Residential planned community proposed near Long Neck
A project near Long Neck first proposed 14 years ago is moving forward.
Schiff Land Development Co. LLC has filed for a rezoning from MR, medium-density residential, and CR-1 commercial to MR-RPC, residential planned community, for a 43-acre landlocked parcel on the south side of Route 24, one mile southwest of Oak Orchard Road, for Patriots Glen Phase 2.
David Hutt, the applicant's attorney, said road access to Route 24 is needed through Patriots Glen Phase 1, which was approved in July 2019 when a 50-acre parcel was rezoned to MR-RPC.
The rezoning would allow the entire parcel for both phases to be MR-RPC for 288 single-family lots. The original approval in 2007 was for 390 town homes. Phase 2 would include 127 single-family lots, and Phase 1 includes 161 single-family lots.
Hutt said the community would have sidewalks on both sides of all streets with a pool, a multipurpose community building with 24 parking spaces and an outdoor area with a patio, all included in Phase 1 plans. Amenities in Phase 2 would include sidewalks, a walking path, playground and gazebo. Residents in both phases would have access to all amenities.
Hutt said with the addition of Phase 2, state transportation officials required the developer to conduct a traffic-impact study. He said the developer would be required to contribute funds to three DelDOT-planned, off-site road improvements projects along Route 24.
Route 24 at the Bay Farm/Autumn Road intersection will be widened to include separate left-turn, right-turn and through lanes with sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
Route 24 at Oak Orchard Road/Mount Joy Road intersection will be widened to include separate left-turn, right-turn and through lanes with sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
In addition, the developer would be required to contribute funding for a proposed traffic signal at the Route 24-Legion Road intersection.
Hutt said the perimeter of the community would have a 30-foot minimum landscaped buffer with some areas providing a much wider buffer. Nearly 10 acres, or 22 percent of the total acreage, would be open space in Phase 2, with 13.5 acres, or 27 percent, of open space in Phase 1.
Central sewer would be provided by Sussex County, and central water would be provided by Tidewater Utilities. The minimum lot size would be 7,500 square feet.
Sussex County Council will have a public hearing on the application at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 20.
