Public deserves better information on land-use projects

When it comes to processing land-use applications, Sussex County has made needed improvements in the past few years.

Still, few would argue the changes are sufficient. When Councilwoman Joan Deaver was elected, she promised larger signs posted at properties when a hearing was scheduled.

Today, the signs are larger – about the size of a “For Sale” sign. It’s a change, but it didn’t solve the problem: the new signs are still too small to be seen, let alone read, from the road. A readable, 4-by-8-foot sign with an easily discernible hearing date is a simple change that would immediately improve public awareness of large proposed projects.

The county process also includes, although it’s not required, notifying property owners within 200 feet of an application, a distance that is clearly insufficient for large projects that involve factors such as grading or new roads and traffic patterns.

Even if the 200 feet were doubled to 400 feet, that’s still less than a tenth of a mile from the proposed project. If the cost of mailing more notices is prohibitive, at the very least, the county should inform homeowner associations for existing developments within a quarter mile of major projects.

County officials recently upgraded computer systems, yet many records in the landuse application process are still not available online; reviewing the status of an application requires going to county offices to read thick paper files and minutes. A new, local group recently called for posting on the county website a timeline of the approval process for all applications, so citizens could track each project – another relatively simple upgrade that would give citizens far better access to vital information.

Growth is critical to keep even a tourism-based economy humming. Sussex property owners have a stake in a vibrant economy; they also want – and deserve – a say in changes that affect their properties and their lives.

As the new year begins, county council should approve changes to the process to provide clear, accessible information, so the public can have a fair say in the future of Sussex County.