Sussex County, the largest and fastest growing county in Delaware, has been without a certified land-use planner for about two years.
Although the pace of growth has slowed dramatically over the past few years, that does not negate the need for someone to lead the way when it comes to land-use planning.
If for no other reason, the county will need to update its state-mandated comprehensive plan over the next two years.
County council seems to be satisfied that the county’s current land-use consultant, Urban Research and Development of Bethlehem, Pa., is filling the bill. On several occasions when the subject of a planner has been brought up, Councilman Vance Phillips has stated as much.
I don’t dispute that the consulting firm does a great job, but it’s not the same thing as having a local planner interacting with staff and residents on a daily basis.
Because the county puts a lot of emphasis on expansion of its sewer districts, a utility planner position exists and is filled.
What can a planner do for the county?
Look to the future. Sussex County is getting older each year. Someone needs to spearhead an effort to plan for the needs of seniors.
Update zoning regulations. Some of the county’s zoning regulations date back decades. It’s time to start looking at possible updates.
Resource person. A planner provides valuable information to county officials as they make land-use decisions. Innovative, out-of-the-box ideas might surface.
Representation for the county. Sussex needs a representative at state planning meetings and reviews and at other meetings and seminars that have anything to do with planning.
Currently, the county is having trouble filling the position because the salary range appears to be too low to attract anyone – even when people are in need of jobs. The job has been posted with no success.
If county council is serious about hiring a planner, changes could be made to make the job a little more attractive without upsetting the entire pay scale for current employees.
To the north, Kent County has an entire staff of planners. Why is the same emphasis on planning not deemed critical in Sussex County?
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Ron MacArthur has lived and worked in Sussex County all his life. As a journalist for nearly 50 years, he has covered everything from county and town meetings to presidential visits. He also has a unique perspective having served as an elected official and lived on both sides of the county.
Contact Ron at ronm@capegazette.com
