Henlopen Acres Mayor Joni Reich steps down

After more than a decade as an elected official in Henlopen Acres, Mayor Joni Reich has announced her resignation. She informed her fellow commissioners and constituents July 16.

“I have enjoyed serving the town since 2014, however I do not support the current direction of the board to more heavily regulate and restrict residents on their properties and instead favor more measured and cooperative steps with owners to promote our tree canopy,” said Reich, in letter to residents.

Due in large part to properties with older homes being sold and then removed for larger homes, the loss of canopy trees in Henlopen Acres has been a concern for many residents for years. Recognizing the town's changing treescape, town officials have been discussing in earnest how to better preserve the tree canopy on private property since spring. The issue mainly boils down to having strict restrictions for all property owners or creating some restrictions for current owners, but more strict rules for new construction. 

In advance of any specific code changes, the town issued a moratorium on severely cutting back, topping, damaging or removing canopy trees in the setback areas of residential lots. It has been extended twice, most recently during a meeting July 11, through to the end of January 2026.

“At this time, I do not believe I can make further contributions to the board,” said Reich, in her letter. “I also do not wish to play a lead role implementing a policy that I strongly disagree with, and for those reasons, I am stepping aside. In my view, there is no evidence of a widespread problem of residents acting irresponsibly with respect to their trees. Residents, in my experience, have been excellent stewards of their property, including their trees, and will work cooperatively with the town to achieve our tree canopy goals. I also believe that new residents building a home will do so as well if new guidelines are put in place that foster a win-win solution.”

Reich has been a commissioner since 2014 and mayor since May 2018. She would have been up for re-election next year. 

In an email July 17, Reich laid out the path forward for the town to fill her vacant seat. She said Commissioner Tim Hidell, who was president pro tempore, is now acting mayor and will serve in that role until the commissioners appoint a new mayor for a one-year term. That is typically done at the organizational meeting of the town, which is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12.

Commissioners have the ability to appoint a new commissioner to the one year remaining in her term, which may be done at any time at a noticed meeting, said Reich.

Reich’s departure means the town’s board of commissioners will definitely have at least two new commissioners in the near future. The town’s municipal election is Saturday, Aug. 30. There are three candidates – sitting Commissioner Jeffrey Jacobs, resident Lee Raisley and nonresident Alex Jacobs – vying for two seats.