I am writing regarding the Reed Farms efforts to rezone their 67-acre land parcel located on Gravel Hill Road just outside Milton town limits from AR-1 agricultural-residential to HI-1 heavy industry, which permits many uses not compatible with residential neighborhoods.
When this proposed zoning and land-use change first came before the county council in 2020, I wrote to the council, attended the hearing and spoke of my concerns, as did many others. Nothing was arbitrary about the council’s decision to reject the zoning and land-use change, despite what Vice Chancellor Bonnie David ruled. However, it is truly arbitrary that Reed Farms wasn’t required to perform a traffic impact study or environmental impact study, nor would they divulge what type of heavy industry they want to put on this parcel and apparently aren’t required to do so.
The land in question lies directly opposite my neighborhood, Pemberton, and would negatively impact not only our property values but more importantly, our quality of life. It would also negatively impact property values and life quality for the new neighborhoods of Harpers Glen, the planned Milton Village development, also directly across from Reed Farms, and the Granary at Draper Farms (currently under construction).
The Granary has been running Facebook ads showing idyllic and bucolic scenery, which will certainly not be the case if heavy industry is allowed to be built a mile away, and it will probably discourage potential buyers.
It would be irresponsible and dangerous to allow heavy industry to build so close to residential homes, both existing and planned. It would further burden the already heavily traveled roads; add more noise, light and air pollution; use up precious water resources; add load to the already insufficient wastewater system; and pollute the groundwater. Heavy industry also comes with potential hazards of industrial accidents such toxic spills, fires and explosions.
Sussex County already has serious issues with unchecked growth and the lack of any meaningful planning for the infrastructure when it comes to the roads, water and wastewater. Bringing heavy industry to this parcel of land will only exacerbate these issues.
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