Dewey Beach eyes 45-foot Ruddertowne
Three years of litigation and five pending lawsuits would end under a proposal unveiled Saturday, Dec. 11, in Dewey Beach. The proposal would allow Ruddertowne owner Dewey Beach Enterprises to build a 45-foot, mixed-use building with condominiums, retail space and public amenities such as a baywalk, gazebo, convention center, restrooms and additional public parking. A rooftop public pool and a bowling alley could also be included.
The proposal contains a no-gambling clause.
Mayor Diane Hanson announced during the town council meeting Dec. 11, letters would be sent to Dewey property owners Monday, Dec. 13, notifying them of three public workshops Saturday, Jan. 8; Saturday, Jan. 15; and Thursday, Jan. 20.
A public hearing is set for Saturday, Feb. 5. Hanson encouraged the public to attend and give input regarding the proposed structure for Ruddertowne.
“The proposal does not mean a deal has been reached,” Hanson said. The mayor said after receiving input from the public, the council would vote on the deal.
“DBE [Dewey Beach Enterprises] welcomes the council’s suggestion for public input,” said Town Attorney Glenn Mandalas. If the proposed agreement is made, Dewey Beach Enterprises agrees to drop all five pending lawsuits against the Town of Dewey Beach.
“This is the first time people have had a third option to weigh in on,” Hanson said.
Previously, said the mayor, people could agree to a 68-foot structure or take a stance against DBE on expanding Ruddertowne.
Hanson said the 45-foot structure in the proposal could be a happy medium; she said she would not go forward with a decision before hearing from residents.
Before the public portion of the meeting Saturday, Town Manager Diana Smith presented council with the proposed mutual agreement. In a letter to Dewey residents, the town manager said the proposal takes into account the Delaware Supreme Court’s decision in favor of DBE in July.
If rulings in other pending cases are decided in favor of DBE, it would cost the town millions of dollars in legal fees, which are already over budget for the year.
Even if the courts later rule in favor of the town, the Supreme Court decision allows DBE to build a large structure that could contain upwards of 250 condos. The proposed structure would contain a maximum of 105 condos with 90 units reserved for hotel space.
In a press release, Citizens to Preserve Dewey, a group that has staunchly advocated the town’s 35-foot height limit, said they do not know whether the majority of their members would support the proposal.
The group’s steering committee plans to discuss the proposal this weekend.
Allowing DBE to build the 45-foot structure would not set a new precedent for other buildings. The structure was applied for before the town’s comprehensive development plan was created, setting the 35-foot height limit. As a result, the property is grandfathered; the 35-foot height limit would still apply to other developments in Dewey.
If property owners from out of town cannot attend any of the workshops, they can view them streaming on the town’s website and send questions to the town manager during the workshop through the webcast.
To view the complete proposal, visit townofdeweybeach.com.
