Massey's Landing wants park models to remain

Sun Massey's Landing RV LLC has filed an application to amend a condition of approval dating back to 2014 relating to the placement of RV park models in the resort at the end of Long Neck Road.

Under the current ordinance, the company is required to remove all park models from the campground when it closes for the season.

A previous application to amend the condition filed in 2017 was denied.

David Hutt, the company's attorney, said the proposed amendment would allow park models to be stored on the property except in sections designated flood hazard areas. He said only staff is on site after the park is closed November through March, and the park models would be winterized and would not be occupied.

Park models are considered RVs and are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Many RV campgrounds rent the self-contained park models as an alternative to traditional campers and RVs.

Sun Massey's Landing RV Park includes 216 drive-through camping spaces, five tent sites and 63 park models on both sides of Long Neck Road.

Hutt said it cost the company at least $150,000 to disconnect the park models from utilities, remove skirting and transport them to an off-site storage location. He said the park models remained at the campground all year during the COVID-19 pandemic because the company could not find a hauler to remove them.

The condition was placed by the commission because of potential of flooding on the parcel and a county regulation prohibiting permanent camping structures at a campground.

Hutt said park models remain all year in other campgrounds in Sussex County.

Commissioner Bruce Mears cited three examples of campgrounds that are in potential flood zones with year-round park model storage.

“It sounds like we are not being consistent,” said Commission Chair Bob Wheatley. “It sounds like an argument to grant the request.”

Wheatley added he thinks everyone would be more comfortable if the amended conditions specifically said the units would not be occupied so it's clear to the public and future county officials.

The commission deferred a vote to a future meeting. A public hearing on the application is scheduled before Sussex County Council at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.