Sussex County Annual Land Use Report

At the June 24th meeting, Sussex County Planning & Zoning Director Jamie Whitehouse presented the 2025 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Annual Report, highlighting significant community engagement and progress in land preservation.

On February 3rd, 2025, Sussex County invited the public to submit suggestions for the upcoming 2027-2032 Capital Transportation Program request. Submissions for new potential projects were accepted through Monday, March 24th, 2025.

A record 74 public submissions were received as potential future capital projects. These ideas have been forwarded to DelDOT and are now under consideration by the state, with the goal of having the Council on Transportation refine and prioritize them for potential implementation later this year.

This public input process occurs every two years and saw exceptional participation in 2025. More information about these projects, ideas, their solutions, and costs, as well as general report information can be found at the annual report linked below.

Whitehouse also noted at the meeting that the report has relatively stable subdivision activity, with just nine applications submitted over the past 12 months—numbers that Jamie described as having "returned to baseline conditions" after a period of higher volume.

Whitehouse concluded this section of the meeting discussing that in terms of land conservation, 497 acres were protected as open space in the last year. This brings the five-year total of preserved open space in Coastal Delaware to 2,428 acres—or approximately 3.79 square miles—through subdivision planning efforts.

There is a section in the report about the Land Use Reform Working Group formed earlier this year, as well as sections on Sussex County’s economic development, wastewater structures, housing, and recreation/open space for anyone interested in reading further.

Things to do for the Fourth of July in Coastal Delaware

Coastal Delaware lights up for the Fourth of July with fireworks, parades, and beachside celebrations across Lewes, Bethany, Dewey, Rehoboth, and Millsboro—each town offering its own unique way to celebrate Independence Day. In case you missed last week’s feature about Fourth of July activities and events, click the button below for all the details!

Daisy’s Hoagies & Heros to Replace Overstuffed Sandwiches

Big changes are coming to Milton! Overstuffed Sandwiches is getting new ownership and a new name — soon to reopen as Daisy’s Hoagies & Heros, brought to you by the team behind Lewes Daily Market. Expect stacked hoagies, fresh Liscio’s rolls, cheesesteaks, fried favorites, and more — opening soon! Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or fueling up for a beach day, Daisy’s is set to become a new local favorite with bold flavors and classic deli vibes.

Rehoboth Art League’s Beach Cottage Tours Return July 8 & 9

The Rehoboth Art League’s 75th Annual Cottage Tour returns on Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM. This iconic, self-guided two-day event features eight uniquely charming homes—ranging from historically rich residences to sleek modern designs—enhanced by the lovely landscapes and curated collections inside. Tickets include a commemorative booklet and access to Jolly Trolley shuttle service; grab yours now for $40 at the gallery or select local shops and enjoy a memorable peek into coastal creativity.

Lewes Named Top 10 Small Town to Live by Travel & Leisure

Big news for Coastal Delaware! Lewes has officially been named one of the Top 10 Best Small Towns to Live in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure—and if you’ve spent any time here, you already know why. With its charming historic district, beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and a strong sense of community, Lewes strikes that rare balance between laid-back coastal living and high quality of life. It’s a town where neighbors know each other, local shops thrive, and every day feels like a getaway. Lewes isn’t just a great place to visit—it’s an incredible place to call home.

The Wait is Over – Love Creek Homesites Are Here!

Exciting News from Welches Pond in Lewes, Delaware! The remaining homesites in Phase 6—lots 187 through 203—are now available during an exclusive soft launch, giving you early access before the public release on Saturday, July 5th. These are some of the most scenic lots in the community, and with limited availability left in this phase, now’s the perfect time to start the conversation if you’re interested.

Autumndale is Launching- Schell's Newest Community

Autumndale is a brand-new community coming to Harbeson, Delaware, offering 104 scenic homesites surrounded by wooded areas and ponds. Developed by Schell Brothers, the neighborhood will feature a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, walking trails. With the model home opening this July, it’s a great moment to reach out and see if this could be the perfect fit for you.

Final Opportunities at Peninsula Lakes

Big things are still happening at Peninsula Lakes—With only 32 homesites left, including wooded lots, pond views, and the last basement site, this amenity-packed neighborhood offers a resort lifestyle just 13 miles from the beach, complete with a resort style pool featuring their famous lazy river, full state of the art gym, yoga studio, dog parks, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and much more. If this sounds like a good fit for your next move, let’s have a conversation and potentially get the ball rolling before these final spots are gone.