SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - A proposal to transform roughly 637 acres of Sussex County land into a massive mixed-use development drew both support and concern during a Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Wednesday.
The development is located off of Route 9 and Cool Spring Road.
Developers of the proposed Cool Spring Crossing project are requesting several zoning changes to allow for the construction of more than 1,900 housing units spread across seven villages. The plan also includes a YMCA, grocery store, restaurants, a hotel, an art/theater center, retail space, a gas station and other commercial amenities.
With this variety of amenities, the developer argues that people living in the community would hardly need to drive, which would reduce traffic congestion.
The proposed plan illustrates 534 single family units and 1,388 multi-family units, including affordable housing, patio homes and condominiums.Â
Plans also involve an educational facility and an assisted living facility with medical offices.
The developer’s attorney spent approximately two and a half hours detailing the project before public comment began. Supporters and opponents of the plan then took turns addressing Planning and Zoning officials.
Among those speaking in favor was Dr. David Tam, CEO of Beebe Healthcare, who said the development could provide critical housing for medical staff. A representative from the YMCA also spoke in support, saying the proposed recreational center would well serve the community.
Opposition came primarily from members of the Sussex Preservation Coalition and concerned residents. Many expressed fears about the project's impact on traffic, local schools, healthcare, the environment, and the rural character of the area. Several neighboring communities presented that had petitions with hundreds of signatures, including Red Mill Pond.
Sussex Preservation Coalition also mentioned that this is the fifth application for this development since 2021.
Some people opposing Cool Spring Crossing said their calculations show that this would bring over 5,000 people to that area.
Both sides also addressed the potential strain on Milton and Lewes police and fire departments. The developer proposes that each unit will be responsible for a $100 fee, collected by the HOA, with half going to Milton and half to Lewes.
Representatives from DelDOT also spoke multiple times during the hearing, indicating that they are still analyzing data and studies.
The fate of the project hinges on whether the county approves a change to the land use map, a move some opponents say would set a dangerous precedent for future development.
After the Wednesday meeting, officials decided to leave the public record open for 10 days.