoning commission.
AREA SUBDIVISIONS
Independence – 461 lots, completed
Pelican Point – 352 lots, additional phases under construction
Wetherby – 126 lots, site work underway
Liberty East and West – 295 lots, construction underway
Armada – 67 lots, approved
