Dental office in plans for Kings Highway parcel

Two Lewes residents have plans to build medical offices along Kings Highway, and one of the proposed offices could house a dental practice.

Beach and Bay LLC has filed an application with Sussex County officials to rezone nearly 1 acre at 16816 and 16820 Kings Highway, Lewes, from AR-1, agricultural-residential, to C-2, medium commercial. A house and two outbuildings are on the site in front of New Covenant Presbyterian Church adjacent to Savannah East Drive.

During the June 11 Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, attorney David Hutt said although it was not a site-plan review, the proposed use of the property addresses a need identified in the county comprehensive plan to attract more healthcare professionals to support the growing county population. Hutt is representing the owners of the property, Kyle Norwood and Katie Davison of Lewes.

Hutt said Norwood, a Cape Henlopen High School graduate, is now a dentist seeking to practice in Sussex County.

Hutt said a study shows an alarming statistic proving the area is underserved by dentists. According to the American Dental Association, nationwide there is one dentist for every 1,640 people. However, Hutt said, in a 25-mile radius around Lewes, there is one dentist for every 9,699 people.

The attorney said the applicants are still considering whether to renovate the existing buildings or demolish them and construct new ones.

Hutt said at this time, a traffic-impact study was not required by state transportation officials, but the need for one could be reevaluated once a site plan is developed. Average daily traffic on that section of Kings Highway is nearly 19,000 vehicles.

He said besides a dental practice, other professional offices could also be developed on the site.

The commission deferred action for further consideration of the application. Sussex County Council approved the application at its July 14 meeting.