Mulberry Knoll resident shares concerns about Atlantic Fields

I’ve already written to Sussex County Council and DelDOT about the Atlantic Fields proposal, but I feel the community deserves to hear directly from someone who will be personally affected by it. I live on Mulberry Knoll Road, and under the current plan, one of the project’s two roundabouts would be built directly in front of my home, essentially in my driveway.

For decades, my family and I have lived on a quiet stretch of Mulberry Knoll, enjoying a peaceful rural view across farmland. If this development moves forward as drawn, that view will be gone, replaced by a roundabout, constant traffic, headlights shining into my windows and the side wall of a Target store. It’s not just the loss of scenery; it’s also the loss of peace, privacy and fairness.

Adding to my concern, my home relies on a shallow well only about 15 feet deep. Any change in stormwater drainage or runoff from this massive commercial site could threaten my water supply or flood my property. I’ve also learned that similar stormwater systems to the one proposed for this project fail roughly half the time within the first five years. That is a deeply alarming statistic for anyone living downhill or nearby, and it raises serious questions about who will be left dealing with the consequences once the developer is gone.

No homeowner should have to carry this kind of burden for someone else’s development project. The idea that a roundabout and heavy infrastructure could be placed so close to an existing home feels deeply unjust. I’m not against growth or progress, but development should be done responsibly, with balance, foresight and respect for the people who already live here.

I urge Sussex County and DelDOT to reconsider this plan and find a fairer solution. I’ve shared my concerns through the proper channels, but I wanted to share them publicly as well, because what’s proposed here isn’t just a planning issue; it’s a deeply personal one.