The Cape Henlopen School District is pushing for the creation of an impact fee for large housing developments that are straining local schools.
The district is now urging Sussex County to halt approval of such projects until the fee is established, which would help ease the burden of the continuing influx of students in schools.
Overcrowding Concerns
The district’s director of operations, Jason Hale, raised concerns over the proposed Belle Mead Farm development, which would bring 334 residential units and commercial space to a 39-acre site near Rehoboth Beach.
Hale expressed that the district is already operating at or near capacity across its schools, and any additional development could further strain resources.
- Enrollment has surged from 4,634 students in 2010 to around 6,645 students this year.
- Thousands of building permits have been issued recently, with more growth expected in the coming years
A Push for an Impact Fee
Hale called for the implementation of a school construction impact fee, also known as a Voluntary School Assessment (VSA), before any additional developments are approved to begin construction.
This fee would be used to help fund necessary expansions and prevent taxpayers from bearing the full cost.
- The fee could raise millions for the district to fund additional school growth.
- The proposal has been backed by local school districts, but was previously dismissed in 2024 by the Sussex County Council.
Recent Developments
The proposal gained renewed attention after recent local elections brought in new candidates who are more supportive of controlling development and enacting an impact fee.
- Council members Matt Lloyd and Steve McCarron both support the fee, but for different reasons.
- Lloyd believes it will help curb development in rural areas, while McCarron sees it as a fair way to help fund expansions to accommodate new students.
What Is Next?
The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission has postponed any decisions on the Belle Mead project until April 16th to allow for more comments.
While a one-year moratorium on development has been suggested, the creation of an impact fee remains a key discussion point.
What are your thoughts on the school construction fee proposal? Join the conversation and follow our blog for more updates on local issues in Sussex County!
Source: Cape Gazette