SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – The Cape Henlopen School District is once again urging Sussex County to implement a school impact fee to address the growing strain on local schools from residential development. The district’s concerns were raised in an email sent by Jason Hale, the district’s director of operations, following a proposed zone change for the Belle Mead Farm development.
The project, which would add 334 residential units and commercial space near Rehoboth Beach, is expected to exacerbate overcrowding in the district’s schools. Hale explained that the district is already operating near full capacity and that any new residential developments would likely result in increased student enrollment, putting further strain on educational resources.
The district has seen significant growth in recent years, with enrollment increasing from 4,634 students in 2010 to 6,645 this year, and more building permits indicate continued growth. To address this, Hale suggested the county halt new developments until a school construction impact fee, or a similar measure, is implemented. Such a fee would allow the district to plan for growth without burdening existing taxpayers.
Currently, Sussex County lacks a mechanism like the one used in New Castle and Kent counties, where developers are charged a fee for large residential projects that impact local schools. Senator Russ Huxtable previously introduced legislation to allow the county to implement a fee, but it was rejected by the county council. However, with new council members elected on platforms focused on growth management, Hale remains hopeful that a solution will be reached soon.
