Residents protest against pace of development

It’s become almost a commonplace scene as groups of residents, organized by the grassroots group Sussex 2030, come to The Circle in Georgetown to protest against the pace of development in Sussex County. Recently, most of the attention has been toward Coral Lakes, a proposed 315-lot subdivision on a 152-acre parcel along Robinsonville Road near Lewes. The application was denied by Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission March 10, and developer Schell Brothers has appealed the decision to Sussex County Council. The appeal will be heard at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 24.

Jill Hicks, one of the organizers, said it’s important to keep the public informed. She said many residents are also against Stillwater Harbor, a 123 single-family home subdivision on a 54-acre parcel near Oak Orchard. She said a public hearing before the planning & zoning commission is tentatively scheduled for November.

Hicks became motivated to speak out because of the proposed Coral Lakes subdivision, which would be located adjacent to her property.

“It doesn’t matter if you were born here or moved here last week; we can all be part of the solution,” Hicks said.

Hicks also said Sussex 2030 is working to get people more involved in the upcoming county council elections in districts 4 and 5, where widespread development is occurring.

“We want to make people aware that they are not helpless. Every vote counts. We urge residents to study the candidates, and get out and vote,” Hicks said.