Scott: Schaeffer is wolf in sheep’s clothing
Dominick V. Scott is a certified mentor and realty agent in Lewes.
Fellow Sussex County residents: It is high time we exercise our power at the ballot box to put an end to our irresponsible local government, which has overseen and legislated the unsafe, explosive growth of our beautiful county.
County Councilman Mark Schaeffer is a career politician with deep connections to developers. He’s proven that he can’t be impartial regarding Sussex County’s development decisions, despite his efforts to now portray himself as the “anti-sprawl” candidate and the guardian of the environment. In fact, as a former developer himself, he has been pro-development since he first took public office.
During Schaeffer’s tenure on County Council, Sussex County has experienced unprecedented and debilitating growth, with little concern for the safety, security and overall quality of life for all residents. The 2024 Report on State Planning Issues shows that, during Schaeffer’s three years in office, Sussex County has issued 14,590 residential building permits, with nearly 1 in 4 issued in level 4, aka “sprawl.” Eighty-six percent of level 4-area development in the state is happening in Sussex County. Level 4 areas are where there is a long-term burden of constructing infrastructure and providing public services, plus the loss of natural land.
Soon, Sussex County must begin to review its comprehensive land use plan. Of special interest to District 3 residents is the Del. 1 corridor from Lewes to Milford. Developers have pushed for years to have high-density development approved on the east side of Del. 1. Remember the 800,000-square-foot “Overbrook Town Center” proposed at Cave Neck Road?
During Schaeffer’s current term, despite the 2018 comprehensive land use plan designating the entire east side of the corridor for low-density development, developers — with Councilman Schaeffer’s support — proposed again to change the land use east of Del. 1 to allow high-density development. Mr. “Anti-Sprawl” Schaeffer, strongly supported by developers, was one of only two to vote in favor of allowing high-density development on almost 300 acres of active farmland bordering the Great Marsh, one of the most critically important natural features in Delaware and on the East Coast.
Now, in an election year, has Schaeffer actually had an epiphany and become anti-sprawl and antigrowth? He’s had no epiphany, which is why he must not be reelected. His record proves he cannot be trusted to control growth, protect the environment or defend residents’ quality of life.
His opponent in the race for the District 3 council seat, Jane Gruenebaum, will not support high-density development east of Del. 1. She does not want eastern Sussex to resemble Ocean City, Maryland. She will propose legislation to protect the wetlands, the ecology and the natural beauty of our county. She will fight to support responsible growth, with infrastructure leading the way and not trailing. Mark Schaeffer has already shown that his priorities lie with developers and high-density development, no matter the cost to the environment or our safety and security. Vote Jane for change.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
