State, county are not on the same page

A clear disconnect exists between the state and Sussex County. Has the county also turned a deaf ear to its constituents by prioritizing development in pursuit of increased revenue from transfer taxes? 

I attended an event held by Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner in Georgetown in 2024. It was standing-room only, with the majority being Delaware natives. The main concerns were housing and healthcare. However, the concerns came from areas that are designated by the state as Investment Level 4. The state’s stance for this level is to preserve rural character, promote open space and maintain agricultural land.

Rep. Jones Giltner urged constituents to get involved, but the people most affected – the ones working multiple jobs, volunteering at underfunded fire stations and struggling to make ends meet – are often unable to attend these local meetings. How can they be heard when these meetings are scheduled during their working hours?

I attended the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission hearing May 7, regarding the Cool Spring Crossing development, which is planned for a designated Level 4 area.

I learned the following:

• Not all communities impacted may have been included in the traffic impact study. This includes the community where I reside, which has been around since 2016

• Beebe Healthcare staffing shortages, per the Sussex Preservation Coalition, will more likely increase with this project.

The chair of the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission has served on the commission for nearly 30 years. He resides in District 1. The vice chair represents District 5 despite residing in District 4. There are therefore two members residing in District 4 on the commission, while District 5 has none. None of the current members of this commission are directly impacted by the growing traffic and safety concerns along the Route 9 corridor. Yet, these are the individuals who will determine the fate of our area. Are they aware that we had another accident that closed roads May 8? A prior accident required medevac transport.

I must ask: does the state provide any training to these commission members?

It is said that the state strategies are the result of extensive coordination with local governments and citizens. I do not find that. Cool Spring Crossing is a nice development in theory, but it’s in the wrong location.