Sussex County Council Adopts 2018 Comprehensive Plan
Sussex County has a newly adopted 2018 Comprehensive Plan. After over two years of meetings, workshops, public hearings and community outreach, the 280-page plan has been adopted by the Sussex County Council with a 4 to 1 vote. Councilman Sam Wilson was the lone ‘no’ vote. The plan will guide County officials in decision-making on land use, conservation, transportation, housing, economic development and more over the next decade.
County Administrator Todd Lawson tells the council that over 500 people helped to sing in the holiday season Monday night at the Caroling on the Circle event – and brought to the donation pod over 24,000 canned and non-perishable food items to help Sussex County’s hungry. You can still help ‘Pack the Pod’ through the end of the month – it’s located outside the County offices on the Circle. Donations can also be taken to the County’s West Complex on Route 113 or the terminal building at the Delaware Coastal Airport.
The County Council learned about Economic Gardening from Economic Development Director William Pfaff. This is a concept that promotes the idea of growing a local economy from within – from companies that have become established and are looking to move ahead. It is NOT for businesses that are in trouble. The Council approved a motion to work with the Edward Lowe Foundation to provide services up to $25,000. An online application will be available through the county’s website.
After weeks of discussion, the Sussex County Council voted to amend the County Code to clarify the calculation of density and to exclude streams, rivers and wetland areas from the density calculation. This was approved with a unanimous vote.
The council approved a conditional use application (CU No. 2026) for a commercial vehicle storage and car sales on Vines Creek Road. However a change of zone application (CZ No 1855) for an AR-1 district to be rezoned C-3 heavy commercial for a possible convenience store with gas was deferred until next week.
A vote to amend the C-4 zoning code was discussed, but no action taken. It will be back on the agenda next week – the final Sussex County Council meeting of the year.
