One final hearing remains until construction can begin to transform the former Hammerheads on Coastal Highway in Dewey Beach into The Starboard Claw.

Although a series of public hearings waived parking requirements for the new restaurant set to feature hardshell crabs and Ed’s famous grilled chicken, the conditional-use application still needs approval.

In October, commissioners voted unanimously to refer to the planning and zoning commission a proposed expansion of an existing conditional use for the restaurant. 

In November, planners approved sending a list of recommended conditions for the new restaurant to town council, and in December, planners sent commissioners their recommendation to eliminate off-street parking requirements for restaurants with less than 4,000 square feet of patron space.

Commissioners voted in January to abolish the parking requirement for those restaurants, and a virtual public hearing is set for 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, on an ordinance to expand the existing conditional use for the property.

Conditions planners recommended include operating hours no earlier than 7 a.m. and no later than 1 a.m., no loud outdoor speakers or amplifiers, no-smoking outdoor areas, inside speakers directed toward the interior of the restaurant, decks closed and cleared by 11 p.m., and a fence and landscaping barrier between the restaurant and adjoining residential property. 

Additionally, the restaurant must follow all town code requirements and acquire all necessary state and town licenses.

In July, Steve “Monty” Montgomery first introduced plans for the new restaurant. To expand the restaurant kitchen, Montgomery and co-owners purchased an adjacent property at 26 Bellevue St., which was later rezoned from residential to business, and the two properties were consolidated.

Assistant Town Manager Jim Dedes said plans now call for the Hammerheads building and the residential cottage on Bellevue Street to be demolished, and the property will go from nonconforming use to conforming use, and will meet all required setbacks. The new restaurant will be constructed in a consistent manner to what was originally proposed.

A link to the meeting is available at townofdeweybeach.com.