News Briefs 3/17/23

Lewes to discuss bicycle master plan March 20

The Lewes Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss the bicycle master plan at 12:30 p.m., Monday, March 20, at city hall.

See the special meeting agenda and link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes parks and rec meeting March 20

The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 20, at the Rollins Center. The agenda includes updates on the public art committee, Friends of Canalfront Park and the community garden, and a presentation and possible vote on content updates to the Parks and Marina Page at ci.lewes.de.us. Patrick Olsen of Distinctive Landscaping LLC will discuss the new landscaping contract recently awarded to his business. See the meeting agenda and link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes to help fund economics study

At a March 13 meeting, Lewes Mayor and City Council agreed to help pay costs for a coastal economics study.

Delaware’s Coastal Economy: Contribution, Risks, and Opportunities is an update to a 2012 report that produced estimates of how much Delaware’s coast contributed to the state economy. Caitlin Wilson, a PhD student in the University of Delaware’s Marine Policy program, and Dr. James Rising, assistant professor at the UD School of Marine Science & Policy, will develop the report. An initial report draft is expected by about April 17, and feedback from coastal communities will be solicited. With help from Delaware Sea Grant, the final report is expected by late May/early June.

Mayor and city council agreed to contribute up to $5,000. The Town of Bethany Beach funded roughly $20,000 and is looking for other Alliance of Coastal Towns members to share the cost.

Stacked parking legalized in Lewes

During its March 13 meeting, Lewes Mayor and City Council voted to remove the prohibition on stacked parking from city code. Recent discussions had revealed several code and charter items that members agreed they would like to clarify and if necessary rectify. Stacked parking, meaning vehicles could not be parked so that one blocked another’s exit from the parking area, had a clear consensus for removal. Another area of concern was the prohibition on doing vehicle work or repairs in off-street parking areas.

A clause was inserted in code to acknowledge that officials are aware of the confusion and will not enforce certain sections until they have discussed and rewritten the problematic code.

Bike racks locked in at Lewes Beach

Lewes Mayor and City Council during their March 13 meeting unanimously approved recommendations from the bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee regarding placement and location of bike racks along Lewes Beach. Committee member Chip Davis presented the proposal and showed where racks would be placed on West Canal Street, and Bayview, Oregon and Michigan avenues.

Officials are still working on designs, but have said the racks will accommodate larger wheel sizes.

Lewes affordable housing workshop set March 21

The City of Lewes will host an affordable housing workshop at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, at the Rollins Center.

Mayor and city council and the Lewes Planning Commission will work with a panel of housing professionals and local employers to better understand housing affordability challenges, learn about state and county efforts to address them, and discuss strategies Lewes can implement.

See the workshop agenda and link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Property rezoning approved in Dewey 

At the March 10 commissioners meeting, Dewey Beach Assistant Town Manager Jim Dedes said the property rezoning request for 100 Buena Road was reviewed and unanimously approved Feb. 22 by the Office of State Planning Coordination. Following a recommendation from the Dewey Beach Planning & Zoning Commission, town commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 13 to approve an ordinance to rezone the property from business to residential. Dedes said the Town of Dewey Beach comprehensive map will be changed when he receives the appropriate paperwork. 

Sussex council meeting March 21

Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 21, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is a discussion and possible introduction of an ordinance related to amenities within residential developments. A full agenda and meeting materials are available at sussexcountyde.gov/agendas-minutes/county-council. Meetings are held in person, livestreamed at sussexcountyde.gov/council-chamber-broadcast, and available by phone at 302-394-5036 using code 570176.

Hilovsky sets constituent coffee March 23

Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck, will hold his first constituent coffee meeting from 8 to 9 a.m., Thursday, March 23, at Delaware State Police Troop 7, 19444 Mulberry Knoll Road, Lewes.

Hilovsky will brief attendees about recent happenings at Legislative Hall, discuss what he is doing to meet constituents’ needs, and take questions about state government issues.

Free coffee will be provided.