How did we get here? The 2045 future land-use map, based on academic projections, catapulted Sussex County home development. P&Z provided a green light to saturate the county with new single housing developments. The home builders sector successfully used the subjectively written ordinances to their advantage. As a result, all other aspects for established and new livable communities were discounted. A domino impact created zoning manipulation to appease the government’s oversight as if it is the “Risk” game board. This is not a solution. Underserved medical citizens, strained infrastructure (always trying to catch up to P&Z rapid approvals), and thoughtless environmental destruction were not included in a 2045 projection from our local leaders.
The members of the Sussex County Land-Use Reform Working Group volunteered their time and knowledge to provide diplomatic solutions for Sussex County Council. It is a small step in the right direction, and it provides Sussex County Council representatives with a path to improving the lives of their constituents.
Two Sussex County Council representatives, Matt Lloyd and Jane Gruenebaum, recommended a pause. Thank you. You listened to your constituents. Yes, please pause. This is the time to step back before Northstar and Cool Spring Crossing move an inch forward. Look at the big picture. Look at the 2045 coastal erosion projections. Study evacuation routes. Succinct, well-written ordinances avoid multiple interpretations. We count on you.
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
