As a Sussex County resident, I was disappointed by the Sussex County Council’s unanimous rejection of the zoning change request for the proposed Atlantic Fields retail center on Route 24.
I understand that large development projects deserve careful review, and I respect the concerns raised about traffic, infrastructure and growth. However, an outright denial closes the door on what could be a meaningful economic opportunity for our county – one that many residents have expressed interest in reconsidering.
A project of this scale has the potential to bring jobs, tax revenue and long-overdue retail options to Sussex County. Many residents already travel long distances to shop at major retailers, contributing to congestion elsewhere and sending dollars out of our local economy. Thoughtful development along an already commercial corridor like Route 24 could help keep those dollars, jobs and opportunities closer to home.
Rather than a final rejection, I urge council to consider whether revisions, conditions or phased approvals could address the concerns that led to the denial. Community dialogue, infrastructure commitments and traffic mitigation solutions deserve further exploration before such a consequential decision is considered settled.
Reconsideration does not mean approval; it means continued discussion, transparency and collaboration. Sussex County is growing, and our planning decisions should reflect both caution and openness to responsible progress.
I encourage council and my fellow residents to revisit this issue and engage in a broader conversation about how we want Sussex County to grow.
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