Vote by Sussex County Council on Cluster Subdivisions Deferred

The Sussex County Council has deferred a decision on an ordinance amendment dealing with cluster subdivisions. The ordinance exists currently – the change would make the superior design standards – mandatory rather than optional as they are now. Superior design standards includes smaller lots, more open space, less roads and sidewalks, more amenities for residents. The public hearing, which went on for nearly 3 hours, was nearly evenly split between those who want this amended to a mandatory option and mainly developers, farmers and engineers who say the mandatory option would do the opposite of what they claim by reducing density and increasing sprawl. The County Council has deferred a vote on the ordinance amendment. It will be revisited as old business at a later date.