News Briefs 1/12/21

January 12, 2021

Rehoboth environment committee to meet

The Rehoboth Beach Law Oversight Committee has scheduled an online meeting for 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 14. The agenda calls for continued discussion on single-use plastics and creation of a sustainable action plan.

Those wishing to speak must preregister with City Secretary Ann Womack at least two days prior to the meeting by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com. Meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Special Rehoboth budget workshop set

Rehoboth Beach commissioners have scheduled their second budget meeting regarding Fiscal Year 2020-21 for 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 15. The agenda calls for continued discussion of City Manager Sharon Lynn’s draft budget and the city’s 5-year capital improvement program. Lynn introduced a balanced $26.8 million budget to commissioners Jan. 4. Included in that amount is approximately $4.9 million in capital improvements. As of now, there have been no proposed fee or tax increases. The new budget begins April 1. Historically, commissioners approve the budget during the commissioner meeting in March. Those wishing to speak during the meeting must preregister with City Secretary Ann Womack at least two days in advance by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com. Meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Rehoboth commissioner meeting set Jan. 15

Rehoboth Beach commissioners have scheduled an online workshop for 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 15. The agenda calls for setting public hearings related to changes in the calculation of gross floor area and changes to the wireless facilities ordinance. The agenda also calls for consideration of amendments to the city’s fats, oils and grease ordinance, and its code related to solid waste.

Lewes annexation subcommittee to meet

The annexation subcommittee of the Lewes Planning Commission will meet virtually at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12. The group will review the city’s annexation zones. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Dutchman’s Harvest public hearing set

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a virtual public hearing at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 13, regarding the proposed Dutchman’s Harvest workforce housing project on Savannah Road. The revised plan calls for 140 units in 10 buildings. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes Finance Committee to meet

The Lewes Finance Committee will meet virtually at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 14. The group will receive a presentation from the city’s investment advisor who will review the city’s investments. The agenda also calls for a discussion on the city’s financial statements and budget, current and anticipated capital projects, financial policy statements, inventory/asset management tracking best practices and the fiscal year 2021 budget. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes Beach Parking Committee to meet

The Lewes Beach Parking Committee will meet virtually at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14. The group will consider a parking permit system for Lewes Beach. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

African American committee to meet

The research committee of the Lewes African American Heritage Commission will meet virtually at 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 15. The group will discuss a variety of topics including historic submission forms, waiver forms, oral history guide, bylaws, vision, goals and scope of responsibility. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

DMV reinstates Wednesday evening hours

Starting Wednesday, Jan. 13, the Division of Motor Vehicles will change its operating hours for Wednesday only to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Because of public health risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, evening hours were discontinued in March. To enter the DMV, all visitors must wear a face covering, take a health screening and socially distance when feasible.

Reduced building occupancy capacity of 30 percent is still in effect. Many DMV transactions can be completed online at myDMV.delaware.gov.

Radish Road closure continues in Millsboro

Radish Road, between Handy Road and Route 113, Millsboro, will remain closed for the installation of a storm drain for the Adlerleaf Meadow Phase I development until 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 18. Residents will have access, but may need to take the posted detour route.

Sussex meeting Jan. 21 at Delaware Tech

Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission will have its first off-site meeting at 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, in Room 540 of the Carter Partnership Center at Delaware Technical Community College, 21179 College Drive, Georgetown. The larger site will be used by the commission and Sussex County Council to accommodate more in-person attendance at public hearings. Council chambers is limited to 30 attendees due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.

Included on the agenda are three applications for a proposed residential/commercial project at 30511 Cave Neck Road on the northwest corner of the Route 1/Cave Neck Road intersection between Lewes and Milton. Chappell Farm LLC has filed for a conditional use for 128 multifamily units on a 6-acre parcel as well as rezoning from AR-1, agricultural-residential, to MR, medium-density residential, for the same parcel. In addition, the developer is seeking a rezoning from AR-1 to C-3, heavy commercial district, for an 8.5-acre parcel.

A hearing has also been scheduled for an application filed by Cardinal Grove for a cluster subdivision containing 98 single-family lots on 49 acres on the west side of Beaver Dam Road near the Fisher Road intersection near Lewes.

Information on the applications is available at sussexcountyde.gov or by calling 302-855-7878 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

RD20 Democratic Committee Caucus set

The Representative District 20 Democratic Committee will hold a virtual caucus to elect all new committee members starting at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, using Zoom. Any registered Democrat residing in District 20 may attend and participate in the election. A business meeting to elect new RD20 officers will immediately follow the caucus. Elected committee persons will serve four-year terms; they are expected to attend meetings and party functions, and perform other tasks and duties. To be nominated, a candidate must be a registered Democrat residing within the RD20 boundaries for at least one year prior to the caucus date, and must attend the caucus. Attendees must email rd20.deldems@gmail.com to receive a link to the registration page or call 302-703-9095.