Route 1 commercial core a strong nucleus
Route 1 and all of its commercial splendor between Nassau and Delaware Seashore State Park often finds itself targeted by those who see it as a poster child for all that is wrong with Sussex County. While the overt nature of commercial use makes it an easy target, that vigorous commerce is far from all bad.
When Sussex County first established zoning in the 1960s, those envisioning the future laid out a commercial corridor 600 feet wide on either side of most of Route 1 from Nassau south to the ocean. At that time there were no traffic lights between Lewes and Rehoboth.
Midway Shopping Center was the first venture testing the commercial waters in the agricultural lands between the two towns.
The early Sussex planners provided liberal commercial zoning to serve the future they correctly envisioned. Their vision also included confining commercial zoning to that area unless clear societal needs dictated changes in zoning. Now, 55 years later, that commercial area is the thriving economic pulse of our region and its zoning has, for the most part, kept the bulk of commercial development concentrated there. It hustles and bustles, is constantly evolving, and has plenty more room for development in the years ahead.
Traffic issues clearly need more attention; pedestrian crossovers are woefully inadequate but are being addressed. Issues involving out -of-control signage add to the mishmash but are now being discussed, and the volume of visitors served by this corridor continues to grow.
All of this commercial activity gives us tremendous shopping opportunities, helps sustain a culture of food and drink unique along the East Coast, fuels an economy that allows us to support and enjoy the essential services of Beebe Healthcare - a first-class medical center owned by the communityand provides thousands of jobs and diversity to our region.
If we continue to resist efforts to let it sprawl - such as is proposed by the ill-advised Overbrook Town Center - and instead insist that the vision continue to be refined and improved, we will be able to enjoy the balance of commerce, agriculture and residential uses the original planners aimed for.
