Rehoboth planners begin comprehensive development plan process

The Rehoboth Beach planning commission is working on a new comprehensive development plan.

“We’re starting the process,” Chairman David Mellen said.

The process will take nearly three years from start to finish, as it will be crafted by the planners, approved by the city commissioners and then by the General Assembly. Once signed by the governor, the plan will have the force of law and serve as the blueprint for the city’s future development. The city is targeting a July 2020 date for the plan to go into effect.

Mellen said at this point, planners are looking for a consultant to help craft the plan. He said the consultant on the 2010 plan, Bruce Galloway, is not available.

When the 2010 plan was crafted, the planning commission held a long series of public meetings - Mellen said the total was about 17 - where the commission solicited input from the public. The commission held six meetings on individual topics related to the plan, in addition to meetings with groups like the Rehoboth Beach Homeowner’s Association and discussion at regular commission meetings.

Mellen said a similar process will likely play out this time. He said the commission’s first task once a consultant is found, is to go through the existing plan and 2015 update to see what has been accomplished and what hasn’t.

The plan must address a checklist of items from the Office of State Planning Coordination. The plan must address zoning and annexation issues, even if the city does not have any rezonings or annexations planned.

Mellen said a new item on the state checklist is addressing the impact of sea level rise. The city must also address future growth and affordable housing, which Mellen said is a bit of a problem for Rehoboth given the city’s high property values.

But all of that is down the road, Mellen said, as the commission gathers information from the public.

“We’re in listening mode. It’s very, very early. I can’t predict where we’re going,” he said.