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Georgetown council adopts future land use change for 21.92-acre Sussex County parcel
Summary
On May 27 the Georgetown Town Council adopted Ordinance 2025-04, amending the town’s comprehensive plan future land use map to re-designate a 21.92-acre Sussex County parcel from single-family residential to mixed residential by a 4-1 vote.
At its May 27 meeting the Georgetown Town Council adopted Ordinance 2025-04, changing the comprehensive future land use designation of a 21.92-acre Sussex County tax parcel (map parcel 135-14.87) from single-family residential to mixed residential.
The council’s action followed review and recommendation by the town planning commission and a publicly advertised hearing held by the planning commission on Feb. 19, 2025, and by the town council on April 28, 2025. “The town council finds the proposed designation is compatible with the Town of Georgetown comprehensive plan,” the ordinance text states.
Councilmember Christine Malone moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-04; Councilmember Eric seconded. The council conducted a roll-call vote: Ward 1 — aye; Ward 2 — aye; Ward 3 — aye; Ward 4 — no; mayor — aye, producing a 4–1 vote to adopt.
A council member representing Ward 2 argued in favor of the change, saying the re-designation would support diverse housing types and preserve historic community character at the northern entrance to town. “If you look around us … we have cookie-cutter buildings with cookie-cutter people,” the Ward 2 councilmember said, and added that mixed residential development would provide more ownership opportunities and preserve the town’s historic and diverse neighborhoods.
The ordinance became effective immediately upon adoption by a majority of council members as provided in the ordinance text.
Why this matters: the change alters the town’s future land use framework for a named parcel and could affect the type and density of development allowed there. The planning commission and council judged the amendment compatible with surrounding uses and the comprehensive plan.
Next steps: developers and property owners seeking projects consistent with the mixed-residence designation will follow the town’s site plan and permitting processes; any specific proposals would return to the planning commission and council as required by town code.
