Developer has plans for Gills Neck Road project

As proof Gills Neck Road is one of the most highly sought-after areas for housing in the Lewes area, a developer has filed applications to construct a multifamily project.

The Evergreene Companies LLC has filed for a rezoning from AR-1, agricultural-residential, to MR, medium-density residential, and a conditional use for multifamily housing on a 7-acre parcel at 16386 Gills Neck Road near the Showfield and Hawkseye communities. The proposed project includes 26 multifamily duplexes in 13 buildings. The density would be 3.5 units per acre, less than the 4 units per acre permitted under MR zoning.

During the planning and zoning commission's July 12 public hearing, Evergreene Co. attorney Jim Fuqua said development along the road is a mix of single-family homes and multifamily units in eight communities. He said the county has approved 660 multifamily units in developments on Gills Neck Road, including 472 multifamily units in Governors where site work is underway.

“I think you can see there is a full range of residential uses on Gills Neck Road,” he said, adding a precedent has been set. He said the proposed project is in state and county growth zones that call for a variety of housing. The development would not be age-restricted, but would feature age-targeted design with first-floor living. “The intent is to provide an alternative housing option for residents to stay in the area and age in place to remain part of the Lewes community,” he said.

Fuqua said many older residents are looking to downsize and move into a community with no maintenance and yard work. He said according to the 2010 U.S. Census, 44 percent of Lewes residents are over the age of 65. Delaware's over-65 population is 14 percent; Sussex County's is 21 percent.

Gills Neck Road is included in the Lewes Scenic and Historic Byway master plan. To comply with the plan, Fuqua said, the developer would construct a shared-use path along the frontage of the property with connection to the nearby Junction and Breakwater Trail.

Fuqua said there would be extensive landscaping along the road frontage with a stormwater pond near the entrance to the community. He said the closest unit would be set back 60 feet from the road right of way. Central water would be provided by Lewes Board of Public Works and sewer would be provided by Sussex County. Curbs and gutters, sidewalks on both sides of all streets, and a pool and pool house are planned. Each unit would have a two-car garage and provide two additional parking spaces in the driveway.

Fuqua said most of an existing wooded area on three sides of the property would remain with a 20-foot wooded buffer on the east and west boundaries, and a 10-foot wooded buffer along the rear of the property. Fuqua said the buffer would be adjacent to an existing 20-foot buffer along the Showfield property, making it 30 feet. “This is an area where multifamily housing should go, and it's consistent with land use in the area,” Fuqua said. “The county has approved other multifamily uses that have had no negative impact on single-family developments in the area.”

Ronald Smith, who lives near the property, said he was not against the development but it should be more in keeping with the area. He said the duplex closest to the road should be eliminated to allow for additional setback space from the road. He said other developments in the area provide at least 100-foot setbacks from Gills Neck Road. “A person should be able to use their property and profit from it, but there is too much going on here, and it should be scaled back a little,” said Wayne Warren, a Wolfe Runne resident.

He expressed concern with traffic on the road due to increased development. “Traffic is unbelievable. It's a dangerous road, and someone will be killed this year. There are too many people on that road,” he said.

Espin Riggins, a Hawkseye resident, also said it's just a matter of time before someone gets killed. “Gills Neck Road is out of control,” he said. Riggins said the Junction and Breakwater Trail crossing on the road is dangerous. “All day long I hear screeching brakes and profanities all due to people coming off the trail. We have enough multiuse housing. We don't need any more traffic on this road,” he said.

The planning and zoning commission deferred a vote to a later meeting. County council's public hearing on the two applications is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.

Growth on Gills Neck Road

At build out, about 2,000 residential units will be located along Gills Neck Road. Developments include Wolfe Runne, Wolfe Pointe, Breakwater, Senators, Hawkseye, Moorings at Lewes, Showfield and Governors.

In addition, county officials have approved applications for the Village Center shopping center and a 39,000-square-foot medical office complex, both at the Gills Neck Road and Kings Highway intersection.