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Council approves 95‑unit independent care facility and mixed commercial uses on Kings Highway in Lewes (CU2527)
Summary
Council approved CU2527, allowing an age‑restricted independent care facility of up to 95 units with compatible commercial uses (restaurant and fitness/PT) on 4.83 acres at 16770 Kings Highway, Lewes, subject to Planning & Zoning conditions and agency approvals including DelDOT and stormwater.
Sussex County Council voted to grant conditional use CU2527 for an independent care facility with compatible commercial uses on a 4.83‑acre parcel at 16770 Kings Highway in Lewes. The applicant proposed up to 95 age‑restricted units and commercial components (a restaurant and a fitness or physical‑therapy use) intended in part to be open to the public to reduce operating costs for residents.
John Horner, counsel for LIC Housing LLC, said the project meets the county code definition of an independent care facility and complies with the comprehensive plan’s coastal growth‑area guidance for higher density where water and sewer are available. Owner Kelly Gelof described a personal interest in the project, saying an intermediate, more affordable senior living option would have helped her family when caring for an elderly relative.
Engineer Zach Crouch discussed site specifics: DelDOT provided a service‑level evaluation and the developer must participate in Kings Highway improvements and a study fee; the property will have no permanent wetland impacts and will preserve mature trees where possible; stormwater will be handled by infiltration ponds and chambers; the project proposes 194 parking spaces (county code required 115 for the uses) and will provide four EV charging stalls wired for 16.
Councilors raised several topics including condition K (interconnectivity with a neighboring church), potential impacts on local emergency services and the idea of a contribution to the local fire/ambulance provider, parking and build‑out constraints on the tight site, and environmental and accessibility standards. Applicants and counsel said they are open to working with the church on pedestrian connectivity and that final design details would be resolved at the site‑plan stage.
After discussion, the council adopted CU2527 with the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommended conditions. Councilors who voted yes said their votes were based on the record and Planning & Zoning’s recommendation. The applicant team will proceed to secure required agency approvals and finalize the site plan.
