News Briefs
County council meeting Tuesday, April 16
Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 16, in the county administration building on The Circle in Georgetown. Items on the agenda include a proclamation for Fair Housing Month, a legislative update from Deputy Administrator Hal Godwin and a possible decision on a zoning change to permit construction of a storage facility in Harbeson. See a complete agenda at sussexcountyde.gov.
Two eye county council District 4 seat
Two Republicans – George Parish and Bill Carroll – have announced plans to run for the Sussex County District 4 seat held by George Cole, R-Ocean View.
Former Sussex Clerk of the Peace Parish of the Long Neck area said he has formed an exploratory committee. Parish served as clerk of the peace from 2004 to 2012 when he stepped down saying he was interested in running for county council in 2014. At the time, November 2011, he said he would not challenge an incumbent Republican. Carroll made his announcement on radio but could not be reached for comment.
Cole was first elected in 1986, taking over a seat that has been held by his family since 1974. His father, Charlie, served until his passing in 1985 when his mother, Kitty, was appointed to fill the term. Cole has not said if he plans to seek an eighth council term.
Paving work planned on Route 24
The Department of Transportation has announced paving work is scheduled for Route 24, from Love Creek to Plantation Road starting Sunday, April 14.
The project will include milling, hot-mix patching, and paving. Intermittent lane and shoulder restrictions will occur nightly from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m., until Friday, May 17, pending weather. Flaggers will be on site to direct motorists.
A second project is scheduled Sunday, April 28, until Friday, May 31, on Route 24 between William Street Road and Maryland Camp Road.
Access to all businesses and residences within the project limits will be maintained during paving. Motorists are advised to drive with caution, slow down in work zones and expect delays.
George & Lynch of Dover is the contractor for these improvements. For more information, go to www.DelDOT.gov or tune to WTMC-1380 AM.
Route 1 lane closure near IR bridge
A Department of Transportation contractor is cleaning fiber optic conduits and installing ducts in the left lane of Route 1 southbound near the Indian River Inlet bridge. Work will take place from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. weekdays through Wednesday, April 24.
Motorists should use caution in this area for the shifting of traffic.
Rehoboth drug take back set for April 27
The Drug Enforcement Administration will be collecting unused or expired prescription medications at the Rehoboth Beach Police Department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 27.
This is the sixth annual drug take back day conducted by the DEA, which collects unused or expired drugs to ensure that the drugs are safely disposed of and to prevent abuse and contamination of the environment. Last year’s drug take back day collected 244 tons of prescription medications nationwide.
To learn more about the program, go to www.justice.gov/dea.
Dewey amends comprehensive plan
Dewey Beach Town Council unanimously accepted an ordinance to make changes to the town’s comprehensive development plan.
Commissioner Gary Mauler said the original language of the plan was unclear, particularly the phrase “relaxed bulk standards” related to the Ruddertowne zoning district, which was legally challenged by the owners of the property. Mauler said updates to the plan clarify the language.
“Thirty-five feet was the intention of the town and the commission,” he said. “’Relaxed bulk standards’ was not intended to allow higher development.”
Property owner Betsy Damos said the comprehensive plan should include a traffic study requirement for future developments.
The original plan, adopted in 2007, was subject to a review in 2012. The Office of State Planning requires a full update in 2017.
“It’s not an end-all, it’s a work in progress,” said Commissioner Anna Legates.
Foundation to honor Brittingham, Parsons
Speakers at the annual meeting of the Greater Lewes Foundation Saturday, April 13, include Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, and Rep, Steve Smyk, R, Milton, who will share some of their experience and impressions from their first months at Legislative Hall. Joseph Stewart, chair of the Greater Lewes Foundation, will speak about both the history and the future of the GLF. The 2013 recipients of GLF’s Community Service Award, Hazel Brittingham and H. Dale Parsons, will be honored.
The public is invited to the meeting at 10 am., Saturday, April 13, to be held in The Net House, overseeing Lewes Canalfront Park. Because seating is limited, reservations should be made by calling 302-644-0107.
Dewey Beach seeks smoking ban
Dewey Beach officials are moving toward a full smoking ban on the beach.
Mayor Diane Hanson proposed a ban on smoking on the beach and in public parks at an April 6 town council meeting. Hanson said neighboring communities, such as Fenwick Island and Bethany Beach, have passed similar ordinances in recent years.
Hanson proposed a ban on smoking except in designated areas at a March 9 town council meeting.
She said she received one call in opposition to her proposal in the last month, but several calls from residents in favor of a total ban on smoking with no exceptions.
Deb Brown of the American Lung Association attended the April meeting in support of the initiative. She said the association offers a grant program through which towns could receive up to $10,000 for website development, receptacles and educational material to support the ban. “Anything we can do to support you, we are here to do so,” Brown said.
Hanson is expected to present a draft ordinance at council’s May meeting.
