Unbridled approvals favoring overdevelopment within our county are impacting all of us living here. Our once tranquil and gorgeous countryside, replete with abundant wildlife and extensive farmland, is rapidly disappearing. Regardless of whether one lives adjacent to parcels of land slated for development, the lack of infrastructure accommodations and negative repercussions from this will permeate outward and encompass everyone in a number of ways, some of which will lead to unhealthy outcomes and possibly otherwise preventable deaths.
Aside from the eroding of environmental sensitivities and the marginalizing of the beauty of our landscapes, the increasing and inconvenient traffic jams appear to be disregarded by the planning & zoning commission. Its irresponsible decisions are proving to be unsustainable. Schools are already facing maximum capacity. In addition, with the lack of infrastructure and insufficient medical personnel needed to service our rapidly outpacing/expanding population, this translates to a recipe of conditions that are unsafe for us all.
It is a proven fact that we sorely need more medical services and staff to address the needs of the current number of people residing here. Waiting times for doctor’s appointments will only become more challenging as time goes on if this overdevelopment continues. Coupled with the doctor shortage, the increase of emergencies (resulting from an inundation of population), will negatively impact the response times for fire/EMS/police to arrive at possible life-threatening circumstances. Understandably, more people equate to more strain on our current overburdened services.
It is understandable that growth will occur. However, to what degree is that happening? One cannot put the cart before the horse and expect that, at the pace that the development is now occurring, it can accommodate the many issues and problematic situations that arise from such. The quality of life for the people will not only negatively affect us aesthetically, but and more importantly, affect our safety. We should insist that our lives and health should be priority. You can help make a difference by writing to Sussex County Council members and those on the planning & zoning commission. The information regarding where and how to do this can be found at sussexcountyde.gov. That website is a very informative place and, if you decide to write to the appropriate government officials there, it gives you an opportunity to voice your concerns to the ones who make those decisions which are critical to both you and your loved ones.
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