Henlopen Acres sets Jan. 24 public hearing on new CDP
Following a review by town commissioners, a public hearing has been set for 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24, on Henlopen Acres’ 2024 comprehensive development plan.
Members of the planning commission began working on the state-mandated plan in August 2023. Town commissioners got their first formal look at the 49-page document during a meeting Dec. 13.
Planning commission Chair Lee Raesly oversaw the discussion at the meeting by reviewing the document’s executive summary:
• Town boundaries have been revised to reflect the annexation of the eastern bank of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in June 1973, adding 15.7 acres for a total town area of 173.8 acres
• Recognizes the challenge with finding the balance between the change in the housing stock and keeping the town’s character
• There are now changes recommended in the relationship between the town and Rehoboth Art League
• Includes a new sections on the 13-acre Block W beachfront area, with a recommendation that the beach jetty for Block W is maintained and that area’s natural habitat be preserved
• Includes a new section on Sandy Bottoms and recommends maintenance dredging on a regular basis
• Recommends that the town continue periodic marina dredging
• Recommends the town consider the selection of a preferred trash company to provide service to residents at a reduced rate to reduce large vehicles on the roads and that the town purchase electric-powered equipment
• Recommends looking at the water supply to make sure its safe for residents and whether a small number of larger wells would be better than the existing 11 wells that are located in close proximity to houses
• There’s interest in making sure a forested piece of state-owned land in Rehoboth Beach across from the entrance to Deauville Beach remains forested.
There was some discussion among commissioners, but no one had any real issues with the document. The consensus among the group was that the document was well done and ready for public comment.
The public hearing will take place at town hall, 104 Tidewaters, but there is also a Zoom option available. For more information on the document or how to participate remotely, contact Town Manager Anna Fagan at 302-227-6411 or townmgr@henlopenacres.com.
Possible changes to residency requirements for candidates
Henlopen Acres is exploring changes to residency requirements for candidates considering a run for town commissioner.
The board of commissioners comprises seven members. A minimum of four have to be residents. During the town’s recent election, there were questions about the eligibility of an individual to run for commissioner because their ownership was through an LLC.
Mayor Joni Reich said the town is looking into possible changes because commissioners have expressed the desire to have more written guidance about how to judge the candidacy of persons to be a resident commissioner, given that many owners have two residences – one in Henlopen Acres and one elsewhere. The phrase, "bona fide resident" is used in the charter, but there is not an expansive definition of what that means, Reich said.
In addition, said Reich, the commissioners wanted greater clarity around when owners in artificial entities, such as trusts and LLCs, could be a candidate.
The town’s attorney Glenn Mandalas presented some clarifying criteria at the Dec. 13 meeting, but no decisions were made and the issue will be addressed again at the meeting set for Friday, Jan. 10.
