News Briefs 2/10/26
Kayak launch dock proposed for canal
The Grande at Canal Pointe Maintenance Corporation has submitted an application to construct a community kayak launch dock on the west shoreline of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.
According to a public notice issued Jan. 28 by the state’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, the proposed project is on the east side of Gloucester Drive on community open space within the existing Grande at Canal Pointe community.
This project design would consist of a 3-by-73-foot elevated wetland walkway, a 4-by-6-foot access pier, a 4-by-20-foot aluminum ramp, a 6-by-6-foot floating dock, an 8-by-30-foot floating dock, and a 4-by-5-foot kayak launch cradle.
Comments concerning this application will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 27. Comments may be sent to: DNREC Coastal Programs, Jesse Hayden, Administrator, 100 W. Water St., Suite 7B, Dover, DE 19904, or via email to DNREC_DCP_PublicComment@delaware.gov. For submission materials and more information, go to de.gov/dnrecnotices or call 302-739-9283.
Lewes groups to meet Wednesday, Feb. 11
The Lewes Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission will meet at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, at city hall.
Members will hear a presentation on a new Delaware Geological Survey and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control study of nearshore wave action and impact on sand movement and beach changes.
The Lewes Fourth Street Preserve Subcommittee will meet at 2 p.m. in the same location.
Its agenda includes discussion and possible action on the concept design for the three bridges and possible rail designs.
See the agendas and meeting links for both sessions at lewes.civicweb.net.
Dewey town council meeting set Feb. 13
Dewey Beach Town Council will hold several public hearings and a meeting starting at 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13, at the town lifesaving station.
Two draft ordinances will be discussed during the hearings: one to amend the town code relating to building height regulations for pre-FIRM structures in flood hazard areas, and one to amend the code to establish a minimum number of trees required for new construction or redevelopment projects.
A third public hearing will center around an application submitted by The Starboard owner Steve Montgomery for temporary expansion of premises for the following events: opening weekend and St. Patrick’s Day, from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15; Running of the Bull, Saturday, June 27; and Dewey Goes Pink, from Friday, Oct. 2 through Saturday, Oct. 3.
The regular meeting agenda includes discussion and possible action on numerous resolutions, including those to amend the FY 2026 budget, approve the FY 2027 budget and approve an employment contract with the chief of police.
The commissioners will also discuss and possibly take action on a number of ordinances, including those to amend town code relating to parking rates and the hours during which parking fees are in effect; license fees; the beach assessment tax rate; requirements for property maintenance and penalties for violations; and stormwater runoff, guttering and downspouts.
Commissioners will also review the town’s January financials and discuss amendments to its building permit requirements.
See the full agenda and meeting link at townofdeweybeach.gov.
RD 20 Democrats to meet Feb. 19
The Delaware 20th Representative District Democratic Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19.
An informal social gathering for Dutch treat dinner starts at 5 p.m.
Rep. Alonna Berry, D-Milton, will be the guest speaker.
RD20 is the local Democratic Party organization for residents in Lewes, Milton, Nassau, Pinetown, Belltown, and sections of Harbeson and Georgetown. Any registered Democrat in Delaware is welcome to participate in RD20’s social hour and business meeting.
RSVP is required at rd20deldems.com and the location will be provided.
Requests due Feb. 20 for lakes, canal funds
The Delaware Community Foundation will accept applications for grants from the Rehoboth Lakes Fund, and the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal Fund through Friday, Feb. 20. These funds provide grants to charitable organizations that support scientific, historical, cultural and artistic research, education, promotion and publication related to these Sussex County waterways.
The Rehoboth Lakes Fund was established by Save Our Lakes Alliance 3.
To ensure the long-term strength and impact of the fund, the alliance transitioned its grant-making program to the DCF.
The fund supports projects benefiting Silver Lake, Lake Comegys and Lake Gerar in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Sussex County.
The Lewes and Rehoboth Canal Fund was established by the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association. When the association concluded its operations in 2022, it entrusted funds to the DCF to continue supporting projects benefiting the canal and the surrounding community. One of the association’s notable achievements was the dock constructed along the canal at Rehoboth Avenue.
The fund benefits programs focusing on the canal, defined as from Roosevelt Inlet in Lewes at the north to the outlet near Dewey Beach emptying into Rehoboth Bay at the south.
“The DCF is proud to support the missions of the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association and Save Our Lakes Alliance 3,” said Mike DiPaolo, vice president for philanthropy and Southern Delaware. “Anyone who calls Southern Delaware home knows that our waterways are woven into the fabric of our culture.”
Organizations can learn more about the Rehoboth Lakes Fund and the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal Fund, including how to apply, at delcf.org/grants.
