News Briefs 4/28/23

Twin Masts application withdrawn

The developer of the proposed Twin Masts subdivision along Round Pole Bridge Road near Milton has requested that the application be removed from the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission's April 27 agenda.

The commission was scheduled to vote on the subdivision application.

The 133-acre subdivision, with land adjacent to Route 1, included 249 single-family home lots.

During a March 9 public hearing, planning and zoning commissioners questioned the proposed site plan and the superior-design elements planned for the cluster subdivision.

The subdivision site plan included some lots on the flight path of the Hudson Aerodrome.

The commission had left the public record open to request additional information from Delaware Department of Transportation officials about a possible Route 1 entrance and an updated level-of-service report on Round Pole Bridge Road.

The developer can submit a revised plan at a future date.

Sussex sets budget workshop May 2

Sussex County Council will hold a fiscal year 2024 budget workshop at 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 2, at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, Georgetown. There will not be a regular meeting that week.

Sussex takes action to preserve land

Sussex County Council has received half reimbursement of $302,500 from the state’s Open Space Fund for a 45-acre tract along Conaway Road west of Millsboro. The county purchased the property for $605,000 to preserve it from development.

For another preserved 40-acre parcel known as the Dawson Tract along Route 24 near Millsboro, the county approved a $58,369 demolition contract to remove existing buildings. The property will be kept in a natural wooded state.

Sussex approves chemical purchases

During its April 25 meeting, Sussex County Council approved bids for two chemicals required for use at the county’s four wastewater treatment plants, including $355,350 for 150,000 gallons of sodium hypochlorite to Univar Solutions ($2.94 per gallon) and $163,500 for 50,000 gallons of magnesium hydroxide to Premier Magnesia ($3.27 per gallon).

Sussex awards nonprofit grants

Sussex County Council awarded the following councilmanic grants during its April 25 meeting: $500 to First State Community Action Agency for its community cleanup in Georgetown, $1,000 to Delaware Community Foundation for its Flags for Heroes project, and a $1,480 countywide youth grant to Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre for its summer outreach program.

Lewes BoA meeting slated for May 2

The Lewes Board of Adjustment will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 2, at city hall.

The agenda includes public hearings and possible votes on two variance requests regarding the driveway width at 22 Shipcarpenter Square and the side-yard setback at 111 Coleman Ave., and an appeal of a decision to deny a building permit at 307 Lightship Lane. Board members will also discuss and possibly vote regarding process, procedure and bylaws.

See the meeting agenda and link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes reviewing spa parking lot proposal

The Lewes Joint Site Development Ad Hoc Review Committee will meet at 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, at city hall.

The agenda includes a public hearing and possible recommendation to mayor and city council regarding site plans for construction of a parking lot at 423 Savannah Road, home to the recently opened Ebb + Flow holistic spa. The 1,550-square-foot building requires eight parking spaces, and plans call for eight, including one handicap-accessible space. No changes have been proposed to the commercial building.

Lewes approves Capes Cove waiver

The Capes Cove community along New Road had its pre-annexation waiver request granted April 10 by Lewes Mayor and City Council.

Capes Cove reached out to the Lewes Board of Public Works to obtain services after seeing sanitation service failures in its community.

BPW General Manager Austin Calaman said the State of Delaware will give 100% forgiveness for the water fees.

May 1 meeting canceled in Lewes

A Lewes Mayor and City Council special meeting set for Monday, May 1, has been canceled. The swearing-in ceremonies for Councilman Tim Ritzert and Councilman-elect Joe Elder will be rescheduled.

More information will be posted at lewes.civicweb.net.

Dewey Volunteer of Year is RBVFC

The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company was named the Town of Dewey Beach Volunteer of the Year by a unanimous commissioner vote April 21.

Dewey appoints committee members

Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously April 21 to reappoint Mark Nordquist to the planning and zoning commission for a three-year term, and to appoint David Vogt to the audit committee for a one-year term.

Dewey commissioners hire town auditor

Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously April 21 to hire Mitchell & Titus as the town auditor, as recommended by the audit committee.