Insanity: a noun meaning extreme foolishness or irrationality.
This is exactly what Sussex County Planning & Zoning has been asked to consider Feb. 18 — “Conditional Use Permit No. 2206,” which seeks to change 50.62 acres of farmland in Ocean View into a 198-unit, three-story apartment building complex built on 48.1 of those acres.
There is not another complex like this within 1 square mile of this proposed development. This entire area currently has only single-family homes. Granted, rental housing is needed but place it out on Del. 26.
Once again, the property owners in this area of the Whites Neck Peninsula will have their infrastructure strained past the breaking point. Roads that are already in disrepair will be further jeopardized. Neighboring developments that already have flooding issues will be further compromised, and that could further exacerbate private-well waterheads that could become contaminated due to higher floodwaters.
And for what? So that a developer can line its collective pockets at the expense of the current property owners.
If you are reading this and think it is not your battle, think again. If No. 2206 is approved, this will set a precedent for all of Sussex County, and it could be coming to a neighborhood near you soon!
David Bartlett Sr.
Ocean View
