Sussex2030

(This is a letter read at the Sussex Council meeting on 6/15/2021, as a 3-minute public comment.) It is well known that Sussex County's aging in the past decades was led by the huge influx of retirees, spurred by the drain of our young ones seeking better career opportunities. The migration of retirees and the County's lopsided reliance on the housing boom go hand in hand.  How long can this go on? Maybe until Sussex County becomes like Ocean City, Virginia Beach, or Myrtle Beach?  (Photo by Chris Paripa, published in The Dispatch on 5/21/2018) Is that what our children and grandchildren will inherit and be in charge of the land they call home, or will they decide to leave for somewhere else? Then, what?  Towns that are overly populated by elderlies are not sustainable for obvious reasons. Boomers will eventually get even older and will die and who will fill all those new homes that we are building today? We must find ways to stop the drain of our young people and attract more

 So what is Sussex2030? Residents​ of Sussex County formed this nonpartisan grassroots group with a vision of Sussex County in the year 2030. ​Launched​ in March 2020, we decided that a 10-year benchmark is realistic and attainable. As years go by, we will evaluate our ​progress and adjust future goals but our main focus will remain the same - the bright future of our beloved county. What we envision by year 2030: We envision Sussex County, with its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle, as an attractive and promising place for ​future generations.​ In order for this vision to be realized, ​we are working with the County administration to address the following concerns: Preserving the number one asset of the County- the natural environment, i​ncluding the beaches, bays, trees, wildlife, farmlands, wetlands, clean air, safe drinking water, etc. Improving traffic/road ​safety by ensuring that development plans include current road safety and capacity studies. Enhancing​ local public trans