Nearly 10 years after a development was originally proposed, a new developer has picked up plans for a large housing project adjacent to Ellendale. A rezoning was approved for the project in 2009, but construction never occurred.
Liborio Ellendale LLC has filed for another zoning change from MR, medium-density, to MR-RPC, medium-density, residential planned community, for a 141-acre parcel on the west side of Old State Road. The RPC zoning had expired.
At its March 23 meeting, the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that county council grant approval of the application. County council's public hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.
During the commission's March 9 public hearing, developer Lou Ramunnol said the rezoning would allow cluster housing units on smaller lots to save more woodlands and open space on the parcel. Plans show 224 single-family homes and 72 townhomes, which would be built in phases of 50 each year.
Zac Crouch, an engineer with Davis, Bowen and Friedel, said the project has received all agency approvals and the parcel would be served by county sewer. The site plan includes sidewalks, streetlights, a pool, clubhouse and playground. Amenities would be required before the 72nd building permit is issued. The development would have entrances off Old State Road and Sharon's Road.
An RPC is a special zoning district established for subdivisions on parcels larger than 40 acres. Under regulations in the district, the planning and zoning commission can impose conditions on the project including stipulations on the site plan.