The Kent County Commissioners are holding a Public Hearing on Tuesday June 13, 2023, at 10am to address a Text Amendment. It has been requested by the developers of the two 250,000 sq ft warehouse/distribution centers planned for Edge Rd. on the west side of Rte 301 at 291.
They are requesting an increase in the height of the planned warehouses in the 301 corridor from 45ft to 60ft in order to have “state-of-the-art advancements in robotic and vertical storage technology” as in the words of their design firm, LRK in Philadelphia.
Robotics aren’t jobs. Greater vertical storage increases the storage volume by 30%, increasing truck traffic, noise, pollution and stresses infrastructure.
Millington’s Volunteer Fire Department and Planning Commission have submitted letters opposing the Text Amendment.
The Kent County Planning Commission found that the Text Amendment is not in the best interest of the public and gave it an unfavorable recommendation. One member of the Planning Commission commented “they are easy to pass and hard to change”.
The east side of 301 also has zoning to allow warehouses of this size. Others will follow the precedent created by the first, becoming a visual gateway to Kent County that does not serve us well.
The developer has a design concept for the property east of 301 toward Millington that is people and community oriented and well worth considering. Unfortunately, it is not considered his priority.
This is a very important hearing, the outcome of which will affect all of Kent County.
Please attend and voice your concerns. If you are unable to attend, you can call or email your commissioners. You can also call the Commissioners office (410-778-4600 ext 4) on Monday before the hearing to get an access code allowing you to listen and speak from your home phone.
Public Hearing: June 13 at 10am, Commissioners meeting room, 400 High St.
Melinda Bookwalte
Millington
M. Fallaw says
Approval of the text amendment would be the camel’s nose under (or in) the tent.
Beverly Birkmire says
I support actions by the county commissioners, planning staff and economic development staff to take steps that will promote new businesses and industries to locate in Kent County. The proposal to allow 60′ high warehouses in the Rt.301 industrial area is one such action. I have yet to hear any negative to an increase of 15′. Let’s work on increasing the county’s tax base, which is beneficial to all of us.
Melinda Bookwalter says
According to the design firm working with Everton Project, the increase in height is to allow for Robotics and Automation.
There are 3 different types of Distribution Centers: 1) Conventional, which allows for material to be moved by people and people driven equipment 2) Mechanical, which allows for material to be moved by mechanized, conveyance and sortation systems and 3) Automated which allows for material to be moved in full or in part by machines or robotics.
By increasing the height Everton is allowing they want Type 3 distribution centers, thereby reducing jobs.
The increase in size also allows 30% more storage, traffic, noise, infrastructure issues etc.
Melinda Bookwalter says
Tonya at the County office (410-778-4600) emailed me the call in number and code.
Call 872-239-8359
Conference ID #: 691 415 147#
Robert D. Lasus says
I agree with the current height restriction regarding the proposed warehouses.
I also am concerned with excessive truck traffic, the noise, pollution and wear on the roads.
Stand firm! R.D.Lasus