Opportunities deserve open minds, creative thinking

Many significant residential and commercial proposals in the Cape Region are making their way through the approval process. The decisions and how we approach these projects will set the tone for how Sussex advances over the next 25 years.

In each of these proposals, especially those seeking rezonings, questions that must be asked and answered include what needs do they address, what improvements to the neighborhoods and economy of Sussex County do they bring, and are there planning and resources in place to ensure that traffic flow will not only be sustained, but actually improved?

In Rehoboth Beach, Dogfish seeks to demolish its existing and woefully dated structure to build a new and enlarged facility. Since the proposal exceeds the square footage allowed for restaurants, Dogfish sought, and was denied, a zoning variance by the Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment. The board makes technical decisions, not political ones.

It ruled that Dogfish did not meet the narrowly defined tests required for a variance. Dogfish has asked the board for a second hearing .

Dogfish has a record of bringing quality enterprises that have improved the communities in which they operate - Lewes, Milton and Rehoboth Beach - with good jobs, responsible operations and cultural diversity. Rehoboth Beach leaders should be sitting down with Dogfish to determine how the city can help bring the proposed first-class pub to fruition and further improve the west end of Rehoboth Avenue’s commercial district.

The Village Center proposal outside Lewes may present a similar opportunity. The developers are heavily invested in the community, are reaching out to address many needs, and are committed to new urban-planning principles that encourage connectivity, and walking and bicycling as major forms of transportation. There are implications for open space preservation, well-field protection and establishing a boulevard along Kings Highway that can be pursued for the benefit of all.

These are organic decisions and opportunities deserving not closed minds and rigidity, but flexibility and creative thinking.