News Briefs 12/29/20

Lewes City Hall, BPW closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1

The offices of Lewes City Hall and the Lewes Board of Public Works will be closed Thursday, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 1, in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday. Although offices remain closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff will resume their normal duties Monday, Jan. 4. 

Rehoboth approves removal of two trees

The Rehoboth Beach Parks & Shade Tree Commission approved the removal of two trees during a meeting Dec. 21.

Beginning with a request by James Williamson, owner of the property at 119 Columbia Ave., the commission voted 3-2 in favor of allowing the removal of an oak tree from his front yard. City Arborist Elizabeth Lingo had denied the application, but commissioners decided to approve it because Williamson would still have more than the minimum number of trees required on the property. The second case was brought forward by Charles Nannicola, owner of 344 Hickman St., who requested the removal of one pear tree located between the sidewalk and curb in front of the house. The commission voted 5-0 in favor of allowing the tree removal.

In a housekeeping measure, the commission also voted in favor of changing its meeting time from 11 a.m. on the third Monday of each month to 10 a.m. on the third Monday of each month.

Tanger expansion parcel subdivision approved

At its Dec. 17 meeting, Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a three-lot subdivision for a 10-acre parcel adjacent to Tanger Outlets Seaside off Route 1 and Holland Glade Road. Developer Coroc/Rehoboth III LLC, a subsidiary of Tanger Factory Outlets, has plans for a Microtel hotel and fitness center, but retail space is not planned. The property was rezoned from AR-1, agricultural-residential, to C-3, heavy commercial district, in April with the stipulation that access to the Junction and Breakwater Trail be maintained. Site plans for the parcel are subject to review by the planning and zoning commission.

Sussex P&Z approves various site plans

At its Dec. 10 meeting, Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission approved the following applications:

• A revised preliminary site plan for Plover Point, a 147 single-family lot subdivision on 60 acres on the east side of Oak Orchard Road. The revised plan includes the addition of stormwater ponds along the frontage of the property, a reduction of 92 lots and removal of Scarlett Drive, and the addition of cul-de-sacs on Chestnut Drive. The final site plan is subject to review by the planning and zoning commission.

• A preliminary site plan for Seaglass at Rehoboth, a 224-unit apartment complex on 19 acres along Route 24 adjacent to the Beebe medical complex. The site plan includes 448 parking spaces, a clubhouse, pool, tot lot and dog park. The final site plan is subject to review by the planning and zoning commission.

• A preliminary site plan for Quality Care Homes for a home construction business with offices and light outdoor storage at 20366 Hopkins Road near Lewes. The final site plan is subject to review by the planning and zoning commission.

• A rezoning from AR-1, agricultural-residential, to C-2, medium commercial district, for a 2.5-acre parcel on the north side of Route 9 near Josephs Road west of Lewes. The application was filed by Preston and Mason Dyer. The developers have plans to build medical offices on the site and provide access to the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail.

Sussex County Council will have a hearing at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 5, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.