A new cluster subdivision, Black Oak, is set to rise along New Road near Lewes, bringing 127 single-family homes to a 77-acre site.
The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission recently approved the project’s amenity plan, ensuring a range of recreational features for future residents.
Community Features and Amenities
Residents of Black Oak will enjoy various amenities, including:
- A community recreation area with two pickleball courts
- A swimming pool
- A tot lot for children
- A clubhouse with an outdoor fireplace
- A designated parking area
- A kayak and paddleboard launch
The development plan requires all amenities to be completed before the issuance of the 65th building permit.
Environmental and Conservation Measures
The Black Oak property is bordered by Black Oak Gut and Prettyman Branch, containing nearly 19 acres of wetlands—11 acres of tidal wetlands and 7.92 acres of non-tidal wetlands.
To protect the natural landscape, developers have implemented significant environmental measures:
- Large buffer zones, averaging 130 feet along non-tidal areas and 261 feet along tidal areas
- A conservation easement to protect buffers, with penalties for violations
- A tree preservation covenant restricting tree removal
- A tree survey identifying mature trees of at least 5 feet in diameter will not be removed
- Retention of mature trees in the northern buffer area, leading to the removal of four home lots
Infrastructure and Accessibility
The final site plan is proposed to include an estimated 42 acres of open space, as well as these other included proposal items:
- Water service will be provided by Tidewater Utilities, while Sussex County will handle sewer service.
- Sidewalks will line both sides of community streets and connect to a multimodal path along New Road.
- Developers must improve New Road along the property frontage.
- A financial contribution to the Minos Conaway-Route 1 interchange project and the Old Orchard Road-New Road intersection improvement is required.
- A shared-use path is planned along the Black Oak frontage.
With its combination of modern amenities, environmental considerations, and infrastructure enhancements, Black Oak aims to be a well-integrated addition to the growing Lewes area.
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Source: Cape Gazette