Sussex council approves Chappell Farm
Sussex County Council unanimously approved three ordinances June 22 paving the way for Chappell Farm, a mixed-use development with 156 apartment units and commercial space on a 15-acre parcel at the intersection of Cave Neck Road and Route 1.
The three ordinances are all related: The first two allow for a change of zoning, making 6.4 acres of the parcel zoned MR medium-density residential and 8.5 acres zoned C-3 heavy commercial. The third ordinance allows for the building of 128 multifamily units in the medium-density zone; the remaining 28 units would be in the heavy commercial zone.
Passage of the ordinances had previously been recommended by the planning and zoning commission.
The project is being developed by Christian and Jamin Hudson, and would have access to a Cave Neck Road roundabout as part of the upcoming Delaware Department of Transportation Cave Neck Road-Route 1 grade-separated interchange project to be constructed from 2024 to 2026. In addition to 156 apartment units, the project would include 40,000 feet of commercial space, including a convenience store with fuel pumps and additional retail space including a pharmacy. One of the four, 4-story apartment buildings would have retail space on the first floor. The site plan for the apartment complex contains a clubhouse, pool and playground with 555 parking spaces and one mile of pedestrian pathways.
While there was no public comment for or against the application at council’s June 22 meeting, Councilman Mark Schaeffer read a statement addressing his relationship with the Hudsons, who had contributed to Schaeffer’s 2020 campaign, and whether he should recuse himself.
Schaeffer said he requested an advisory opinion from the Delaware Public Integrity Commission, which found that campaign donations do not constitute a conflict of interest and there was no impropriety. He said he does not have a personal or private interest in the property and has not had personal dealings with the Hudsons. Because of that, Schaeffer said, he would vote on the matter.
Schaeffer said he supported the project because it is consistent with the development in that area, has access to water and sewer, and will be serviced by the future DelDOT road improvements.
Council attached three conditions to its approval: First, notice signs should be posted near the entrances to the construction site. Second, no commercial-only building permits will be issued until the road improvements are completed and opened to traffic, although the residential buildings can be constructed. Finally, no building can be built within 120 feet of the northwest property line, which is adjacent to the Red Fox Run residential development.
