Kent County Regional Planning Commission Business Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Kent County Regional Planning Commission held its regular business meeting on July 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Commissioners voted on several land-use applications, including a controversial subdivision denial and approval of a new data center ordinance. Public comments raised concerns about data centers and a proposed subdivision. The meeting also included election of officers.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Minutes of June 11, 2026: Approved unanimously (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Workman (16 Freedom Drive): Opposed data centers in Delaware, stating they would not benefit the state.
• Melissa Wernersback (25 Drew Court, Dover): Strongly opposed data centers, citing high electricity consumption, water usage, and noise pollution; argued the ordinance does not adequately mitigate impacts.
• Brittany Williams (120 Morning Dove Lane, Dover): Opposed data centers, noting they create few jobs, generate pollution, and harm communities; urged the commission to protect Kent County's character.
• Michael Kopp (1584 South State Street, Dover): Recommended that any future data center be required to generate its own power and address water table impacts; supported the ordinance as a first step but requested additional conditions.
• Virginia Harris (152 Vochels Mill Star Hill Road): Opposed the Harmony Hills 2 subdivision, citing dangerous traffic on Peach Tree Run, inadequate road infrastructure, and safety risks for children.

Discussion Items

• C 26-04 – McCoy Home Occupation Daycare: Motion to recommend conditional approval passed unanimously (6-0). The daycare is in the Growth Zone Overlay District.
• CZ 26-02 / LC 26-10 – Zoning Map Amendment (AR to BN): A motion to deny failed 3-3. A subsequent motion to approve also failed 3-3. The tie votes resulted in no recommendation; the application will proceed to Levy Court.
• Harmony Hills 2 – Major Subdivision (94 lots, 52 single-family homes): The engineer clarified that the property is landlocked with only one access point (Peach Tree Run) and that two school bus stops were added per school district request. A motion to deny based on public safety (single entrance/exit for emergency vehicles) passed 5-1. The commission's attorney advised that the subdivision met all code requirements and that denial violated Delaware law; the developer may appeal to Levy Court.
• Preston Automotive Group – Site Plan (50,666 sq ft auto dealership, retail, restaurant): Motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0) with conditions including a bike rack for at least four bicycles and compliance with staff recommendations.
• SLV-26-24 – Waiver for Cul-de-Sac Length (HRS Properties): A modified approval was granted (6-0) allowing a maximum cul-de-sac length of 1,300 feet, waiving the requirement that 25% of lots front on a connected route, due to surrounding land constraints.
• LC 26-06 – Data Center Ordinance: Motion to recommend approval passed unanimously (6-0). The ordinance adds explicit conditions to mitigate impacts of data centers (e.g., setbacks, buffering, noise attenuation); prior to this, the county had no specific regulations.
• Election of Officers: Mr. Jester was nominated and elected as Chair; Mr. Davis was nominated and elected as Vice Chair.

Key Outcomes

• C 26-04: Recommended conditional approval (6-0).
• CZ 26-02: No recommendation; tie vote sends application to Levy Court.
• Harmony Hills 2: Denied (5-1); appeal expected.
• S 26-03: Approved (6-0) with conditions.
• SLV 26-24: Modified approval granted (6-0).
• LC 26-06: Recommended approval (6-0).
• Officers: Jester elected Chair, Davis elected Vice Chair.