On May 21st, the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for the Belle Mead development, a proposed mixed-use community planned by Capano Management near Beacon Middle School west of Lewes.
The 32-acre project includes:
- 334 multifamily housing units
- 72,000 square feet of commercial space
- At least 10% of the apartments designated as affordable housing
Commissioner Scott Collins acknowledged the challenges, including increased traffic, pressure on emergency services, and strain on the school system.
However, he pointed out that the plan complies with county regulations and contributes positively through:
- A $2.8 million investment in road improvements
- Modest donations to emergency services
- Partial preservation of woodland areas
Both Commissioners Collins and Holly Wingate emphasized the importance of contributions to local fire departments and expressed interest in encouraging further support for public schools.
Stockley Materials Expansion Gets Green Light
Stockley Materials received the commission's support for a conditional-use permit to expand operations at its borrow pit near Georgetown.
The company plans to process soil and vegetation from road projects on 6 acres of its 82.3-acre site.
Despite neighbor complaints about dust and property buffers, a county investigation found the company in compliance.
As part of the approval:
- Stockley Materials must improve the berm between its site and nearby homes
- County officials will continue monitoring conditions to ensure compliance
Commissioner Wingate stressed the local need for the company’s services and supported the expansion.
Nature Conservancy Plans New Field Office
The commission also reviewed a proposal to convert a home on a 3.8-acre property into a field office for The Nature Conservancy.
Located in an environmental preserve on Round Pole Bridge Road, the property was donated to the organization in 1999.
The plan, presented by attorney Jon Horner, includes:
- Renovating the existing house
- Housing two staff members on-site
- Supporting conservation efforts at the McCabe Nature Preserve
The commission has not yet voted on the proposal. Public feedback was generally positive, with some concerns about unleashed dogs on the preserve.
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Source: Cape Gazette