News Briefs
Piping plover chicks hatch at Gordons Pond
Four piping plover chicks hatched June 12 from the sole nest this year at Gordons Pond in Cape Henlopen State Park. Both adults were seen with the chicks that afternoon.
Over at the Point, three pairs of plovers have set up foraging territories along the bayside with their chicks, and have been observed going back into the dunes for shelter and rest. The chicks at the Point hatched June 8-9.
“At this early stage of a plover chick’s life they are still very vulnerable to hypothermia, especially in the recent drenching downpours,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife biologist Matthew Bailey. “Consequently, we are very careful not to disturb the broods and only observe them from afar. We don’t have full counts of the chicks, but full counts will emerge as things progress.” In other beachnester bird news, least terns are still defending an area near the tip of the Point, and two nests with eggs have been found and are being tended. For details contact Bailey at 302-382-4151 or matthew.bailey@state.de.us.
De Kuyper court appearance now July 17
A court appearance for Scott de Kuyper is scheduled for July 17 on weapons charges stemming from a 2012 incident in which he brought a handgun to a Manhattan courthouse. An appearance scheduled for June 17 was rescheduled, according the the district attorney’s office.
De Kuyper has been out on $50,000 cash bail after he was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon – considered a violent felony charge in New York.
Rehoboth parks panel to hold two appeals
The Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission will meet at 2 p.m., Monday, June 24, in the city commissioners’ room to conduct two administrative appeals. Allen Walker of Cottages of Rehoboth LLC has requested the first appeal on behalf of Joel and Nancy Fradin, owners of 107 Fifth St. The Fradins are appealing the mitigation requirement for trees that were removed to construct a new house. Nicholas and Carolyn Pettoruto, owners of 322 Hickman St., requested the second appeal, also of the mitigation requirement for trees that were removed to make way for a new house.
Rehoboth board to hear Rodney Street variance
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment will hear two variance requests for property at 16 Rodney St. at the board’s regular meeting, 7 p.m., Monday, June 24, in the city commissioners’ room.
Owners Peter and Kathryn Scudera, along with former owners Richard and Christine DiSabatino, are requesting one variance to allow a .1-foot variance from the 6-foot side yard setback requirement on the east side of the property and another variance to allow a .2-foot variance from the side yard setback requirement on the west side.
In other business, the board will hold a tutorial on conflict of interest and discuss the role of solicitor in writing decisions.
No street closures for Rehoboth dedication
Rehoboth Beach City Manager Greg Ferrese said there are no street closures planned for the Garden of the Navigators dedication ceremony set for Sunday, June 23. Ferrese encouraged attendees to park in the convention center parking lot.
The festivities will start at the Verrazzano monument at the Boardwalk and Olive Avenue at 2 p.m. and proceed and gather at the Garden of the Navigators on Olive Avenue and Third Street for the start of the dedication ceremony at 3 p.m. Participating in the ceremony will be a delegation led by Mayor Alberto Bencista from Rehoboth’s sister city, Greve in Chianti, Italy. Last year, Greve unveiled a garden in tribute to Rehoboth, with the new Garden of the Navigators serving as reciprocation.
Sussex County Council meeting June 25
Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 25, in the county administration building on The Circle in Georgetown. Included on the agenda is a discussion on a special events policy. See a complete agenda at sussexcountyde.gov.
Dewey committee to discuss off-season
Dewey Beach Marketing Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 21, at Best Western Gold Leaf at 1400 Coastal Hwy. The committee is scheduled to discuss ways to market the town in fall 2013 and spring 2014. For a complete agenda, go to townofdeweybeach.com.
Budget officials to mull gross receipts tax
Dewey Beach Budget and Finance Committee will meet at 12 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at Dewey Beach Life Saving Station on Dagsworthy Avenue. The committee is scheduled to review a draft ordinance and referendum to establish a gross receipts tax on Dewey Beach businesses. For a complete agenda, go to townofdeweybeach.com.