News Briefs 04-18-17
Additional closure needed at the Point
On March 1, the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park was closed for migratory and beach nesting shorebirds. The closed sections, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half mile along the bay shoreline, were marked with PVC poles and twine with flagging for visibility. The closure benefits threatened and endangered beachnesters and migratory shorebirds, including red knot, piping plovers, oystercatchers, least terns and other wildlife.
This week, the closure will be extended approximately 100 yards south toward the Point parking area crossing. In addition, another adjustment to the southern boundary may occur as early as May 14. The nesting habitat on the ocean side will reopen on Sept. 1, while the bayside beach will remain closed until Oct. 1 for use by shorebirds migrating south for the winter.
DNREC's Divisions of Parks & Recreation, Fish & Wildlife and Watershed Stewardship have been working together since 1990 to implement a management plan to halt the decline of beachnester and migratory shorebird populations. The Point has been closed annually since 1993.
Milton Planning & Zoning meets April 18
Milton Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, at the Milton library to swear in new commissioners and hold the annual election for a chairperson and secretary. For more information or a full agenda, go to www.milton.delaware.gov or call 302-684-4110.
Milton comp plan review April 19
Milton Town Council will continue reviewing a draft comprehensive plan at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, at the Milton library. For more information or a full agenda, go to www.milton.delaware.gov or call 302-684-4110.
Lewes Planning Commission to meet
The Lewes Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, at city hall. The group will consider a request from Nick Hammonds of Jack Lingo Asset Management for a one-year extension for subdivision approval of Highland Heights. Commissioners will also meet with City Planner Tom West to discuss the zoning ordinance and zoning map update once the 2015 comprehensive plan is certified. West will also lead a discussion on Sussex County's ongoing update to its comp plan. For more information, go to www.ci.lewes.de.us or call 302-645-7777.
Lewes to discuss marine commercial April 20
Lewes Mayor and City Council will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 20, at city hall to discuss special exceptions to the marine-commercial zone. Council has had a moratorium on residential construction within the zone since March 25, 2014. The moratorium was put in place after two townhouse projects were approved via special exception. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.
Lewes BoA public hearing set April 18
The Lewes Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 18, at city hall, regarding a request from Ernest and Deborah Nepa for their home at 116 Dewey Ave. The Nepas are seeking a variance to enlarge a nonconforming structure and to encroach inside the 8-foot side-yard setback. The Nepas seek the variances to build first- and second-floor additions to their home. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.
DEDO Director Whaley stepping down
Gov. John Carney announced April 11 that Dr. Bernice Whaley is stepping down as director of the Delaware Economic Development Office to become director of Development at St. Andrew's School in Middletown. Whaley had served as DEDO director since June 2015. She had been deputy director since 2009. Cerron Cade, the deputy director of DEDO, will serve as acting director until a permanent director is selected.
Dewey changes voting requirement
Town commissioners voted April 8 unanimously in favor of changing the voter registration deadline for town elections from 60 days to 30 days. During the meeting, Beverly Corelle, Dewey Board of Elections chair, said the town was required by the state to make the change.
Last year the General Assembly amended state code for municipal elections to require that all municipalities have a voter registration deadline that is no more than 30 days before in election. The change went into effect Jan. 1. Dewey's 2017 election is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16. Commissioners Diane Hanson, Courtney Riordan and Mike Dunmyer are up for re-election.
