News Briefs 4/28/26

Lewes art group to meet April 29

The Lewes Public Art Committee will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, in the Rollins Center.

The agenda includes discussion and possible action regarding the 2026 public art installation.

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

Lewes ordinance panel to meet

The Lewes Ordinance Review Ad Hoc Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, at city hall.

The agenda includes discussion and possible action regarding proposed revisions to floodplain definitions of substantial damage and substantial improvement. 

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

Dewey BoA hearings set April 30

The Dewey Beach Board of Adjustment will hold two public hearings starting at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at the town lifesaving station.

Both hearing requests were submitted by lawyer Veronica Faust for 101 Carolina St.

The first hearing is on a request for an appeal from the building official’s interpretation that town code prohibits construction of a 4.5-foot pool safety fence in the 18-foot front-yard setback. 

The second hearing is on a request for a special yard exception from town code to allow the construction of a 4.5-foot pool safety fence in the 18-foot front-yard setback. 

See the agenda and virtual meeting link at townofdeweybeach.gov/meetings.

Chamber to hold shredding May 1

The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with WSFS Bank and Delmarva Shredding, will host their annual Shredding Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, May 1, at WSFS Bank, 19335 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. This event is rain or shine. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. Donations will benefit the RBDBCC Event Fund.

Any paper-based printed material is welcome for on-site shredding and disposal. Staples, rubber bands, paper clips, binder clips, etc., should be removed before shredding. Materials must be removed from three-ring binders and bags before shredding.

For more information, call the chamber at 302-227-2233.

Forest service to mark Arbor Day May 1

Arbor Day is celebrated annually on the last Friday in April, serving as a reminder of the vital role trees play in improving air and water quality, supporting wildlife habitat, strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life for all Delawareans. 

Delaware’s official Arbor Day celebration will be held Friday, May 1, at the Lewes Public Library, where the Delaware Forest Service will recognize student winners of the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.

This year’s contest, themed Trees are Terrific… for People and Places, highlights the creativity and environmental awareness of Delaware students in grades K–5. A total of 12 student winners representing communities across the state will be honored during the ceremony.

Special guest Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, will be on hand for the celebration. 

“Arbor Day is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a call to action,” said Lambe. “As our communities and ecosystems face growing environmental challenges, this holiday reminds us how important it is to care for the planet. We can all play a part in shaping a better future, and we’re grateful for the many tree champions who are stepping up to meet the moment. The local impact of organizations like the Delaware Forest Service helps drive the collective effort to grow and protect our nation’s forests.”

The annual celebration reinforces the importance of engaging the next generation in conservation and stewardship while recognizing the vital role trees play in everyday life.

Lewes parking meters start May 1

Lewes parking meters will go into effect Friday, May 1.

Mayor and city council approved increases at all meters as part of the FY27 budget.

Downtown meters will now be $2 per hour, and those at Johnnie Walker and Savannah beaches $3 per hour.

Meters will be enforced from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, until Sept. 30 at the beaches and until Oct. 14 downtown. For a list of free parking lots around the city, go to ci.lewes.de.us.

Substance use education forum set May 13

Be a Part of the Conversation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families and communities understand substance use, addiction and related health issues, will host a community-focused program from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. 

This interactive event will welcome friends, families and community members to come together for an open dialogue about substance use and recovery. Attendees will explore why addiction affects individuals differently, how to respond when concerned about a loved one, and ways to remove barriers to treatment and support. The program will also feature insights from individuals in recovery and families impacted by addiction, offering real-life perspectives to help foster understanding and connection.

Be a Part of the Conversation is dedicated to equipping families and communities with the tools, knowledge and support needed to address substance use and related mental health challenges while reducing stigma.

To learn more, go to conversation.zone.

Dewey taps IPA for comp plan

Dewey Beach Town Council passed a resolution April 17 to approve a contract with the Institute for Public Administration to assist in developing the town’s 2028 comprehensive plan.

The IPA is a research and public service center in the University of Delaware School of Public Policy & Administration.

The contract outlines a base scope of services, and the roles and responsibilities of both the town and the IPA. 

The project included in the base scope has a total cost of $39,500 and includes background data collection and mapping, citizen participation opportunities, several workgroup meetings, an online survey, virtual progress reports, presentations to both the Dewey Beach Planning & Zoning Commission and town council, a meeting with Preliminary Land Use Service, a public hearing, and plan adoption and certification.

Also, the contract lists additional options the town could include at an extra cost, as well as a few options the town could explore to reduce overall project cost.

To see a copy of the contract, view attachment D at townofdeweybeach.gov/events/43388.

See details about the town’s comprehensive plan at townofdeweybeach.gov/ComprehensivePlan. The comprehensive development plan committee website is townofdeweybeach.gov/departments/compplancommittee.