Final plan approved for Leeward Chase apartments

A site plan for Leeward Chase, an apartment complex of 106 affordable units on a 51-acre parcel off Route 9 near Georgetown, has been approved by the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission.

At its Feb. 19 meeting, the commission unanimously approved the plan.

The approval includes an amendment to the Coastal Area in the county’s future land-use map where multifamily housing is permitted.

The parcel is adjacent to Sports at the Beach, and near Delaware Coastal Airport and Sussex Academy.

Proposed monthly rents are $1,700 to $1,800 for three-bedroom units and $1,375 to $1,400 for two-bedroom units.

Because of current and proposed Route 9 road improvements, developer Leeward Chase LLC will not have to make improvements along Route 9, but it will have to contribute funding to an area-wide traffic study. The developer may be required to adhere to any recommendations in the state’s Route 9 Coastal Corridors Study.

A 10-foot, shared-use path will be constructed along the community's Route 9 frontage.

Central sewer will be provided by Sussex County, with water from Tidewater Utilities.

Wooded sections and 17.5 acres of nontidal wetlands will remain undisturbed except for a road and trail crossing in the center of the parcel; the crossings will be in compliance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations. A minimum 30-foot buffer will be adjacent to all wetland areas.

Sidewalks will be provided on both sides of all streets and will connect to the shared-use path in two locations.

Amenities include a pool, a bathhouse with meeting room and storage, and an interior trail connecting to the recreation area and the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail.

There will be a 75-foot vegetated buffer along Route 9, and a 20-foot landscaped buffer along the boundary of the property, which will contain 36 acres (70%) of open space.