Public hearing continues on East Market Street rezoning as council keeps record open

The Town Council kept a public hearing open on Dec. 8 for a comprehensive-plan amendment and rezoning application affecting 501 and 503 East Market Street (Sussex County tax parcels listed in the record).

Brian Olszak, the town’s Director of Community Development, presented maps showing the two parcels total roughly one acre and sit at the eastern edge of Georgetown’s highway‑commercial zoning. Olszak told the council the parcels are vacant after demolition of a former gas station and that the immediate area to the east is predominantly single‑family residential, which informed planning staff and the planning commission’s recommendation that the change could be considered a minor variation to the comprehensive plan.

Public testimony included residents who opposed removing commercial designations because they fear loss of taxable commercial land and a decline in property values. Linda Dennis said explicitly that “allowing this rezoning allows for the development of the cottage program” and urged the council not to approve the amendment if constituents oppose that outcome. Other residents, including developer‑advocates, called the site an 'eyesore' and 'brownfield' that has not attracted commercial investment in decades.

Council and staff clarified procedure: the hearing record remains open until January, additional written comments are accepted, and any rezoning decision will follow required planning‑commission review and formal council readings. Council advised residents to submit letters or attend the January meeting to be on record.