By 1808Delaware
Future development was on the mind of members of the City of Sunbury’s Planning and Zoning Commission at their meeting this past week. There, they heard a presentation by City Administrator Daryl Hennessy on the proposed creation of a new zoning district aimed at boosting development while providing consistency in operation.
Under consideration is the creation of a new limited industrial zoning district to bolster employment-focused economic development in the city. The aim is to focus on industrial uses and data centers to bring about diversification in the city’s tax base.
To ensure a well-informed decision, the commission set up a working group comprising staff members and consultants. This group was tasked with crafting the detailed proposal for the new zoning district.
The primary target for this zoning district would be undeveloped lots covering at least 200 contiguous acres. However, the proposal also allowed for potential expansion beyond this size to accommodate future growth.
One of the critical aspects discussed was the need to establish higher development standards within this new district. It would require specific materials, such as brick, stone, masonry, and wood siding, for a significant portion of the front facade. Conversely, there would be a restriction on the use of materials like metal siding or untreated masonry block buildings.
The commission has high hopes for this new zoning district, believing it would foster the growth of businesses that generate employment opportunities. They envisioned data centers, industrial flex spaces, and similar enterprises thriving within the proposed district.
In total, the proposal presented four key benefits. Firstly, it aimed to diversify the city’s tax base, reducing its reliance on a single economic sector. Secondly, the new district would encourage the establishment of new businesses, providing clear development standards to streamline the process. Thirdly, it sought to raise the overall standards for industrial developments, maintaining consistency and quality across the city. Lastly, they believed that by implementing this new zoning district, divergences between different developments would be minimized, promoting harmony within the city’s landscape.
Before finalizing the proposal, the commission plans to undertake a lengthy process, which involved public hearings at both the commission and council levels. This will give the residents and stakeholders an opportunity to provide their input and feedback on the proposed changes.
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