Robert Murphy is a resident of Milford.
The fact that the state of Delaware should even have to initiate this “Housing for Every Delawarean Act,” by and through sponsor Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, is something to ponder. Why, with over 20,000 homes shy from what Delaware should have (and that number continues to grow), is there a motion to try to get municipalities and towns to change their old zoning and density rules to allow for the homes needed? It’s a shame because Kent County’s comprehensive plan of 2018 had numerous mentions of housing and the need for more “affordable housing.” Even a poll was taken, and over three-quarters of residents demanded “more affordable housing” and noted that “quality, affordable housing, of various types, styles and sizes, (being) made readily available” was their No. 1 issue.
Yet here we are, eight years later, and there have been “no” changes in regard to zoning or density to allow for the types of homes that both the county government and its citizens agreed was needed.
Chapter 3 of Kent County’s 2018 comprehensive plan reads: “Every citizen has the right to safe, decent, and affordable housing. Kent County’s policy objective is to enable and encourage well-designed, diverse, attractive, affordable, and convenient housing that meets the needs of all of its residents. Providing adequate housing for County residents serves not only the readily apparent humanitarian purpose but also is linked to economic development and social diversity as the community develops. Availability of diverse housing types for the labor force is a significant consideration in attracting entrepreneurs to locate and expand in Kent County. In addition, it is important to note that housing policy in the County is inextricably linked to the balance of land use policies in the Plan, in that appropriate housing types must be developed in relation to existing and planned infrastructure, employment centers, environmental constraints, open space preservation and community character.”
Nothing has happened in Kent County to help alleviate the severe housing shortage.
In a news piece in March 2023, Sarah Keifer, the director of Kent County planning, stated that Kent County’s zoning codes have been in effect since 1991. Ms. Keifer said that her staff had “worked for months to rewrite the codes to match current standards.” One goal was an ordinance that had to do with businesses, while, at the same time, Ms. Keifer admitted that the new Kent County ordinance would help business but leaves many of the county’s residential zoning rules “untouched.” Ms. Keifer admitted that there is a statewide housing shortage.
So, yes to The Housing for Every Delawarean Act.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
