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Royal Farms proposal has many problems

March 8, 2024

I am writing this letter to state my opposition to the Royal Farms proposed to be built on Route 24 at Angola Road. I live off Dorman Road. Traffic has drastically increased, making it extremely difficult to turn onto Route 24. Our roads and infrastructure have not kept pace to accommodate all of the new communities under construction. The most recent traffic survey was completed in 2022, but it does not include all of the new communities that will use Route 24. The intersection and land at this location are not appropriate for a business that will generate more high-volume traffic. Currently, I do not have a proper turning lane from Route 24 to Dorman Road, which already creates a safety hazard.

Another concern is the effect that underground gas tanks will have on the well cap and water table from Sara Glen. Stormwater runoff from all the asphalt, probable gas leaks, overflows from pumps and the soaps from the car wash are potential sources of contamination to the drinking water for the entire area.

A Royal Farms at this location does not fit the character of the area and does not meet the general purpose of the zoning code promoting the orderly growth, convenience, prosperity and welfare of the county. Royal Farms should be confined to an area planned for more public services, not in this rural area. This affects my quality of life and the reasons I relocated here 20 years ago – to enjoy the peace and quiet and ambience of the coastal beach community, which is being destroyed.

I am pleading with Sussex County officials to not approve this Royal Farms proposal.

RuthAnn Barnes
Lewes

 

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