Sussex P&Z wants more dirt on Lockhaven soil study
Sussex County Planning and Zoning commissioners are questioning the validity of a soil feasibility study done 16 years ago being used by the developer of Lockhaven, a proposed subdivision along Round Pole Bridge Road near Milton. They also want more time to evaluate a report submitted by Delaware Department of Transportation officials on a bridge near the proposed project.
Limitless Development Consulting Inc. has filed an application for a 25-lot standard subdivision on a 126-acre parcel containing 66 acres of wetlands and 39 acres of woodlands about one-half mile from the Hudson Road intersection. The large lots would average 2.5 acres with an overall density of less than one-quarter unit per acre. The parcel is owned by Lockhaven Farm LLC.
Although the commission was told during its July 22 meeting that Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control mandated soil studies do not expire, they still want more information. “Are the standards of evaluation different now?” asked Commission Chairman Bob Wheatley.
“Can we ask for a new one?” asked Commissioner Kim Hoey Stevenson.
“If that's the commission's wish, the developer will have to do it,” replied Sussex County Planning and Zoning Director Jamie Whitehouse.
At its June 24 meeting, the commission deferred a vote on the subdivision requesting more information on the soil study and the condition of a nearby bridge on Round Pole Branch Road.
Whitehouse said Delaware Department of Transportation officials had provided the commission with a report on the bridge, including results of inspections.
He said the report listed the 36-year-old bridge in good condition with no weight restrictions.
“There is a lot of information on the bridge. We need time for our engineer to interpret it,” said Commissioner Holly Wingate.
The commission agreed since the information was received the day of the meeting, they needed more time to review it. Commissioners voted to keep the public record open to obtain more information on the soil study and to review the bridge report and place the application on a future agenda.
