|
Ruddertowne was on the agenda of the Dewey Beach commissioners last week, as a new developer’s attorney, Sean Tucker, presented plans for the area’s redevelopment.
Concerned and angry homeowners crowded the Lifesaving Station for the Friday, June 8 meeting, wanting to know why the project is moving quickly, why clear ideas for the development have not been made public, and what will come of the 80,000-square-foot parcel of land they know as Ruddertowne.
Tucker said his clients, Harvey and Hanna Associates, are moving at a quick pace because they have only 18 months to close the deal. “This project is either going to work or it’ll fall flat like the other developers’ did,” he said. Tucker said the comprehensive plan calls for a new district with dense commercial use. He said that means creating new laws that will allow a building taller than the 35 feet permitted under current code. Residents roared at the idea of a tall building, saying they don’t want another Ocean City, Md. Many demanded a specific plan that includes sketches of what the new development will look like.
But Tucker insisted his clients aren’t pulling the wool over anyone’s eyes by not presenting a plan. He said architects haven’t had time to draw site plans and that Harvey and Hanna Associates wants to include input from town officials.
“This can change the nature of Dewey Beach forever, not to mention the property values. We need to get some expert advice,” said resident JoAnn Hall. She and many homeowners are opposed to allowing a building higher than 35 feet.
“If people go into this focused with something as arbitrary as a height limit, it’s going to be dead in the water. One option is not everything staying the same. The train has already left the station,” said resident Graham Smith.
“We’re going to follow the law, and at the end of the day, if the town prefers townhouses, then that’s the will of the town,” Tucker said.
He invited residents to attend meetings at 7 p.m. each Friday in June.
Commissioners also discussed several planning issues that will affect the town in the future. Council discussed penalties for contractors or homeowners who violate planning code. Town attorney John Brady is charged with proposing new penalties for code enforcement. “I think Dewey should take away contractors’ licenses if they knowingly break the law,” said Commissioner Dale Cooke. He said he is opposed to a financial penalty to contractors or homeowners because some may willingly pay a fine to have a larger home.
Town council has charged planners with discussing a setback averaging policy. Currently, Dewey allows landowners with lots smaller than the traditional 50-by-100 feet to apply for a variance on setbacks. Town officials measure the setbacks of homes 150-feet in both directions and take the average of those front-yard setbacks. That average becomes the new legal setback for the home. But Cooke said allowing small setbacks would encourage bigger homes in town. Planners will meet to discuss prohibiting averaging of setbacks.
Commissioners also sent the license-fee structure back to the budget and finance committee. The fee-structure was passed last month under the condition that business owners would not have to pay the new fee this year if it were higher than last year’s. When the structure takes effect, about 10 eateries will have to pay more. “It was our intent to cut as many fees as possible and this would double some of the fees,” said Cooke, who is chairman of the committee. He said the committee would fix the fees by next year.
Commissioner Mike Eisenhauer gave the audience an update on the town’s emergency plan. He said it is important for all residents to read the plan because it outlines an evacuation route. Dewey residents must go north because the Indian River bridge will be closed, and no cars will be allowed to drive south. Drivers will be rerouted to Route 16 and Route 18 from Route 1, which will use all lanes for travelers going north. Eisenhauer said commissioners have yet to approve it. The town must also contract with suppliers and employees for clean up and rebuilding efforts. Eisenhauer suggests in case of emergency, everyone should have a bag prepared packed with food and water.
Contact Molly Albertson at malbertson@capegazette.com
|
