News Briefs 11/23/18

DNREC to offer free admission to state parks Nov. 23
DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, and Recreational Equipment Inc. invite the public to #OptOutside this Black Friday, by visiting Delaware State Parks. This year, visitors can enjoy free entry to state parks Nov. 23. The Opt Outside movement, started by REI in 2015, encourages families and friends across the nation to ditch the retail madness and get outdoors on Black Friday. The 16 million-member outdoor co-op sets an example by shutting its doors and giving its 12,000 employees a paid day off. Go to www.destateparks.com for park locations and more fun ideas on how to get outside on Black Friday.

“The Opt Outside event is now a tradition at Delaware state parks, and the numbers of visitors are increasing each year,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Between the Brandywine Zoo and our parks across the state, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Those willing to forgo shopping and opt instead for a day of hiking, biking, and adventuring will find more than 150 miles of trails to explore throughout Delaware, spectacular locations for bird and wildlife watching, scenic beaches, and much more.”

Nassau applications on Sussex agenda Nov. 27
Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is possible action on an ordinance to amend how subdivision density is calculated by removing state wetlands from the formula. Council is also expected to vote on adopting the 2018 comprehensive plan. Among public hearings at the meeting are three applications filed by Nassau DE Acquisition Co. LLC for two rezonings and a conditional use for multifamily housing and commercial use on a parcel near the intersection of Route 1 and Old Mill Road, north of Lewes. Public hearings get underway at 1:30 p.m. See a complete agenda at sussexcountyde.gov.

Rehoboth board meeting set with county Nov. 26
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners has scheduled a special meeting with Sussex County officials at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 26, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for a discuss related to a county sewer distribution system to include the city’s wastewater treatment plant. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.

Rehoboth shade tree commission to meet Nov. 26
The Rehoboth Beach Parks & Shade Tree Commission has scheduled a meeting for 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 26, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for a hearing on the removal of a tree at 17 Stockley St. that is between the sidewalk and curb, and in the area of a new driveway. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.

The Village to benefit from Chicks for Charity Nov. 27
The members of Chicks for Charity of Southern Delaware have named the Greater Lewes Community Village the beneficiary of a dinner at Irish Eyes on Angler’s Road  in Lewes Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m. Founded in 2010 by Kari Ainsworth and Marcie Urgo, Chicks for Charity organizes dinners to raise money for community agencies that help meet the needs of those who are underserved in Sussex County.

The full buffet dinner in the restaurant’s second-floor private Lewes Room, accessible by elevator, includes entrée, dessert, coffee and tea. A cash bar will be available. Cost is $30 per person, payable by cash only at the door. The Village gets a portion of the dinner revenue.

Executive Director Jackie Sullivan said Chicks for Charity reached out to The Village. “They had heard about us and wanted to offer us this opportunity,” she said. “We have assembled baskets for a raffle, whose contents range from merchandise and gift cards from local businesses, to preassembled gift bags. Silent auction items include art, a Delaware sunset photo from Village volunteer Randy Roberts, a bed and breakfast certificate, dinners at restaurants and a beach house stay,” she said.  Reservations are requested by emailing chicksdinner@gmail.com.

Milton Sustainability Committee to meet Nov. 27
Milton Sustainability Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Milton library to review the committee’s fiscal year 2019 budget. The committee will also consider a proposal submitted by the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland.

Brittingham property developer sets meeting Nov. 26
Joseph Setting of Setting Properties Inc., the developer of the 34-acre Brittingham property on New Road in Lewes, will hold a meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 26, at the Lewes Public Library to discuss his plans for the property. The developer has announced his plans to build up to 90 townhouses on the property. Lewes Mayor and City Council unanimously voted in favor of annexation of the property Nov. 13. Before breaking ground, Setting must first receive subdivision approval from the city’s planning commission and city council.

Lewes beach parking group to meet Nov. 27
The Lewes Beach Parking Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, at city hall. The group will discuss scooter parking and a future joint meeting with the downtown parking group. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.

New Road Master Plan workshop set Nov. 27
The public is invited to learn about and comment on a master plan for New Road in Lewes from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Cape Henlopen High School. The workshop will include time to review displays describing the initial set of concepts and recommendations under consideration. A formal presentation will be held at 5:30 p.m. Questions and open discussion will follow.

The project is a collaboration among the City of Lewes, Sussex County and the Department of Transportation. The master plan will help define the future character of New Road in the face of changing land use, flooding and drainage problems, nonmotorized accessibility and recreational opportunities. The plan will include context-sensitive design approaches that could be incorporated throughout the corridor to address planned projects along New Road.

New Road is one of six roads in the Historic Lewes Byway, which was designated in 2015. More information about the master plan can be found at www.lardnerklein.com/new-road-corridor-master-plan.html. 

Lewes planners to meet Nov. 27
The Lewes Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, at city hall. The group will discuss the future land-use map and continue work on updating most zoning areas in the city as part of the implementation of the 2015 comprehensive plan. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.

Eastern Sussex Democrats set party Dec. 5
The  Eastern Sussex Democratic Club and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long are hosting the ESDC’s 2018 annual Holiday Party at Kings Creek Country Club, Rehoboth Beach, Wednesday, Dec.  5, from 5 to 9 p.m. For the cost of $35 per person, revelers will be able to enjoy a sumptuous and varied buffet of Chef Phil’s renowned cuisine, and the festive holiday decor that makes Kings Creek Country Club particularly warm and welcoming during the holiday season. ESDC President Lise Haupt is looking forward to topping off a successful year for the ESDC with a very special holiday party. “Let all of us make this an occasion to celebrate our friendship,” she said. The party is open to all members of the Democratic Party. For more information or to RSVP by Nov. 30, contact Haupt at liseshaupt@yahoo.com.

Water protection subcommittee to meet Nov. 29
The Source Water Assessment Plan Subcommittee of the Source Water Assessment and Protection Program will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, in the Training Room of Tidewater Utilities, 1100 South Little Creek Road, Dover. The SWAP Subcommittee’s meeting agenda can be found on the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar at https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/Meeting/60721. For more information go to www.delawaresourcewater.org, or contact Source Water Program hydrologist Douglas Rambo at 302-739-9945.

Rehoboth’s Perry earns technician certification
Rehoboth Beach Permit Coordinator Joanne Perry has received her permit technician certification through the International Code Council. Certification requires knowledge in the international building code, legal aspects, zone and site development, plans and documents, and successfully passing an exam administered by the ICC. In a statement Nov. 9, Perry said she is appreciative of the support from the city, building and licensing department, and her family and friends.

“The education I’ve received with this certification helps to serve the citizens of Rehoboth Beach better,” said Perry, who also holds a property maintenance certification. For more information about the building and licensing department, go to www.cityofrehoboth.com or call 302-227-6181 Ext. 222.