GEORGETOWN, Del. -Â A peaceful protest took place Tuesday in Georgetown, where locals voiced their opinions on what they call uncontrolled development.
According to the 2020 census, there was a 10 percent population increase in Delaware, with Sussex County leading the state in growth.
But many people say the roads and services don't support that, and the environment is hurting too. Protesters say they are concerned about their quality of life.
"Enough is enough" is the theme of the protest, led by Sussex2030, a group who's focus is on preserving the county's natural assets and addressing traffic concerns.
Over 100 people showed up, with many saying not enough is being done to manage development and traffic. County councilmembers say they are listening and have been working on a plan to handle Sussex's growth for decades.
There were dozens of signs calling for change in growth management, and hundreds of cars honking in support.
"We now have in Sussex Co. we have 280,000 residents, when its summertime we have 600,000, you cant have roads that don't even accommodate 100,000 accommodate 600 thousand," said David Breen, a protest organizer.
Protestors are asking the county to be more "balanced" when it comes to approving development plans.
"If it's hurting quality of life, causing traffic issues, causing environmental issues, that's not a balanced approach and that's what people really want," said Breen.
But county councilmembers say they are being balanced, working with the appropriate state agencies and following the comprehensive plan that guides development decisions.
"We are trying to find that balance that really makes Sussex County everything we hope it is," said Council Vice President, John Rieley.
Protestors want to see wetlands protected. The county council is currently updating its buffer ordinance, but some people want to see more.
"I am concerned about safety, I am concerned about infrastructure, I'm concerned about traffic, I am not anti-development I am for managed development," said Judy Rolfe, from Lewes, Delaware.
One protestor told WRDE "where is the 'planning' in planning in zoning?" but the county says a plan has been in place for decades.
"Something we try to use to guide our decision making process, we take input from the state through the plus process ... we work with DelDOT closely, they have a 10 year capital improvements plan," said Rieley.
The community's concerns are not falling on deaf ears, in fact the county welcomes it. Many protesters attended the council meeting at 12:30, taking part in public comment. The group, Sussex2030, says this won't be their last demonstration. For more information visit Sussex2030.com.
