Sussex County Council cleared the way for expansion of a senior community near Lewes May 12 and recommended approval of five grants to opioid treatment programs.

Council voted 3-1 to approve the application of Springpoint at Lewes for The Moorings at Lewes retirement community, a 38-acre property on Gills Neck Road. 

Council amended a previously approved medium-density residential planned community and conditions of approval for a past zoning change.

The approvals were needed for the project to add 56 homes, bringing the total number of residences to 273. Eight cottages will be removed to make room for new construction.

Prior to the vote, Councilwoman Jane Gruenebaum raised concerns. She said she's worried about additional traffic from new home construction on roads that are not scheduled for improvements. She also said she's frustrated by how the owners of The Moorings handled the relocation of residents.

“I appreciate the efforts of the applicant to accommodate those residents who had to be moved to allow for the apartment building,” Gruenebaum said. “I also note that it is beyond the scope of this body to be involved in contractual disputes. However, it is more than regrettable that the applicant first created their preferred site plan, and then presented the affected residents with the finalized design that required their move."

“Being presented with a fait accompli regarding the ability to stay in your home demonstrates a remarkable lack of respect for existing residents,” she added. “For many residents, the move to Moorings cottages was supposed to be their last move. Now, at an advanced stage, they are forced to move again.”

Gruenebaum offered an amendment to the conditions proposed by the planning & zoning commission. She wanted the master plan to show a minimum of 40 feet of separation between the new buildings and existing buildings on an adjacent property. Planning & Zoning Department Director Jamie Whitehouse said 40 feet is a standard building separation in county code between multifamily buildings on the same site, so this would be an extension of the same separation distance to a neighboring property.

Some residents of a nearby street complained during public hearings that the project would ruin their views.

Gruenebaum’s amendment may necessitate moving roads and buildings, and possibly reduce the number of buildings added to the property, said Whitehouse.

The amendment passed 5-0.

“I feel like this process could have been handled much better,” said Councilman John Rieley. “I’m concerned about the impact to their neighboring communities.”

“We need senior housing in Sussex County, especially on the east side,” Councilman Matt Lloyd said. “From the hearing, citizens are staying on site, services are provided. I’m talking about the locals who are staying in the Moorings. I thought there was a huge effort by the applicant to accommodate the citizens that live there to get them either rehoused or provide them accommodations accordingly.” 

Opioid treatment programs

Also at the May 12 meeting, council recommended approval of grants for several opioid treatment programs funded by a nationwide settlement with opioid makers. 

The county received 25 grant applications for a total of more than $2.5 million in the latest round of funding.

The Opioid Commission’s Local Governments Committee proposed giving funds directly to municipalities to decide how to use it within parameters set by the National Opioid Settlement Agreement. Sussex County received $479,641 in the first year’s round of grants. 

Sussex put a priority on grants for treatment and recovery. The applciation period was April 14 to May 4, County Administrator Todd Lawson said.

The Opioid Commission agreed with the county’s list of grants, he said.

Impact Life requested $200,000 and was recommended for $116,547; Fisher of Men Foundation requested $291,20 and was recommended for $116,547; Delmarva Adult and Teenage Challenge Inc. requested $200,000 and was recommended for $116,547; Atracare requested and was recommended for $75,000; and Delaware Psychological Services Inc. requested and was recommended for $55,000.

The Opioid Commission will vote on the county’s list of grants, followed by a vote of council, Lawson said.