In Delaware, officials are looking at Kent County for development that can spark short-term construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities. The possibility for growth in the Frederica/Little Heaven area is a large part of the county’s comprehensive development plan. A few projects are already being planned.

Asbury Square is set to be 100,000 square feet of commercial space among eight buildings on more than 21 acres. As part of that development plan, there will be two standalone restaurants of 6,400 square feet, as well as a 98-room hotel. PLUS Review of the plans was completed in late August.

In addition to Asbury Square, this week there is a public hearing regarding the application for the preliminary E. Front Street site of the Little Heaven Commercial Development, a strip mall of more than 6,700 square feet of retail space plus a 2,800-square-foot convenience store and a gas station on nearly three acres.

The development of the area won’t come without pushback, however. There were two workshops planned to inform the public about the plans and future projects and allow for residents to offer feedback on the development plans. The first one was this week and attendees voiced objection to the plans and fear of overdevelopment, according to Delaware State News. The second workshop is next week.