Pickleball Courts Spark Controversy: Residents of the Anchors Run community near Lewes are expressing significant concerns over a proposal to build pickleball courts near their homes. The plans, revealed by developer Insight Homes, include adding 91 new lots and constructing the courts adjacent to the existing clubhouse and pool. The project was presented during a public hearing on September 11th before the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission.
Resident Frustrations
Emily Nash, a resident of Dagger Board Drive, voiced her frustration, saying, “This was going to be a nice quiet area. We’re here to retire and enjoy the peace.” Nash and her neighbors are anxious about the potential noise disruption caused by the new pickleball courts. Parker Nolen echoed these concerns, describing pickleball sounds as “like a gunshot,” with a consistent “pop, pop, bang, bang, bang” that he finds very disruptive.
“Pickleball sounds like a gunshot. It’s like bang, bang, pop, pop, and when you’re not expecting it during the day or it’s a consistent pop, pop, bang, bang, bang, it’s very disruptive.” – (Nolen)
Uninformed Purchasers
Nolen also expressed dismay at being unaware of the pickleball courts before purchasing his home.
“I discovered this because someone posted it on Facebook, asking if anyone knew about the pickleball courts. We were shocked.” – (Nolen)
Despite these concerns, a community vote revealed that a majority of residents support the addition of the courts.
Proposed Solutions
Insight Homes plans to use a berm and existing trees as a noise buffer, though many residents doubt this will be effective. Nash sarcastically noted, “I might be in my grave by the time those trees are large enough to cut down on noise.” Brad Nash proposed relocating the courts to a newer section where future residents would be aware of the development before moving in.
Next Steps
Insight Homes and the project attorney have not responded to requests for comment. The Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to discuss and potentially make a decision regarding the pickleball courts at their next meeting on September 25th.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Spark Controversy
Residents in the Anchors Run community near Lewes are raising concerns about a proposed development plan by Insight Homes that includes pickleball courts. Residents fear the noise will disrupt their peaceful neighborhood. Despite objections from locals like Emily Nash and Parker Nolen, who find the potential noise unbearable and were unaware of the plans before buying their homes, a majority of the community supports the addition.
Insight Homes plans to use a berm and trees as noise barriers, but many doubt their effectiveness. The Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposal further on September 25th.
