News Briefs 01/11/18
Interim prison report released by Carney
Gov. John Carney released an interim report Jan. 11 detailing some improvements at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna. Effort has been made to modernize correction operations which included installing dozens of cameras at Vaughn center, officials say. Correctional officers have been provided more training on risk management, de-escalation, communication, leadership and cultural competency.
For inmates, there are more educational and job training opportunities, library and religious services, and increased commissary offerings. "We are serious about implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review, and improving safety and security across our correctional system," Carney said.
Lewes group supports New Road preservation
Following the December joint meeting with the New Road Preservation Alliance, the Greater Lewes Civic Coalition board met to discuss the alliance's position. Marc-Antoine Lopez, treasurer of the coalition, said the board passed a resolution in support of the alliance. "The Greater Lewes Civic Coalition supports the efforts of the New Road Preservation Alliance to preserve as open space the lands along New Road now proposed to be developed," the resolution stated.
Lewes planners to meet Jan. 17
The Lewes Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, at city hall. The group will consider a request to combined city-owned lots on Texas Avenue into one lot. Commissioners will also consider a rezoning request from the city to change paper streets along Cedar Street from R-3, residential beach, to open space. The paper streets do not actually exist, but were put on a map for future development.
In most cases, the intruding marsh has made development of the parcels impossible. The commission will also consider a request from the annexation review ad hoc committee to create two new zoning districts for annexed land. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.
Lewes City Hall, BPW closed Jan. 15
The offices of Lewes City Hall and the Board of Public Works will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Offices will reopen with regular hours Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Hearings for senior-living facility Jan. 18
Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a series of public hearings at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, related to a proposal from Ocean Atlantic Companies and Vantage Point Retirement Living LLC to rezone two parcels between Kings Highway and Savannah Road. The hearings were originally scheduled for Jan. 4, but the major snow event forced council to postpone. The proposal is to rezone 7.11 acres fronting Savannah Road from R-4, low-density residential, to limited commercial with the intent of building two medical office buildings.
The proposal also seeks to rezone a 9.34-acre adjacent property fronting Kings Highway from R-4 to community facilities health care with the intent to build a senior-living facility. Another related public hearing is slated Jan. 4 regarding an amendment to the comprehensive plan to reflect the possible rezoning. A fourth public hearing is set for Jan. 18 regarding a proposal from the city to amend city code related to the review of site development plans. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.
Lewes Finance Committee to meet Jan. 18
The Lewes Finance Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, at city hall. The group will discuss city investment, current financial statements, capital projects and grants. To view the full agenda, go to www.ci.lewes.de.us.
Sussex offices closed on MLK Day
Sussex County government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Showfield moves forward in phases
Developer Showfield Lewes LP and Sussex County Council signed two wastewater agreements at a Jan. 9 meeting for a total of 66 single-family lots in new phases of the project along Gills Neck Road, Lewes. The county will collect $381,000 in connection fees. The overall project plan includes 166 lots on 132 acres.
Special events on Sussex council agenda Jan. 16
Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is a public hearing on possible amendments to the county's short-term special events ordinance. See a complete agenda at www.sussexcountyde.gov.
Dewey town council meeting Jan. 13
Dewey Beach Town Council is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, in the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. The agenda calls for a presentation and discussion of the town's participation in the military surplus program, a possible vote to create a request for proposals for the purchase of beach access dune mats, a review of the draft 2017 comprehensive plan, and a possible vote to have a consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of the police department, beach patrol and code enforcement. A full copy of the agenda can be found at www.townofdeweybeach.com, on the message board at the life saving station or at town hall.
Dewey charter, code review panel to meet
The newly formed Dewey Beach Charter and Code Review Committee will hold its first meeting at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, in the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. The agenda calls for an overview of committee goals, a review of town governance and the creation of a list of changes that could require state approval. A full copy of the agenda can be found online at townofdeweybeach.com, on the message board at the life saving station or at town hall, 105 Rodney Ave.
RD20 Democratic Committee to meet
Erik Raser-Schramm, chairman of the Delaware Democratic Party, will speak at the RD20 Democratic Committee meeting Thursday, Jan. 18, at Fish On Restaurant, 17300 Village Main Blvd., Lewes. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation at 6 p.m. Democrats are welcome to join committee members for the optional dinner and the presentation. Raser-Schramm was elected chair of the Delaware Democratic Party at the Democratic State Convention last June.
Following the presentation, RD20 Democratic Committee will conduct its monthly business meeting. For further information contact Kerry Thalheim at kerrythalheim@aol.com. RD 20 is the local Democratic Party organization for residents in the Lewes, Coolspring, Harbeson and Milton areas of Sussex County.
