On Aug. 12 I attended a meeting of the City of Rehoboth Planning Commission to hear a discussion of the proposed development of Ocean Bay Mart Shopping Center, located at the intersection of Coastal Highway (Delaware Route 1) and Terrace Road.
To say the least, the discussion was heated. A good number of folks living along Terrace Road, Scarborough Extended, and other nearby neighborhoods took turns voicing their opinions of the proposed condominium development. This was much more than a NIMBY issue.
During the course of the afternoon, it became clear that the proposal would have severe impact on pedestrian safety, water and sewer treatment, traffic flow, fire fighting, and nearby parking. One of the public presenters made the claim that, despite the developer saying the property was zoned commercial, and that therefore condominium-like structures could be built, it really was a subdivision, based on the definitions provided in several guiding documents for development in Rehoboth.
If true, then the property would fall under the Building Code for the City of Rehoboth, and the developer would have to comply with many common-sense guidelines. Let us hope that this turns out to be the case.
Jack Murray
Rehoboth Beach
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