SUSSEX, Del. - The Sussex County council voted Tuesday morning on the Carl M. Freeman companies conditional use application for a 70-room hotel and 8,500 square foot restaurant near Fenwick Island on route 54.
The council voted 2-2, resulting in a denial of approval for the application. For an application to be approved it need three affirmative votes from the council.
Councilman Michael H. Vincent of district 1 and councilman John L. Rieley of district 5 voted against the application. Council member Cynthia Greene of district 2 and councilman Mark Schaeffer of district 3 voted in favor of the application.
Councilman Rieley of district 5 represents the district where the proposed project would have been located. Reiley listed off several reasons as to why the Freeman proposal needed to be denied. He said the project was out of character for the area, it was insensitive to the environment and would increase traffic. He explained commercial development does not belong in an area that is primarily residential.
Many members of the public were happy with the outcome of today vote. Some told WBOC they were happy to hear councilman Reiley listened and took into consideration the opinions of his constituents.
"In this instance, he has come out very strongly in favor of the citizens, the residents of this area, in the ways they need to be cared for and protected," Jeanette Akhter said.
"He laid out a lot of arguments," Keith Steck of Milton said. "Clearly he listened to the points and the publics concern and weighed the issues and clearly the concerns outweighed the benefits."
The Carl M. Freeman Companies released a statement that read, "Sussex County Council, at its Tuesday, Oct. 12 meeting, denied the Carl M. Freeman Companies’ proposed hotel and restaurant off Route 54 near Fenwick Island. Obviously, we are disappointed with the decision – particularly since the proposal was in accordance with Sussex County’s comprehensive land use plan and zoning codes. We are currently considering all our options for the development of the property. We are proud of our history and track record of creating beautiful, award-winning communities and elevating lifestyles in southeastern Sussex County, and we look forward to continuing that legacy."
Freeman Companies has 60 days to appeal the councils decision.
