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Council holds first reading on rezoning of 16 parcels near Zohr and Sussex Pines Road
Summary
The council conducted the first reading of Ordinance 25‑02 to rezone 16 parcels at the Zohr Road and Sussex Pines Road intersection from neighborhood residential (NR‑3) to urban residential (UR‑1). The item remains open; public comments addressed unit counts, homeowners association covenants and potential rental limits.
The Georgetown Town Council on April 14 held a first reading of Ordinance 25‑02, which would amend Chapter 230 (Zoning) of the Town Code to change the zoning map for 16 parcels at the intersection of Zohr Road and Sussex Pines Road from Neighborhood Residential (NR‑3) to Urban Residential (UR‑1).
No action was taken; the item remains open for a second reading at the council’s next meeting. Staff said the planning commission held a public hearing on March 24 and the council had a public hearing at a prior meeting. The town received one written letter in opposition that staff said would be forwarded to council members.
Several members of the public spoke during the hearing. Mary Lou Barmedy asked whether the proposed complex would include 76 or 78 homes and whether a homeowners association (HOA) would govern the property. David Hutt, an attorney representing the applicant, said there will be a homeowners association and restrictive covenants. Hutt said specific rental restrictions had not yet been finalized but that, "typically, particularly in Sussex County, within those restrictive covenants, there is some sort of rental limitation," and added that the developer’s intent is to sell the units rather than operate them as short‑term rentals.
One resident, Sunny Giani, spoke in favor of developing the parcel, saying the land "has been sitting there for a long time" and that developing it would likely generate revenue for the town. Staff indicated the ordinance would return for a second reading and a council vote on April 28.
What this means: The first reading changes the legal notice and review status of the parcels but does not change zoning until the council adopts the ordinance at a later meeting. The council retained the item for further consideration.
