Kent County Planning Commission Public Hearing – February 5, 2026

The Kent County Regional Planning Commission held a public hearing on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM to receive testimony on two applications: a conditional use site plan for Berean Community Church (CS 26-02) and a subdivision plan for Thompson Ridge (SL-26-01). No decisions were made; the commission will deliberate and vote at its business meeting on February 12, 2026. The record will remain open for two business days following the hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Berean Community Church (CS 26-02): No public comments were offered in favor or opposition. The applicant’s engineer, Chad Warren, presented the proposal, which includes a 6,000-square-foot addition, a 13,920-square-foot sanctuary, a family center, a sports field, campground, two ministry houses, and 229 proposed parking spaces. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about agency approvals and DelDOT requirements.
• Thompson Ridge (SL-26-01): Several residents spoke in opposition. Robert Ridgway (33 Chase Street) expressed concerns about wetland impacts, traffic congestion, school capacity, and loss of wildlife habitat. Emily Galloway (547 Banning Road) opposed the loss of a family farm and urged a moratorium on development. Tom Reynolds (3 Chase Street) raised infrastructure and flooding issues, citing a recent drainage ditch by the conservation district. Ruby Lane (3650 South State Street) emphasized public safety, traffic, and strained first‑responder resources. Rachel Knight (139 Chase Street) worried about safety for her autistic child, school overcrowding, and lack of fencing near a proposed lake. All speakers opposed the development, citing traffic, environmental, and community impacts.

Discussion Items

• Berean Community Church: The applicant’s engineer confirmed compliance with county code, including a stormwater infiltration basin for groundwater recharge. All requested variances were withdrawn. Commissioners noted the need for DelDOT approval on entrance improvements and accepted the staff recommendation that the owner will comply with all agency comments.
• Thompson Ridge: The applicant’s engineer, Charlie Barnett, presented a 107‑lot subdivision on 81 acres with two requested waivers: one to place a walking trail within wetland buffers (no wetland disturbance) and one to waive interconnection with the adjacent Barrett Farm subdivision due to steep slopes and extensive wetlands. Chairman Jester expressed strong opposition to the waiver, citing fire‐access and safety concerns. Commissioner Mills and Commissioner Davis echoed concerns about connectivity and wetland impacts. Commissioner Gauvery asked about state‑listed endangered species in the area. Staff noted that the property is zoned AC (Agricultural Conservation) and that development is permitted as of right within the growth zone; no rezoning is proposed. The applicant’s engineer argued that a road connection would require nearly an acre of wetland impact and a steep grade, making it infeasible. A member of the public questioned the meaning of AC zoning, and staff clarified that it allows up to 3.5 units per acre within the growth zone.

Key Outcomes

• No decisions were made on either application. Both will be considered at the commission’s business meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The public record will remain open for two business days after the hearing.
• Berean Community Church: The commission will evaluate the conditional use site plan based on the record and staff recommendations.
• Thompson Ridge: The commission will weigh the applicant’s waiver requests (wetland buffer trail and road interconnection) against comments from staff, DelDOT, and the public. Chairman Jester and several commissioners indicated they could not support the plan without connectivity, but no vote was taken.
• The hearing was adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.