Sussex P&Z recommends denial of Milton events venue

Plans for a wedding and events venue at the Mansion Farm Inn east of Milton were dealt a setback when Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of a conditional-use application.

At its April 11 meeting, the commission unanimously voted against the application filed by William H. McQueen Jr. for his 1.6-acre parcel off Route 16. The fate of the project rests in the hands of Sussex County Council. A public hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.

The plans call for a parking area for up to 100 people across Route 16 from the inn. Commissioners agreed the applicant's proposed plan for parking was not safe. “There is not enough space on the property for parking, and the off-site parking across Route 16 would create a dangerous situation, and there is no formal agreement for the land,” Commissioner Keller Hopkins said.

Hopkins said traffic on Route 16 is heavy and crossing the road at night would be dangerous. McQueen had previously received a special-use exception from the Sussex County Board of Adjustment to operate a bed and breakfast on the property.

During a March 28 public hearing, McQueen said he had permission from property owners to use a one-acre parcel across Route 16 for parking. He said he had approached owners of the property surrounding his parcel to purchase or use the land, but was not successful.

“I can try again,” he said.

“I think it's worth another shot for safety reasons,” said Commissioner Holly Wingate.

When pressed about the parking situation by Commissioner Bruce Mears, McQueen said another option could be to use the CHEER parking lot west of his property and bus guests to events. Although he said he was told the lot was public, Commission Chairman Bob Wheatley said those types of lots are usually private. “That's an arrangement you would have to work out with them,” he said.

“I'm really concerned about the parking,” Mears said.

McQueen said he would have about 10 outdoor weddings per year and would set up a temporary tent. Under the county's new events ordinance, up to three events per year are permitted on one parcel. However, that number can be modified under conditions of an approved conditional-use application.