A recent Chain Store Age article stopped me dead in my tracks. The article referenced Nordstrom’s plan to open a Nordstrom Rack in Rehoboth Beach in spring 2028. “The 25,000-square-foot store will be located in Atlantic Fields …” Having followed this rezoning application process closely for several months, I was stunned to think perhaps I had missed something along the way. But then a different publication included similar content. It reported that not only would Nordstrom Rack open in Atlantic Fields, but the “popular shopping center” also “includes Costco, Target, Whole Foods and Hobby Lobby.”
Needless to say, I was incensed and disappointed. Incensed at the bold (strategic?) presumptuousness of the developer in prematurely sharing this information with the media. Disappointed that the long-established approval process followed by our county government was being ignored or perhaps even winked at.
As a Sussex County resident who has serious concerns about the location of this project – for the many and varied compelling reasons expressed at the last council meeting – I sincerely appreciated council’s decision to defer a vote in order to pursue additional information. But the broad publication of these store names prior to council approval of the rezoning simply feels wrong to me.
First, it creates an impression for Sussex County residents that this ill-conceived project is a fait accompli. Second, it begs the question of transparency and possible back-room deals that may have been struck. Third, it dangles prestigious retail brands in a false-pretenses ploy to lure other businesses to the project.
I hope council can address this issue and make it clear to all Sussex County residents that this project has not yet been approved and remains under serious scrutiny.
It would be irresponsible for council to support the rezoning of this parcel. As a resident, I hope they will vote to oppose it for the following reasons: insufficient road infrastructure to support the exponential increase in traffic, the proximity of schools, insufficient housing to support a workforce, competition that would potentially put independent merchants out of business, and environmental concerns. This shopping center simply does not belong at this location.
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