The Sussex Alliance for Responsible Growth has always adhered to a nonpartisan policy regarding agencies, officials and our supporters. SARG has never taken a position to support a candidate in any election. Until now.
SARG endorses Jane Gruenebaum for Sussex County Council District 3. Jane understands the future needs of Sussex; she has the intellect, proven skills and experience working within complex organizations and with key stakeholders to foster change. Jane is a consensus builder and problem solver. She opposes sprawl, is independent with no ties to developers and recognizes the need for collaboration with state agencies. She deserves the public’s trust.
No issue is as critical to Sussex and the quality of life of its residents as uncontrolled overdevelopment. It has damaged the revered character of the county so often referenced by our political leaders but ignored in their decision-making process. In the last 10 years, thousands of acres of trees, open space and farmland have been developed into housing and commercial development in a random and haphazard manner, without a plan for what the county should be in the future or how it should get there. Desperately needed infrastructure remains an unfulfilled promise.
Controlling the future development of the Route 1 corridor and its impact on Sussex businesses and residents is critical to the future. The majority of the Route 1 corridor is in District 3. It is the gateway to Sussex and all that it has to offer, from our beaches and bays to the charm and character of our small towns. It is a main entryway for visitors supporting our economy. Equally, Route 1 is the mainstay for thousands of residents and businesses whose daily lives depend on safe and efficient travel. Residents from Milford to Five Points grow more exasperated with the increasing congestion and frequency of accidents. The transformation to Ocean City North would be devastating to the quality of life of residents, yet high-density development is exactly what is in the minds of developers, supported by Councilman Mark Schaeffer.
During his three years in office, Schaeffer has resisted efforts to limit development in the corridor and supported efforts to allow high-density development, which all parties, except developers, believe inappropriate and detrimental to the future.
SARG has encouraged the county to collaborate with DelDOT, landowners, developers, businesses and legislators to create a long-range plan so DelDOT’s $500 million ongoing safety improvements are not overwhelmed by uncoordinated, uncontrolled development. Despite meeting with Schaeffer and emphasizing the need for him to lead the effort, he has not. Disappointingly, he supported proposals for growth in the corridor that conflict with the comprehensive plan. Most troubling is his acceptance of large contributions from developers to fund his campaign.
District 3 desperately needs leadership, a councilperson who is non-transactional, one who is not influenced by those who profit at the expense of residents and one who has a balanced, comprehensive long-term vision. Schaeffer, by virtue of his actions, or lack thereof, and embrace of developer contributions to support his campaign, has proven he is not that person.
Jane Gruenebaum is the person for the job!
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