Sussex County Residents Protest Against Development And Rapid Growth

GEORGETOWN, Del. - A peaceful protest took place Tuesday morning on the circle in Georgetown. Over one hundred Sussex county residents were protesting against development and rapid growth in the county.

Although the overarching theme of Tuesdays protest was development, many groups and individuals were protesting a variety of concerns. 

Some concerns include, traffic, the lack of infrastructure for new developments, environment and the overall quality of life. 

Demonstrators brought and made hundreds of signs which displayed their concerns. 

Examples of signs read: "Enough is enough;" "Slow down development," "Save wetlands, watersheds, wildlife." 

Dave Breen, who was one of the organizers of Tuesdays protest said most residents are fully against development, they just want the council to 'slow down growth' and be more realist when approving projects. 

"We're looking for some balance between the residents and the developers," Breen said. "There should be balance to protect the lifestyle. It's a great lifestyle here in Southern Delaware and also protect the environment."

Breen as well as many other protesters are calling on the council to listen to the public's opinions and consider changing and adding new county ordinances. 

Breen said it's time for the council "to get busy." 

Many environmentalist were also in attendance at yesterdays protest. Jennifer Peasnall told WBOC she can't stand to see what development has done to the environment in Delaware. 

"It's already been approved by county council, even though they are going to be filling in wetland which is a federally protected entity," Peasnall said. "They are just going to be devastating the environment, tearing up forest. And there is just absolutely no protection for the environment, but there is also no protection for the people."

According to county representatives, Sussex county has dramatically grown in population over the years. There are nearly 250,000 residents in the county and the population is growing. 

The county council has what they call a "strong" ten year comprehensive plan. Councilman John Reilley said the plan strategically outlines and controls development project. 

"It's only two years old. It was done with a lot of public input, public hearings and approved by the state," Reilley said. "We are functioning under that plan and we are attempting to work that plan as closely as we can."

 

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