News Briefs 10/12/21

BoA case in Rehoboth appealed to state

A lawsuit questioning the Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment upholding the city building inspector’s interpretation of gross floor area has been appealed to the Delaware Supreme Court. Filed by attorney David Hutt on behalf of Jack Lingo Asset Management and Sussex Exchange Properties, the suit deals with the question of what constitutes the exterior face of an exterior wall. In mid-August, Superior Court Judge Mark H. Conner ruled the board of adjustment was correct.

Rehoboth meeting set Oct. 15

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will meet virtually at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, with an anchor location of Rehoboth Beach City Hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for a public hearing on proposed changes to how gross floor area is calculated in the commercial district. The agenda also includes a permit of compliance hearing to modify the floor plan of an existing restaurant known as Kiwi’s Kove & Tiki Hut, 101 North Boardwalk. People wishing to speak must preregister by emailing City Secretary Ann Womack, awomack@cityofrehoboth.com, at least 24 hours before the meeting. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Street paving in Rehoboth set to begin

Rehoboth Beach’s annual street paving is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 18. Initial work will include water main replacement in the second block of Olive Avenue and curb/sidewalk work on other streets; asphalt paving will likely be done in mid-November.

At a price of approximately $643,000, the city has contracted with George & Lynch to perform work on the following streets – Lake Drive, from Scarborough Avenue to Bayard Avenue; Martin’s Lane, from Christian Street to the library; Olive Avenue, from the Boardwalk to Second Street; Stockley Street Extended, from State Road to the end; and Surf Avenue, from Columbia Avenue to Lake Avenue.

In addition, the water main will be replaced on Olive Avenue between First and Second streets. Resident access to homes will be maintained at all times. Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Pending weather, work is expected to be completed by the end of November. For more information, email the communications department at information@rehobothbeach.com or call 302-227-6181, Ext. 522.

Lewes Mayor and City Council meets Oct. 14

Lewes Mayor and City Council will continue its Oct. 11 regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 14, at the Rollins Community Center and via Zoom. Officials will consider extending a moratorium on enforcement of certain sections of city code for properties located between the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and the Delaware Bay until February 2022 to allow for public review of a draft ordinance. Council will consider action on the planning commission’s recommendation to deny the plan for the Fisher’s Cove major subdivision off Rodney Avenue. They will also discuss a memorandum of agreement with DART for the installation of a bus shelter along Savannah Road at Zwaanendael Park, consider a plan for staff to work on regulations related to short-term rentals, discuss possible action on the implementation of a wayfinding plan, and consider a request for a land swap near the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Freeman Highway. 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 at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 13, at city hall and via Zoom. The group will discuss the city’s financial statements, investments and budget; review current city fees and charges; and review a recent discussion on short-term rentals. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Dewey commissioners meet Oct. 15

Dewey Beach commissioners will hold an executive session and town meeting Friday, Oct. 15, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. The executive session, which is closed to the public, begins at 10 a.m., during which time commissioners will discuss personnel matters and site acquisitions for any publicly funded capital improvements, or sales or leases of real property. Open session will convene at 11 a.m. Commissioners will possibly vote to approve committee chairs, members and commissioner liaisons. Other possible votes include ordinances to amend parking fines and penalties, and beach assessment tax collection; to increase the rate of the lodging tax and its effective date; and to amend the weekly parking permit rate from $75 to $90. Commissioners may also vote to approve $30,000 to be utilized toward hiring an architect to work on future town hall and police department building plans. The full agenda and a link to allow the public to watch and comment virtually are available at townofdeweybeach.com. Future town meetings will take place at 4 p.m. on the third Friday of every month.

Dewey planners to meet Oct. 22

The Dewey Beach Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 22 at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. A public hearing will be held regarding amending town code by adding a new section relating to wireless facilities and draft design standards. Planners will possibly vote to make a recommendation about the draft ordinance to town commissioners. The full agenda and a link to allow the public to watch and comment virtually are available at townofdeweybeach.com.

Park Avenue project workshop Oct. 13

The Delaware Department of Transportation is seeking public input on the proposed widening of Park Avenue – Route 9 truck route – to accommodate turn lanes and shoulders from west of Cedar Lane to Route 9 near Georgetown. The project also includes widening along Route 9 and Shingle Point Road to accommodate turn lanes. The workshop will update the public on the final design and construction schedule. Display plans and project information will be provided for review and comment. Attendees will also have the option to download materials from the site.

The public will be able to access the site and provide comments for a 30-day period that began Sept. 27. A live virtual workshop will take place at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 13, followed by an online question-and-answer session. 

Meet and greet Dewey Beach town leaders set Oct. 16

The public is invited to a casual meet-and-greet opportunity with Town of Dewey Beach department heads at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave.

 The event will be hosted by the Dewey Beach Civic League and will include the town manager, assistant town manager, building officials and representatives from Dewey Beach Patrol, maintenance, front office, finance and parking departments. For details, call 302-727-5587.