Share: 

Outdoor patio planned for Nalu in Dewey

Dewey planning commissioners recommend Ohana demolition
August 16, 2019

Nalu in Dewey Beach may soon have an outdoor patio, thanks to a recommendation from Dewey planning and zoning commissioners. Commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 8 to recommend town council approve an amendment of an existing conditional-use permit held by Regan Derrickson. 

Derrickson, owner of Nalu and adjacent Ponos, wants to demolish the Ponos building, known as Ohana, and replace it with an outside patio connected to Nalu. After commissioners expressed some concern about outdoor speakers on the patio, Derrickson said Nalu has never had a noise complaint in 12 years of operation.

Derrickson said more speakers will keep the overall volume down. He said he would place one speaker in each of the patio’s four corners, and that music would be turned off at 11 p.m. when the patio will close. By demolishing Ohana and combining the two properties into one parcel, Derrickson had to add 14 parking spaces in the back of the property to meet parking requirements. 

Assistant Town Manager Jim Dedes confirmed plans met all setbacks for the RB 2 District, and town consultant David Naples of Code Solutions International said plans conformed to building code requirements.

Town counsel Fred Townsend said every restaurant in Dewey is treated as a conditional use, and commissioners can impose conditions and change conditions in the future if needed.

Speaking during the public hearing, Commissioner Dale Cooke compared the proposed deck to the patio approved for Grotto’s years ago. About 50 conditions were put on by planning and zoning, he said, which have not been held in compliance by the town.

Planning Commissioner Rick Judge said conditions are important to protect the town and business. “Regan has run a good show for 12 years, but whatever conditions are put on it, if he were to sell it tomorrow to somebody else, those conditions would be as loose for the next owner,” Judge said.

Chair Mike Harmer said too many conditions would simply be rules the town doesn’t have time to enforce. He proposed conditions that the patio must close and outside speakers be turned off at 11 p.m., and that smoking be prohibited.

Commissioner Marty Seitz’s motion to recommend approval of the application with Harmer’s conditions and Nalu’s existing condition that the windows facing Route 1 must be closed at 11 p.m. passed unanimously. 

Town council is expected to make a decision on the application at the Friday, Sept. 13 meeting.

 

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter