Sussex County P&Z sees big changes at meeting

The Aug. 6 Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission meeting was punctuated by significant change, as commissioners chose a new leader for the first time in many years, a new member took the oath of office and another unexpectedly resigned.

Jeff Allen of Laurel took the oath of office to begin a three-year term, succeeding Robert C. Wheatley, who served for 30 years, the last half of them as chair. 

County Councilman Matt Lloyd, who was among three newcomers elected to the council in November, received council approval last month to replace Wheatley with Allen. Lloyd said he believed Allen has a more similar philosophy on development to his own.

While Wheatley was re-elected chair of P&Z last month by its members, his time on the panel came to an end with the start of Allen’s term.

That left the commission to name a new chair, and it turned to Holly Wingate, another longtime P&Z member. She was unanimously elected.

“Big shoes up here,” Wingate said afterward.

Following the meeting, she continued her praise for Wheatley.

“Nobody can fill Mr. Wheatley’s shoes,” she said. “I have great respect for him. He dedicated 30 years of his life to do this job. It’s something hard to follow, but I’ll try to do my best, and I do have a service heart. I’m excited about the opportunity. We have a lot of challenges.”

Wingate said the public does not realize the work involved in serving on the commission. 

“People don’t have a real understanding of what this involves, what the commission does,” she said. “It takes a lot of time … to go through all the information that’s there. And the limitations we have with the way the comprehensive plan is written … We have to work within the law.”

Sussex has been the fastest-growing county in the state in recent years, and the pace of development has burdened roadways, schools, emergency services, healthcare providers and the environment. P&Z has been at the epicenter of the debate, as it reviews and makes decisions on large-scale developments, which have raised concerns among some residents.

In addition to the usual work of reviewing applications, the commission will have to administer what could be significant changes in development rules in the coming years.

A land-use reform working group created by Sussex County Council to review and propose changes to development rules has been meeting for months and is expected to offer suggestions next month for council’s consideration. Also, a county comprehensive plan update is due to be completed by the end of 2028.

“There’s going to be a lot going on, even more than the construction side,” Wingate said. “Whatever laws that the council makes, we have to follow.”

One more change for the commission was disclosed at the end of the Aug. 6 meeting.

“Is there anything else?” Wingate asked, as she was ready to wrap up the session. 

“Yes, there is,” Commissioner J. Bruce Mears said. “Tonight is commissioner Butler’s last hearing. So, thank you for serving.”

“Due to my recent retirement, I’m going to spend some time with my family; well, the grandkids,” Commissioner Brian Butler said.

“That’s a shock,” said assistant county attorney Vince Robertson. “Wow. I’ve been honored to serve with you, Mr. Butler, and best of luck on your retirement.”

Butler, whose term was set to end in 2026, thanked staff and other commissioners, who thanked him for his work. He represented Councilman Steve McCarron’s District 2. 

“If there is nothing else, I will echo the words of a dear friend, ‘Peace and harmony prevail,’” Wingate said, borrowing a phrase Wheatley had long used to end commission meetings. 

“Meeting is adjourned,” she said, then gaveled the meeting to a close.