FREDERICA, Del. -- Kent County commissioners on Tuesday voted to lift restrictions they placed last year on a property partially re-zoned for commercial purposes, a move sought by land owners seeking to attract businesses to more than 20 acres of land off State Route 1.

Land owners Bob and Cathy Murphy requested that their property's zoning remain the same but without conditions like a deed restriction and subdivision requirement that were intended to prevent the construction of an exit road that would connect to Pritchett Road. The current plan calls for an entrance for commercial developments being located at the edge of the property that touches Bay Road.

County lawmakers voted 6-1 in favor of re-zoning the property without conditions. Commissioner Eric Buckson (R-Country Field), whose district includes the area where the property is located, was the lone "no" vote.

Attorney John Paradee, who is representing landowners Bob and Cathy Murphy, said an agreement with another landowner that would have allowed for a commercial exit to be constructed in another location had fallen through and prompted the couple's request that the restrictions be lifted.

However, many neighbors had said the proposed exit road connected to Pritchett Road would significantly increase traffic on Milford Neck Road and decrease safety in their rural community.

Paradee argued the county's new Comprehensive Development Plan and construction of the DE Turf Sports Complex and South Frederica Interchange indicated commercial development would be appropriate for the area.

The proposal was recommended for approval by the county's Regional Planning Commission, though the county's planning department recommended the request be denied.