Four-slip dock proposed for Lewes-Rehoboth Canal near Rehoboth

A four-slip community docking facility has been proposed along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, near the Rehoboth Beach wastewater treatment facility on Roosevelt Street.

The state’s Wetlands and Waterways Section issued a public notice July 2 for the proposed dock. According to a permit application, the facility is for residents of Tradewinds Grove Condominiums and would include a 4-foot-wide, 12-foot-long pier; a 6-foot-wide, 99-foot-long fixed dock; three boat lifts that are 12 feet by 12 feet; another fixed dock that is 6 feet wide and 40 feet long; a 4-foot-wide, 12-foot-long gangway; and a floating dock that’s 6 feet wide and 20 feet long.

The application also includes why each part of the facility is needed. 

The purpose of the pier is to provide access to the proposed dock. The purpose of the 99-foot-long dock and three boat lifts is to provide a berthing facility for three vessels, which the application says will most likely be pontoon boats that will be owned by three members of the condominium association.

The purpose of the 33-foot-long common dock is to provide a dedicated slip for any of the four other members of the condominium association. The purpose of the ramp/gangway and kayak dock is to provide docking/launching facilities for kayaks and other non-motorized vessels.

Proposed materials include salt-treated wood, galvanized hardware and aluminum/steel lifts. There are water and electric lines proposed. According to the application, no more than one motorized vessel will be moored temporarily at the common dock, and no more than four motorized vessels will be allowed to moor at the docking facility. 

Access to the community is off Route 1, at the end of Bay Road, just after passing the canal bridge outside city limits. The back of the community is close to the canal, but it’s also close to the city’s wastewater treatment facility at the end of Roosevelt Street. The community’s property line abuts the property line of the treatment facility. To access the dock, users will have to cross Roosevelt Street.

The Wetlands and Waterways Section is accepting public comment on the application until Tuesday, July 22.

Lynne Coan, city spokesperson, said the city is evaluating the application and will submit feedback to the state if needed.

“We have been in contact with representatives from Tradewinds,” said Coan. “We do not have an issue with the location of the dock, but do have some concerns – pedestrian safety in the area, for example – and will work with the applicant to address them.”

The canal and its banks are owned and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The applicants received a letter June 30 from the Army Corps granting permission for construction of the facility.

According to the letter, no in-water work can take place between March 1 and Sept. 30, and the approval is good until Dec. 31, 2030. Waterborne equipment associated with construction, such as barges, must float at all stages of the tide.

To submit all written comments and a meritorious request for a public hearing, email Wetlands_LegalNotice@Delaware.gov. For more information, contact the Wetlands and Waterways Section by emailing Wetlands_LegalNotice@delaware.gov or by calling 302-739-9943.