Sussex planners approve Harbor Point
For the second time in seven months, a housing subdivision originally proposed for annexation into Lewes has ended up being approved for construction in Sussex County jurisdiction.
At its March 12 meeting, the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission issued approval of the preliminary site plan for the Harbor Point subdivision. The 69-lot housing development will be located on a 108-acre parcel along Park Road adjacent to the Canary Creek subdivision off New Road.
It's the second subdivision application that Jack Lingo Asset Management has removed from the Lewes docket and then filed with Sussex County. Jack Lingo Asset Management LLC had its application approved Aug. 7 for the 166-lot Showfield subdivision along Gills Neck Road just outside city limits. The Harbor Point and Showfield applications went through several hearings and meetings with various Lewes officials; in both cases, the annexation process was underway when the applications were withdrawn.
|
The land was sold by Hercules to Sussex County as a site for a regional wastewater treatment facility and spray irrigation; however, state environmental officials rejected the property for spray irrigation because the soil was too porous and sandy. Current owner J.G. Townsend bought it from the county in 1994. In April, the 635-acre parcel of land was subdivided to create the 108-acre parcel for Harbor Point. |
||||
Originally filed in Sussex County in April 2013, the Harbor Point application was withdrawn when Lewes officials expressed interest in the project. The developer then worked with City of Lewes officials on possible annexation, but later opted to withdraw the Lewes application and resubmit plans to Sussex County.
Both Harbor Point and Showfield are just outside Lewes city limits.
Harbor Point is on a parcel containing 70 acres of wetlands and 75 acres of woodlands that will be preserved. The housing project would be surrounded on three sides by the Great Marsh, which the developers say will remain undisturbed.
A recommendation made by state agencies during the Preliminary Land Use Service process included at least 100-foot buffers from the edge of wetlands to lot lines. The developer has proposed 50-foot buffers from nontidal wetlands, meeting the county's minimum requirement. The developer must also provide a 20-foot vegetated buffer around the perimeter of the community. All wetlands must be marked with signs.
In conditions proffered by Commissioner I.G. Burton, basements will be prohibited and all houses must be built one foot above the base-line flood level determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The community would feature a pool and pool house with sidewalks on both sides of the streets. Access would be from Park Road. A multiuse path along Park Road is required by the state. Utilities would be provided by the Lewes Board of Public Works. Amenities must be constructed on or before the issuance of the 35th building permit. Lots would average about 9,300 square feet, plans show.
State transportation officials say the proposed project would generate about 750 in-and-out trips per day. The final site plan is subject to review and approval by the county's planning and zoning commission.
