Good news for Sussex County
Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson announced recently that the county has hired a certified land-use planner after the budgeted position was left vacant for six years.
Janelle Cornwell comes to Sussex following a decade of experience working for Kent County and the City of Dover. No one knows how well Cornwell will do in her new position, but the hiring couldn’t come at a better time for Sussex. After a long dry spell in the construction industry during the post-2008 recession, development has resumed, much to the benefit of the Sussex economy.
With resumption of work in projects that lay dormant for several years come renewed concerns about congested roads and stormwater issues, among others. Having another set of eyes on proposed projects through the perspective of someone with extensive training in land-use planning and with experience navigating Delaware’s state agencies can only be a positive.
Cornwell will be able to bring a broad perspective to the changing Sussex landscape and advise members of Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as members of Sussex County Council charged with making final decisions in such matters as rezoning and conditional use applications.
Cornwell’s charge certainly will not be to bring a halt to projects in Sussex. Rather she will be able to make sure the correct questions are being asked and offer information about how proposed projects fit into the larger picture of a county zoned for growth.
Cornwell will also be able to look at procedures in place, or suggest additional procedures, relating to how conditions placed on proposed developments are followed up on to ensure compliance. All too often we’re publishing stories about promised amenities not being completed, required sidewalks not being installed, and other deficiencies that should be identified in prescribed follow-ups.
Cornwell’s experience should also help bridge the gap between Sussex County land-use planning and the state’s transportation system.
Cornwell walks into a big job; we’re glad she was hired, and we wish her great success in her position.
