By Benjamin Rothstein

DOVER – In a victory for neighbors, Dover City Council has rejected a potential change to the 2019 comprehensive plan that would have allowed for commercial development at 1079 Silver Lake Blvd.

Two items were on the agenda during Monday’s City Council meeting. The first was the comprehensive plan modification, while the other, contingent on the first being passed, would change the zoning from “commercial and professional office” to “limited central commercial.”

As the plan modification was rejected, the zoning change was automatically dismissed.

During the city’s March 11 council meeting, residents from Representative Lane and Silver Lake Boulevard spoke out against the modification and rezoning, citing concerns of traffic and crime.

At that meeting, Councilman Roy Sudler asked to delay the decision so that residents and developer Charles Chiang of Chiang and Sons Properties LLC could meet.

Though there was no need for a public hearing, which would have come during the rezoning that was automatically dismissed, sentiment among council members had not changed Monday.

“It’s just my view that, in this case, I think we got it right with the comprehensive plan when it came to the infrastructure, the character of the neighborhood,” said Councilman David Anderson.

Councilman Sudler asked about the plot’s accessibility to emergency services, as it sits on a cul-de-sac at the end of a thin road. Both Dover police chief Tom Johnson and Fire Chief David Carey said that they were not worried.

The council was still unconvinced.

“I do commend the developers meeting with the stakeholders, as well as a lot of discussion, major discussion and in regards to their concerns, although we are only dealing with a comprehensive plan right now. The decision for this comprehensive plan will ultimately affect that area,” said Councilman Sudler.

“There’s a lot of infrastructure issues that (are) just not addressed and I don’t think that area is ready for a change in the zoning.”

The change was brought to a vote, which failed 6-1, with only councilwoman Tricia Arndt voting for the plan.