My Take: Does Coastal Sussex need Costco, Whole Foods and Target?

The Atlantic Fields project raised eyebrows early on due to its footprint, which, if fully built out, would be only 100,000 square feet smaller than Concord Mall in north Wilmington.

Land-gobbling developments have been routinely approved in Sussex County, despite concerns about congestion and the scarcity of affordable housing. It led to County Council members losing their re-election bids and the new council appointing a panel that has reportedly struggled in coming up with final recommendations.

Atlantic Fields, a project of Towson, MD-based Southside Partners, raises typical concerns over congestion and open space. The location is slated for some type of  development due to its proximity to Coastal Highway and residential developments. (See map below)

As the rezoning from agricultural use moves through the process, the developer has identified enants, which may lead to conflicting feelings among residents concerned about overdevelopment.

Shown in sketches were Costco, Target, and Whole Foods stores, although the developer stopped short of saying there were commitments.  Still, the retailers are allowing their names to be added to renderings, an indication of more than passing interest.

The three retailers would likely occupy less than half of that space, with other stores accounting for the remainder. While the developer says the goal is to gain new stores, traffic from Costco, etc.   could pull existing stores off Coastal Highway or other areas.

Newer residents, often from the D.C. area, New Jersey, or northern Delaware, would be eager to see the retailers mentioned above, even if summer traffic jams worsen.

We do know that Costco takes its time adding locations. The big box giant has not added a second store in Delaware since its first location opened near Christiana Mall more than a quarter-century ago. Costco  tends to build locations in more heavily populated areas, although Sussex is quickly gaining that critical mass. Reports have circulated about a Costco in fast-growing Middletown in New Castle County, but nothing has materialized.

Target is also cautious in its expansion efforts and is undergoing turmoil with the CEO resigning and sales slumping. Target did open a new store in Middletown last year.

Amazon-owned Whole Foods has an up-and-down history of expansion. So far, it has steered clear of Delaware, although it has a store just north of the state line in Pennsylvania.

We'll learn more about the community reaction this month in a mid-month meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, followed by an October meeting of the County Council.