Sussex council OKs plan modifications for Coastal Club

Sussex County Council approved modifying several conditions placed on the Coastal Club community under construction on Beaver Dam Road near Lewes. Among the changes recommended by the planning and zoning commission is preserving in perpetuity a 42-acre site in the middle of the 360-acre parcel as open space.

Based on the original conditions placed on the project in 2005, the site, home to a bald eagle nest, was to remain undisturbed. After the eagle abandoned its nest several years ago, developer Coastal Club LLC asked Sussex County officials to amend the condition to allow activity in the area. The commission and council agreed to amend the condition slightly to allow passive recreation including trails, but structures and amenities were excluded.

Construction on the 630-unit development began in May 2014. Since first proposed, plans have been modified to abandon an on-site wastewater treatment facility and allow connection to the county's central sewer system.

Other modifications approved by council at its Aug 18 meeting cleared up deadlines and work agreed to by the developer for residents on nearby Jimtown Road.

The developer will pay to install street lights on existing poles by May 23, 2016, pay for the installation of sidewalks on one side of Jimtown Road by May 23, 2017, and also pay connection fees for any residents who want to hook into a sewer line that will be placed along Jimtown Road. There will be no connection fees for three years, but residents will have to pay annual sewer-use fees to Sussex County.

Sussex County Council will send a letter to Jimtown Road residents outlining information and deadlines for each project.