Cornwell named Sussex planning and zoning director

Janelle Cornwell has been named Sussex County planning and zoning director appointee to replace retiring director Lawrence Lank.

Lank, who has worked for the county for more than four decades, is scheduled to retire at the end of the year.

At its Oct. 4 meeting, council voted 5-0 to appoint her to the position, effective Oct. 4. Cornwell could not be reached for comment.

“We have good people and to promote from within is good for all employees,” said Council President Mike Vincent, R-Seaford.

Cornwell, a certified land-use planner, was hired as the county's planning and zoning manager in February 2015. Cornwell had a decade of experience as a planner with the City of Dover and Kent County Levy Court. Her duties include spearheading the county's effort to rewrite its 2018 comprehensive land-use plan.

County Adminstrator Todd Lawson said Cornwell's position would be filled. In addition, another person will be hired to help with the workload in the planning and zoning office.