| Rehoboth Beach officials are closing in on an agreement that would enter the city into a sister city agreement with the city of Greve in Chianti, Italy.
Explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, who sailed the Atlantic coast in 1524, links the two cities. A native of Greve, Verrazzano charted the waters off the coast of Delaware while sailing for the French.
In October 2008, Rehoboth erected a monument at the corner of the Boardwalk and Olive Avenue, commemorating his voyage. At the foot of the monument are three stones from Verrazzano’s castle in Italy, donated by his descendants.
Since then, representatives from Greve reached out to Rehoboth on the idea of becoming sister cities, in an effort to promote cultural and tourist exchange.
Commissioner Pat Coluzzi said Rehoboth exchanged a letter in November reciprocating interest. To facilitate the process, the city established a steering committee consisting of Coluzzi, Nicola Pizza owner Nick Caggiano, Mayor Sam Cooper and others.
The city is now waiting for a letter from Greve officials to arrange signing a sister cities agreement marking Verrazzano Day, April 17 in Greve.
Coluzzi said the steering committee, as well as any other city commissioners able to attend, would go to Greve to take part in the celebration.
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