Like a lot of us, I’ve been wondering why no one seems to be putting the brakes on development. It’s obvious that all this building has grossly outpaced our roads, schools, healthcare system and even our beaches, restaurants and entertainment venues. Off-season is now in-season, and in-season is a nightmare.
So, who is approving all these developments?
It starts with the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission, a five-member panel charged with reviewing requests for change of zone, conditional use and subdivision applications. They have the authority to grant or deny subdivision applications.
But surely there is some overview, right? That would be Sussex County Council. Among their responsibilities is enacting plans for county growth, development and employment. But guess what another one of their responsibilities is? Appointing the members of the planning & zoning commission.
So, the next question is, what are the backgrounds of these folks? Well, Google a few and you’ll find lots of real estate agents and others who don’t mind a lot more development at all.
That’s why I’m supporting Jane Gruenebaum. Jane has no connection with developers; she’s not even a politician. She’s just fed up with the way this cozy system has been working – benefitting the people who build here, not the people who live here. You need look no further than the developer-funded political action committee supporting her opponent. They chose the name Preserve Sussex to mislead voters into thinking they want to save open space, when in fact they want to pave it. But they are spending big bucks to keep their developer-friendly council members in office. Don’t be fooled.
Jane Gruenebaum has no special interests in her corner. She is counting on us, the people bearing the brunt of overdevelopment, to elect her to be a real voice for us on the Sussex County Council. Vote for Jane Gruenebaum for Sussex County Council.
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