Appeal hearing of Terrapin Island begins Tuesday, appellants hoping decision will be reversed

GEORGETOWN, Del.- In Delaware, an appeal hearing over the approval of the Terrapin Island residential project began Tuesday.

The Sussex Planning and Zoning Commission approved the preliminary project plan put out by Ribera Development earlier this summer. But, 160 plus appellants made up of residents and property owners objected and filed an appeal based on the commission’s decision.

We’re told they filed an appeal ranging from inaccurate and inconsistent information failure to adhere to Sussex County ordinances not giving full consideration to issues raised, and more.

“The consideration seemed to be rushed, they need to be more throughout in their analysis and their consideration in the issues,” Keith Steck, appellant of Milton, said.

“There are a lot of environmentally sensitive areas around there, the tidal wetlands in particular and a very small portion of the land is actually usable in the sense of being able to be built on and a big part of the arguments on both sides is whether or not the Eastern portion, a large part of the Eastern portion of this land should be developed,” Steck said.

Appellants are also hopeful the council will clear up the appeal process, saying details are not clear. We did ask those representing Ribera Development if they wanted to go on camera or give a statement and they said not at this time.