Council approves Northstar rezoning and 94‑unit multifamily conditional use with conditions

Sussex County Council voted May 20 to approve a change of zone and a conditional‑use permit for a segment of the Northstar development that includes a 94‑unit multifamily rental project.

Legal staff read the ordinances on the record. Planning and Zoning had recommended approval with conditions; council members cited those staff recommendations and public‑hearing testimony in their votes. Council member Grunenbaum spoke at length about land‑use policy, expressing concern that large subdivisions often proceed without additional council review and outlining priorities for a land‑use reform working group. She also noted several specific conditions recommended for the affordable housing component, including: compliance with an officially recognized federal, state or county affordable housing program with yearly reporting; completion of DelDOT‑required off‑site improvements prior to or simultaneous with substantial completion to address infrastructure concurrency; and required recreational and multimodal amenities and sidewalks.

Council members voted to adopt the change of zone from AR‑1 to MR for the parcel in question and to grant the conditional use for the multifamily component with the planning‑and‑zoning conditions intact. In making their votes, councilors cited the planning and zoning recommendation, the public hearing record and the stated need for workforce housing so that people can live near employment centers. The action was recorded and carried on majority votes. Council members emphasized that conditions addressing off‑site improvements and affordable‑housing compliance are intended to ensure the rental units serve working families and that required infrastructure is completed in a timely fashion.