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What's Happening:
Currently, the three biggest issues with which County Council is wrestling are the Northstar Development, the funding needs of our fire companies and emergency medical services, and changes to the land use code.
On March 11, County Council heard from many constituents concerned about the potential effects of the Northstar Development that will be built on Route 9. To the disappointment of many who spoke, the single-family home portion of the development has already been approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission during the previous Council's term of office; that decision is final, because the development plans comply with the then-existing land use code. What has yet to be decided -- because both would call for a change in land use designation -- is whether to approve the commercial area being proposed (with what conditions), and whether to approve the low-income housing portions of the project (with what conditions and guarantees). We raised many questions about both, and deferred our decision-making until more information can be gathered.
We also heard from the Lewes fire chief and emergency medical service professionals about their desire for increased funding. They underscored the increased demand they have faced as a result of the explosion of new housing for both year-round residents and summer visitors. We on the Council are considering how best to meet this need.
At our February 25, meeting, we endorsed a measure to appoint an ad hoc committee --the Land Use Reform Working Group -- that is charged with recommending ways the County can and should address the pace and intensity of residential development. This 10-member committee has representation from individuals with a broad range of expertise and interests: environmental groups, affordable housing advocates, engineers, farmers, and developers. It is our expectation that the Working Group will make recommendations about land use codes that will change the way housing and commercial development is done going forward.
All of the above require careful consideration of the best ways to move forward. Please stay engaged and stay tuned!
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