I am writing in protest of the proposed East Gate subdivision that is to be built less than 200 feet from my property line. My concern is the forested wetlands that are to be destroyed to build 88 houses on just less than 37 acres.
When we bought our home in Fox Haven from Ryan Homes in 2017, we were assured that there would be no building allowed behind our property line due to protected wetlands. A large berm is part of our property that cannot be touched because it is necessary to keep the water in the wetlands from reaching our house. There is also a swale to direct water to the reclamation pond across from our house. We had to sign documents stating that we would never do anything that would interfere with these due to the wetlands.
Now, according to the information that was presented to the Sussex County Council Feb. 10, these wetlands no longer are protected, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – they no longer have jurisdiction. However, at the local level, Sussex County Council has the authority to protect the integrity of these wetlands that are home to a plethora of wildlife including deer, raccoons, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, turtles, crayfish and dozens of species of birds, including many waterfowl that fly over our house to and from these forested wetlands. The developer plans to fill 30 acres of wetlands and most of the forested areas and leave just a 20-foot buffer.
Development in our area of Lower Slower Delaware has exploded. I understand why people want to live here. When will the Sussex County Council wake up and begin protecting the wetlands and forested areas? When will we all begin to respect the glorious environment that we all love? Build if you want, but leave some beauty for us to enjoy and the natural environment for so much amazing wildlife.
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