A major retail and residential development is under consideration near Lewes, as the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission prepares for a public hearing on the proposed Belle Mead Farm project.
Scheduled for Wednesday, this hearing will address a requested zoning change for the approximately 39-acre site located along Route 24.
Development Plans and Impact
The proposed Belle Mead Farm project would transform the currently agricultural-residential land into a planned commercial zone, introducing:
- Five commercial buildings – Totaling 26,000 square feet along Route 24
- Four mixed-use buildings – Featuring 50,000 square feet of retail space and 166 apartment units
- Seven apartment buildings – Housing a total of 168 residential units
- Parking & Infrastructure – Covering approximately 622,000 square feet
Delaware Department of Transportation estimates indicate that the development could add more than 2,000 vehicle trips per day to local roads, potentially impacting traffic patterns and congestion in the area.
Environmental Considerations
- Wetlands Preservation: The site contains about 1 acre of nontidal wetlands, which will remain undisturbed.
- Deforestation: Between 5 and 10 acres of the property’s 11 acres of forested land will be cleared for construction.
Next Steps & Approval Process
The Planning and Zoning Commission will first vote on whether to recommend approval of the zoning change. The Sussex County Council will then make the final decision.
If approved, the project’s construction is expected to be completed by 2032, and you can read any supporting documentation from the Sussex County Council here.
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Source: Delaware Online