Two residents used the public‑comment period July 29 to press Sussex County leaders to make housing affordability a central outcome of the county’s land‑use reform work and to consider financial incentives for accessory dwelling units.

Rich Barrasso of Milton told the council that housing availability and regulatory processes affect the county’s housing costs and that the “missing middle” — households earning roughly $75,000 to $100,000 per year — face shortages at price points common in the county. Barrasso cited U.S. Census data and a Delaware State Housing Authority metric saying a large share of county households have incomes below $99,000 and argued that the county’s land‑use reform work group should identify affordability gaps and tailor recommendations to increase housing at price ranges that households can afford.

Toro Luby, speaking for the South Delaware ADU Group, praised the council’s June 2024 ordinance easing ADU rules and asked the council to consider incentives such as low‑interest loans or grants to help homeowners build ADUs. Luby cited a federal House bill (HR 447) as an example of legislation that would ease lending by recognizing prospective ADU rental income and increased property value; she noted that the federal bill was only proposed and not yet law. Luby said the ADU group delivered a multi‑page packet of incentive ideas to council offices.

Both speakers urged that the land‑use reform work group and the County Council ensure final recommendations focus on producing homes at price points most households can afford, not only increasing total supply.

Why it matters: County land‑use policy and incentives can directly affect the number and type of housing units produced. Council members heard requests to make affordability‑targeted strategies—particularly ADU financial support—part of the county’s reform recommendations.