Instead of covering one subject, let's discuss several.
The unbridled growth of developments: We all complain about it, but nothing will change because both the county and state are raking in millions of dollars from transfer taxes. Later, the county will be receiving property tax monies. The people in charge of approving land-use requests are handing out variances like candy at Halloween.
Our various infrastructures: Every time we venture out onto any highway, it does not take long to realize how much the traffic has increased over the last few years. I’m not bashing DelDOT because they have completed many worthwhile projects in the state. Developers need to contribute much more in the way of financial assistance for new roads, traffic lights, etc. We have witnessed an accident on three consecutive days here on Route 9/404, so something needs to be done by having more traffic lights and passing lanes around left turners on single-lane roads; plus, no more grade-separated intersections (overpasses), which would space out the traffic.
The comprehensive land-use plan mandate: Every 10 years, Sussex County is mandated to provide an updated comprehensive land-use plan. They do, but the powers in charge of implementing the plan do not adhere to it at all. So if the state mandates the plan, they should enforce it. They did step up and finally put a cease order to a very large planned development at the intersection of Cool Spring Road and Route 9 a few months ago. If the plan was closely followed, it would obviously add to the cost of the development, which in turn would be passed on to the new homeowners. Some people complain that it would also create sprawl. So which is worse, sprawl or high-density housing/traffic? Again, our infrastructure is nowhere close to keeping up with the unbridled growth here.
Our water and sewage systems: Has anyone checked to see how much all of the new communities have impacted our water supply via the aquifers? The sewage systems must be getting overloaded too.
Beebe and first responders: We have yet to encounter a Beebe person who did not treat us with compassion, kindness, consideration for our immediate needs and great treatment of the issue at hand. We want to thank all of them as well as all of the understaffed EMTs, firefighters and, of course, our police officers. As you have read in the paper and seen on TV, our first responders are overwhelmed with all of the unbridled growth around here.
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