Preliminary Wil King Station plan approved
The preliminary site plan for Wil King Station, a 58-lot subdivision on 29 acres along Wil King Road near Lewes, has been approved by Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission.
At its Aug. 24 meeting, the commission voted 4-1 in favor of the subdivision that includes cluster and standard subdivision lots.
A proposed rezoning for the original subdivision to MR, medium-density residential, was denied by the commission in November 2021. The applicant revised the plan and removed the rezoning request.
The plan includes a 30-foot forested/vegetated perimeter buffer using existing trees, 44% open space, central water and sewer service, preservation of nearly 8 acres of the existing 22 acres of woodlands, and sidewalks on one side of all interior streets, with a connection to a Delaware Department of Transportation multimodal path along Wil King Road.
The buffer must be clearly defined with signs placed every 300 feet warning residents that the area must not be disturbed, mowed or sprayed. There will also be a 50-foot building setback adjacent to a farm field west of the parcel.
Two entrances are planned, including the use of an existing 50-foot right of way at the northern edge of the parcel and another entrance at the southern edge of the property.
The developer will be required to improve the two entrances and also make drainage improvements. Because the parcel is included in the Henlopen Transportation Improvement District, the developer will be required to pay a fee per unit for future road work.
Amenities, including a playground, recreation area and walking paths, must be completed prior to the issuance of the 29th building permit. Construction can take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays.
Conditions proposed by Commissioner Brian Butler include no trails and no road connections to La Jolla Shores Drive adjacent to the parcel, and a fence to screen nearby houses from the development.
During public testimony, local residents opposed the subdivision because of the condition of Wil King Road, which has no shoulders, is lined with drainage ditches and has 90 mailboxes along both sides.
Commissioner Holly Wingate sided with residents and voted against the application, saying she was not satisfied that Wil King Road could handle the traffic without road improvements.
The 2023-28 DelDOT capital transportation program does not include Wil King Road improvements.
A revised site plan must be filed with the planning and zoning office, and the final plan is subject to review and approval by the commission.
