News Briefs 3-8-22

14th RD Democrats to meet March 9

The 14th RD Delaware Democratic Party Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, via Zoom. Jacob Wasserman of U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester's team will discuss All Things LBR, with committee business to follow. All registered Democrats are invited to join the committee meeting; there is no charge to participate. The committee represents Democrats who live in communities surrounding Lewes, down to the southern border of Dewey Beach and west to Angola. For the Zoom link to join to meeting, email lesliecalman@gmail.com. To learn more, go to 14thRDDelDems.com.

Rehoboth Beach recognized again as a Tree City USA

For the 31st time, Rehoboth Beach has earned recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA. Also, the city has once again received the foundation’s Growth Award for continuous improvement to its urban forestry program.

“These national recognitions from the Arbor Day Foundation are perennial in Rehoboth Beach, but that doesn’t mean that we take them – or our trees – for granted,” said Arborist Liz Lingo in a prepared statement. “The city’s commitment to tree canopy preservation, maintenance and planting are critical to safeguarding Rehoboth’s wooded seaside character, which is so highly valued by our residents and visitors.”

Rehoboth is one of 3,600 communities across the country that qualify for Tree City USA designation by meeting four program requirements: having a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Growth Award recognizes communities that demonstrate year-over-year increasing levels of tree care and community engagement.

Variance application withdrawn for 80 Oak

A variance application submitted by the property owners of 80 Oak Ave. requesting the allowance of an 18-inch-tall retaining wall along the western prong of Lake Gerar has been withdrawn.

During a Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment meeting Feb. 28, the attorney representing the property owners said a landscape plan is in the final stages of being completed. As part of those plans, the wall is not needed, he said.

Rehoboth commission approves removal of Laurel Street tree

During a Feb. 28 meeting, the Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission approved the removal of one 20-inch diameter pear street tree located between the sidewalk and the curb adjacent to 317 Laurel St. The homeowner is required to plant two trees, each 1.5 inches in diameter, on their property.

Rehoboth green infrastructure committee to meet

The Rehoboth Beach Trees & Green Infrastructure Committee will meet virtually at 10 a.m., Friday, March 11. The agenda calls for continued discussion on mapping of the commemorative tree program and tree selection for a city-wide tree tour.

People wishing to speak must preregister by emailing City Secretary Ann Womack, awomack@cityofrehoboth.com, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Henlopen Acres commissioner meeting March 11

Henlopen Acres commissioners will meet at 10 a.m., Friday, March 11. A copy of the agenda and more information are available on the town’s website at henlopenacres.delaware.gov.

Lewes resiliency committee meets March 8

The Lewes Executive Committee on Resiliency will meet via Zoom at 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 8. The group will receive a presentation from Bethany Beach officials regarding its storm emergency relief fund. The committee will then have a general discussion about a framework for uses of a resiliency fund. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net. 

Lewes beach parking hearing March 10

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 10, at the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center and via Zoom. The purpose of the meeting is to get feedback on several items related to beach parking. Items to be discussed include metered parking at Roosevelt Inlet, allowing reserved spaces in front of homes without off-street parking, parking on paper streets, and consistent signage to designate no parking and emergency access streets. A link is on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net. 

Lewes budget meeting set March 11

Lewes Mayor and City Council will meet at 9:30 a.m., Friday, March 11, to finish work on the fiscal year 2023 budget. The meeting will be held in person at city hall and via Zoom. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.