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As Dewey Beach planners are charged with writing new codes that meet the comprehensive plan, they face a proposal from a developer to build a 68-foot building, nearly twice the currently allowed height. Developer Harvey, Hanna and Associates says in order for its plans to move forward, the town must adopt new zoning ordinances by October. Otherwise, the company’s business deal with property owners Highway One with fall through.
But Sen. George Bunting, D-Bethany Beach, says the town should not be rushed. “The normal process is to pass a moratorium on all building, write ordinances and hold public hearings on them and then allow building that meets the new law,” he said. Those ordinances would set the new height standards as well as other building code, he said. Bunting said state planning officials recommend passing zoning laws without special projects in mind to keep the process fair.
“I’m always troubled when people come in and say, ‘If you don’t do this, we’re going to do this,’” he said. Bunting said the developers have almost threatened the town with a short time limit and the knowledge if their proposal is not approved the area will be turned into a townhouse community.
Bunting also said Dewey needs to treat all property owners fairly. “Singling out one particular venture is unfair. If you give one property owner this right, you can’t restrict other property owners who want to do this,” he said. He said he is aware of residents who want to sue the town if they are not given the same rights.
Bunting also said he has heard Harvey, Hanna and Associates might be willing to build the complex one story lower. “A lot of people are wondering if that’s the original game plan,” he said. Bunting said it’s a typical business move for a company to ask for more than it wants and then negotiate.
The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce says it is not taking a stance on what is fair to businesses. “I understand a lot of people are not on the same page because this project is such a large one,” said President Carol Everhart. She said she has heard from members that it could hurt business if the anchor of Dewey disappears, but she also understands everyone wants equal rights.
Dewey planners have not scheduled a meeting to start writing ordinances in accordance with the town’s new comprehensive plan.
Contact Molly Albertson at mollyalbertson@gmail.com
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