Sussex County adopts insurance requirement for Newton Green after public objections

The Sussex County Board of Commissioners on June 11 adopted a package of resolutions (A through W) that includes a new use agreement for Newton Green requiring event organizers to carry commercial liability insurance, commonly described in the meeting as $1 million to $2 million coverage. The board approved the package by roll call vote (Director Carney, Commissioner DeGroot, Commissioner Hayden, Commissioner Henderson and Deputy Director Space all voted yes).

Residents who spoke during the public comment period urged the board to reconsider, saying the insurance requirements and associated administrative steps would make it harder for small groups and community organizations to use the county’s historic square. "The free speech of Sussex County residents will be chilled," said Cori Loyola of Branchville, adding that many community groups could not afford "$1 to $2,000,000 insurance policies." Pamela Drei of Stillwater said the green has "always been a symbol…