News Briefs 06/22/18
Rehoboth shade tree appeal hearings June 25
The Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission has scheduled two appeal hearings for 2 p.m., Monday, June 25, in the commissioners room of town hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The first hearing is regarding the denial of a tree removal permit at 50 Park Ave. The second hearing is related to a determination of a fee in lieu of mitigation. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agendas can be found at town hall or online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth Board of Adjustment to meet
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m., Monday, June 25, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The public hearing is related to Building Inspector Dam Molina's denial of a building permit for the property at 45 and 45 1/2 Lake Ave.
The property owner is also requesting a list of variances including the allowance of more than one building on a single lot; to exceed the Floor Area Ratio and maximum lot coverage; and to encroach in yard setbacks for both structures. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth approves committee handbook
By a vote of 5-1, with one abstention, Rehoboth commissioners adopted a handbook of roles and responsibilities for city committees during their June 15 meeting. Commissioner Lisa Schlosser was the no vote. A copy of the six-page handbook is available online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net, under the old business portion of that meeting's agenda.
Rehoboth approves document formatting
By a vote of 7-0, Rehoboth commissioners amended the policy relating to standardizing document formatting during their June 15 meeting. According to the resolution, the change was made in the interest of tracking the evolution of documents in an efficient and transparent manner. A copy of the one-page guide is available online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net, under the old business portion of that meeting's agenda.
Rehoboth approves real estate tax rate
By a 7-0 vote, Rehoboth commissioners approved the city real estate tax rate of 4 cents per $100 of assessed value for the tax year beginning Sunday, July 1 and ending June 30, 2019. This rate is the same as last year.
Offshore wind meeting in Rehoboth June 27
The Center for Carbon-Free Power Integration at the University of Delaware and Delaware Sea Grant are sponsoring offshore wind power workshops in Rehoboth and Bethany. According to a June 18 press release, the sessions are part of the Focus on the Delaware Coast Series and intended to be a place community members and experts can have informed conversation about how Delaware can best engage with offshore wind energy development. The first workshop takes place from 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, June 27, in Rehoboth City Hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.
The second workshop takes place from 8 a.m. to noon, Thursday, July 12, at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, 99 Hollywood St., Bethany Beach. The press release said the workshops are expected to cover a broad range of topics, including economic development opportunities and potential effects on tourism. The release also said representatives for the two wind power developers looking to build off the coast of Delaware and Maryland coast will be on hand to discuss project specifics. A highlight of the Rehoboth event will be a keynote presentation from Jen McCann, the director of both the U.S. Coastal Programs at the University of Rhode Island and extension services at Rhode Island Sea Grant. Her presentation will focus on her experience with stakeholder engagement strategies for the Block Island project, the first offshore wind farm in the nation. For the Bethany event, the release said there is expected to be a panel of experts participating in a community discussion about the prospects of offshore wind in this region.
Unveiling of new historical marker set
The Delaware Historical Markers Program, along with Sen. Ernie Lopez, Rep. Stephen Smyk and the Rev. Dr. Deborah McCaffity, will unveil a new historical marker at St. George AME Church and Cemetery, commemorating the church's long history in Lewes. Established before 1880 on Pilottown Road, the congregation has worshipped in its church on Park Avenue since 1933. The dedication will be held Saturday, June 23, at 4 p.m., with Steve Marz, state archivist and director of the Delaware Public Archives This event is free and open to the public. The dedication at the cemetery will be followed by a reception and free concert at St. George AME Church from the local gospel group, The Crusaders of Frankford. For details, contact Katie Hall, Historical Markers Program coordinator at 302-744-5036 or katie.hall@state.de.us
Dewey planners to meet June 29
The Dewey Beach Planning Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m., Friday, June 29, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Members will discuss the draft ordinance on bulk standards changes and the NR zone 2 1/2 story issue, providing a revised definition on such, and a public hearing will be held on each discussion issue. Following the public hearings, the commission will discuss and possibly vote to make recommendations via ordinance to town commissioners about the draft ordinance on bulk standards changes and on the draft ordinance on the NR zone 2 1/2 story issue.
Dewey infrastructure committee to meet June 29
The Dewey Beach Infrastructure Committee will meet at 7 p.m., Friday, June 29, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Members will discuss and draft a memo to town commissioners addressing backdoor flooding of McKinley and Read avenues from stormwater outfall pipes in the wetland at the west end of McKinley Avenue. The Read Avenue retrofit project will address the Read Avenue problem, but leaves McKinley Avenue as the next source for area flooding.
