By Brian Gilliland

GEORGETOWN — As Sussex County Council and business leaders discussed a proposed entertainment complex in Milton on Tuesday, a picture of forethought and suitability emerged.

However, once dozens of neighbors of the project had their say, the opposite vision appeared.

So, the dueling visions of the facility — at Del. 1 and Del. 16 — resulted in County Council deferring a decision on a zoning change that would make the location possible.

Currently, the nearly 65-acre parcel is zoned AG-1, primarily used for farming or residential uses. The applicant — identified only by legal representation of David Hutt and the business name of Ocean One Holdings LLC — is requesting to alter the zoning to C-3, or heavy commercial use.

The county Planning & Zoning Commission has already approved the change.

The initiative returned to council for final approval this week, but members voted unanimously to table it for the time being, following comments of support and opposition.

One supporter, Karen Falk, director of the Milton Chamber of Commerce, described the complex as “miles away from our historic downtown and neighboring ... an already existing commercially zoned property.”

Rep. Stell Parker Selby, D-Milton, has also filed a letter of support. Dated Jan. 2, it states overdevelopment as one of the reasons she sought office: “So when I see a project like this that looks to smart growth with both safety and the economy in mind, I am glad to support it.”

Rep. Selby also noted that the ongoing road upgrades at the intersection will ensure future communities will have updated roads to serve increased traffic.

The Hudson family, who work in contracting, also backed the establishment in a letter.

But area resident Jack Bucchioni disagreed.

“Those letters don’t have standing, as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “Those letters, not one of them, is closer to this project than I am.”

Several others joined Mr. Bucchioni in questioning the need for this development in light of rapid growth elsewhere.

“I am opposed to the urge to fill every piece of empty green property with commercial (or residential) development as it is ruining the wonderful atmosphere we enjoy as citizens of Sussex County,” wrote Katherine Benny of Milton in a submitted comment to council.

John Fitzhugh, also of Milton, feels the same.

“Currently there are shopping and entertainment opportunities in Lewes and Rehoboth. Additional development to the small, rural community we bought our home to enjoy would be detrimental,” he stated.

The county’s comprehensive plan identifies the parcel as part of a growth area, and it is slated for development. The road improvements there — part of a $30 million project — are expected to be complete in 2025.