SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. — The Sussex County Land Use Reform Working Group met again Thursday to address the rapid growth transforming much of the county’s landscape. The group’s focus this time centered on strategies to preserve farmland and protect critical environmental resources amid increasing development pressures.
At Thursday's meeting, members discussed draft recommendations from last meeting that focused on affordable housing.
Jay Baxter, a farmer with Baxter Farms Inc and member of the Sussex Farm Bureau, emphasized the importance of thoughtful land-use decisions.
“It’s important these decisions don’t tie the hands of future generations,” said Baxter. “If we sell our development rights and say the land can only be farmed forever, then we’re forcing generations to come that they must farm.”
Locals, like Joseph Moody, who has witnessed Sussex County’s rapid changes over the past 25 years, voiced support for protecting farmland.
“If there’s a compromise, I hope it’s in favor of the land,” Moody said.
Key topics at the meeting included proactive rezoning, designating specific growth zones, incentivizing development in certain areas, and modifying density regulations.
