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Sussex County Council selecting priority future projects

Sussex County Council is prioritizing what to work on first as it waits for the county’s proposed 10-year comprehensive plan to clear its final hurdles.

The plan is still awaiting approval from the state. It includes more than 300 action items for the council’s consideration over the next decade.

5th District Council Member John Rieley says one item the council is looking to move on is creating a transportation committee to help make county infrastructure decisions going forward.

“Having that sort of public consensus and feedback and integrating experts and representatives from various stakeholders is always a way to get better policy,” said Rieley.

At its Tuesday meeting, council agreed on five priority categories.  In order, they are improving roads, economic development, open spaces, agriculture and telecommunications. These could include actions like building new cell towers along with fiber optics, establishing an agricultural business district or tree preservation ordinances.

But Rieley says he would add affordable housing to the list as well.

“Particularly for lower-income resident in Sussex County. It’s a need,” he said.

A few citizens spoke about the county’s affordable housing need during public comment Tuesday.

The county has hired a consultant to review tax and zoning policies over the next six months and recommend ordinances that would help create more affordable housing.

Rieley says the council will emphasize the other five priorities in the meantime. He adds increasing broadband internet in the counties rural areas is top of mind.

The comp plan is expected to be finalized in the next month.

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