Sussex P&Z affirms Tower Hill amenities plan
The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission has clarified a condition of approval and amended another condition at the request of developer Carl M. Freeman Companies of the 134-acre Tower Hill cluster subdivision on New Road near Lewes during its July 10 meeting.
The developer wanted to clarify a condition that requires amenities be divided equally – but not necessarily the same amenities – on both sides of Lynn Road, the main access to the community.
On the west side of Lynn Road is planned a clubhouse, pool and spa, two bocce ball courts, three pickleball courts, 24 community garden plots, two fireplaces, a grilling area and nature trail totaling 2.8 acres.
On the east side of Lynn Road, plans include an activity play field, tot lot, fitness area, three pocket parks, a little library and nature trail totaling 2.19 acres.
The commission confirmed the plan meets the conditions of approval.
In addition, commissioners amended another condition. Amenities were to be completed before the issuance of the 140th building permit. The commission amended the condition to allow the developer to complete the tot lot, gathering area and pocket parks on the east side of Lynn Road within one year of base paving of the streets.
So far 109 of 292 lots have been sold, or 37%.
About Tower Hill
The approved landscape plan includes bicycle and pedestrian trails along New Road and complies with the Historic Lewes Byway master plan.
Road improvements, including a roundabout, have been completed, including widening of New Road with shoulders.
The site plan includes 13 wet ponds and two dry basins as part of the parcel's stormwater management plan and a vegetated buffer along the property boundary, which includes red maple, willow oak and holly trees.
A section of the parcel has been left undisturbed after archaeological artifacts were found.
During testimony at the commission’s public hearing, archaeologist Edward Otter said 10 tons of soil were screened revealing thousands of oyster and clam shells, pottery fragments and stone artifacts, which have been carbon dated from 1280 to 1580. Also recovered have been numerous animal bone fragments, nuts and seeds, and ceramic artifacts.
About New Road
New Road has become a popular address. Already under construction is Lewes Waterfront Preserve, in city limits, with 89 townhomes, and site work has begun on Black Oak, a 127-lot cluster subdivision on 77 acres.
New Road will also be impacted by construction over the next four years. Work to elevate and replace the bridge over Canary Creek is scheduled to begin in 2026, and there will be new connections to New Road, including a roundabout at the Nassau Road intersection, as part of the Minos Conaway interchange project. Work is scheduled to begin later this summer and be completed in the middle of 2027.
