Preservation group to offer advice to citizens ahead of Northstar hearing

Cape-area residents concerned about the Northstar development project can learn how to prepare for the upcoming zoning hearing and other tips from the Sussex Preservation Coalition at its monthly meeting.

The coalition will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. The meeting is free and open to the public; a Zoom link and more information are available at sussexpreservationcoalition.org. Participants are asked to register by emailing [email protected].

At the July 9 meeting, SPC officials will provide an overview of the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on the Northstar development, scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 17. The proposed mixed-use project is planned for 433 acres between Route 9 and both sides of Beaver Dam Road west of Lewes. The proposal calls for 758 single-family homes, 94 multifamily units and 96,000 square feet of commercial space. That would add more than 2,000 residents and 13,000 vehicle trips per day on those roads.

Coalition speakers will offer residents tips on preparing for the July 17 commission hearing, describe the process and suggest ways citizens can make their voices heard by the commission.

The SPC will also review several important environmental laws that were introduced during the last legislative session, with varying results. Comments will be made by Marissa McClenton of the Sierra Club Delaware Chapter and Senator Russ Huxtable, Democrat of Lewes. In addition, the SPC will review its recently released Livable Communities Agenda and update attendees on the buffer zone ordinance.

SPC is a coalition of local environmental groups in Sussex County dedicated to preserving and protecting local ecosystems. Its mission is to increase the impact of groups and individuals by working together to educate, organize, advocate and take action.