GEORGETOWN, Del. - The Sussex County Council approved a controversial yard waste recycling center Tuesday despite objections from neighbors.
Council voted 3-1 in favor of the facility off Whites Neck Road near Millville. Councilwoman Joan Deaver was the lone dissenting vote. Councilman George Cole recused himself from the matter.
More than 300 neighbors signed a petition opposing the project, said Bonnie Patrick, who led the opposition. People living nearby expressed concerns about noise, traffic, odor and possible environmental contamination.
"I'm sure those council members would not like to have a facility like this in their backyard or in close proximity to their residences," said Patrick.
The project would cover about 17 acres of land. The facility is expected to accept a variety of organic yard waste materials.
"They better make it as clean as my kitchen and smelling as good," said neighbor Angela Frey, who opposed the project.
Applicant Jeremy W. Smith, whose family owns the land, declined an interview after the vote but called the council's decision "a step in the right direction."
During a public hearing held Oct. 27, consultants for the project testified the facility would include buffers near residential homes, limited service hours and work restrictions to address the concerns of the neighbors. Council approved the project under those conditions.
"This facility will allow for the community to take their organic yard waste to a place within close proximity of their homes, in place of businesses, thus alleviating longer drive times to existing landfills or transfer stations," said Mark Davidson of Pennoni Associates, speaking on behalf of Smith during last October's public hearing.
"This will also reduce the burden yard waste puts on landfills and transfer stations," Davidson said.
Smith also submitted an environmental assessment plan as part of the application.
Neighbors can challenge the council's decision in court, but said that was unlikely.
Smith said the facility needs to finish the permitting process, which could take between three months and a year.
Plans call for a yard waste recycling center off Whites Neck Road near Millville, Del. (Photo: WBOC)
