Roosevelt Landing proposed at former Lewes Dairy site

The site of the old Lewes Dairy is one step closer to becoming a neighborhood of eight single-family homes along Pilottown Road.

At the parks and recreation commission’s April 18 meeting, Eric Wahl of Pennoni Associates spoke on behalf of the property owner, RJL Associates, about the preliminary landscaping plans and the community’s layout. The property was rezoned last year from industrial to R-2, low-density residential. The landscaping plans needed a positive recommendation by the commission before moving forward.

Commissioners stressed open space, as all subdivisions are required to provide a minimum of 10% open space. Roosevelt Landing proposes 11.5%, or 16,579 square feet, split between two parcels. One open-space area is planned along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, while a second area is planned for the end of a proposed cul-de-sac inside the community, and it would include a line of yet-to-be-determined trees. The commission recommended the developer clearly mark each of the open-space areas controlled by the homeowners association when seeking approval for the plan.

Something unique about Roosevelt Landing, but not necessarily to properties along Pilottown Road, is that three lots are split across the road. The owners of those lots will manage the land, but, like the other split properties, the area on the canal side of Pilottown Road will remain undeveloped. Wahl said the homes built on the three lots will face Pilottown Road. The driveways for two lots will be off Dairy Lane within the Roosevelt Landing community. The third will have access from Pilottown Road.

Eight trees of an undetermined species will border the sidewalk to outline Dairy Lane. The developer will also upgrade the existing sidewalk along Pilottown Road. The commission emphasized the importance of retaining existing trees on the property. 

Stormwater management was another concern, but the commission could only encourage the city’s other review boards to investigate their concerns. The root of the problem is runoff and where it might occur. While plans are preliminary, commissioners were generally concerned about what would eventually end up in the canal and if erosion might occur. Wahl said there is not a definitive plan established for stormwater, but any design would comply with current codes, and when they arrive at that stage of planning, the shoreline and waterway will be considered.

Unanimously approved by the parks and recreation commission, the plans now head to the planning commission. No date has been set for that meeting.