News Briefs 7/16/24
Biden cuts Rehoboth visit short following Trump shooting
President Joe Biden delivered an address to the nation July 13 from the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, reacting to the shooting of former President Donald Trump.
Biden called the shooting “sick” and condemned political violence. Trump was shot in the ear Saturday afternoon during a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania.
The president’s motorcade arrived at the convention center from his home in North Shores just before 8 p.m.
Secret Service had set up a security perimeter around city hall and the convention center.
Pedestrians were kept from walking in front of the building and through the parking lot in the rear while the president was inside.
The president left through the police department’s portal around 8:20 p.m. The motorcade departed west on Rehoboth Avenue.
Lewes finance group to meet July 16
The Lewes Finance Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, at city hall.
The agenda includes a discussion of funding for the Lewes Fire Department.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Dewey infrastructure group meets July 18
The Dewey Beach Infrastructure Committee will meet at 3 p.m., Thursday, July 18, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave.
Remington and Vernick Engineers will provide an update on the installation and performance of the flaps installed for the stormwater outfalls on Read Avenue bayside, and the committee will discuss concerns about continued flooding.
For the full agenda and Zoom link, go to townofdeweybeach.com.
Lewes planners to meeting July 18
The Lewes Planning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, at the Rollins Center.
The panel will discuss a draft ordinance to amend driveway width rules on residential alleys and alley-like roadways.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes to hold public marijuana workshop
The City of Lewes will hold an informational public workshop on Delaware marijuana laws at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 18, at the Rollins Center.
State Marijuana Commissioner Rob Coupe will deliver a presentation on legislation and regulations.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Johnnie Walker beach panel to meet July 18
The Lewes Johnnie Walker Beach Subcommittee will meet at 5 p.m., Thursday, July 18, at city hall.
The panel will receive a report on findings from a ground-penetrating radar survey done earlier this year.
The Lewes African American Heritage Commission will hold its meeting immediately following the beach meeting.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Special Rehoboth commissioner meeting July 19
Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, July 19, in the city hall commissioners room, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for an executive session to discuss personnel matters in which the names, competency and abilities of individual employees are discussed.
A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. Only in-person attendees may make comments. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Rehoboth commissioner meeting July 19
Rehoboth Beach commissioners will meet at 2 p.m., Friday, July 19, in the city hall commissioners room, 229 Rehoboth Ave.
The agenda calls for a permit of compliance hearing for Semra's Mediterranean Grill at 19 Rehoboth Ave., a possible vote on code changes related to Deauville Beach, possible approval of change orders related to the Rehoboth Beach Patrol/public restroom facility project, and a possible vote to authorize a license agreement for Beach Boutique at 31 Rehoboth Ave. that would allow an awning to encroach over public space.
A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. Only in-person attendees may make comments.
For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Dewey commissioners to meet June 21
Dewey Beach commissioners will hold a public hearing and monthly meeting at 3 p.m., Friday, July 19, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Commissioners will hold public hearings and possible votes on a proposed expansion of a conditional use for Nalu, and on green space and stormwater runoff requirements. Commissioners may also vote to enforce head-in parking only in angled and perpendicular spaces, and to refer to the planning commission an ordinance regarding the freeboard height requirement.
For the full agenda, meeting materials and meeting link, go to townofdeweybeach.com.
Closures of Route 16 scheduled in July
Nightly closures of Route 16 west of Route 1 will occur from 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, through 7 a.m., Friday, July 19, for bridge construction. Nightly closures will also take place from 7 p.m., Monday, July 22, through 7 a.m., Wednesday, July 24.
Detours will be in place. Motorists eastbound on Route 16 to southbound Route 1 will use the new ramp. Drivers heading to eastbound Route 16 will U-turn using the Route 1 crossover to head north on Route 1, then turn right on Route 16 to continue eastbound.
Motorists westbound on Route 16 will turn right to head north on Route 1. Drivers continuing to westbound Route 16 will U-turn at the Route 1 crossover to head south on Route 1, then use the new ramp to Route 16.
Route 1 motorists traveling north through the intersection will not be impacted. Route 1 southbound motorists can expect nighttime lane closures from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday. The contractor continues work on Route 1 southbound pavement, embankment, bridge and two ramps.
Rehoboth encourages customers to irrigate on alternating days
In response to a record level of water usage and to help spread out the demand, Rehoboth Beach officials are encouraging customers to use their irrigation systems on alternating days – odd addresses on Monday, Wednesday, Friday; even addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. The city issued the notice on its Facebook page over July Fourth weekend.
A few days later, the city was continuing to ask customers to watch how much water they use. Just as electric companies sometimes ask customers to lower usage during peak times, this alternating irrigation helps spread out demand and encourages customers to think about conservation, said Lynne Coan, city spokesperson, in an email July 11.
Lewes BPW customers can get cash for old appliances
Efficiency Smart is offering Lewes Board of Public Works electric customers a $75 reward for responsibly recycling an eligible refrigerator, freezer, window air conditioner or dehumidifier.
Customers can schedule a free pickup of their appliances through Monday, Sept. 30.
All units must be in working condition. There is a limit of four appliances per household, per year.
Customers can schedule their free pickup by calling Efficiency Smart by calling 877-889-3777 or going to efficiencysmart.org/lewes-delaware and selecting Appliance Recycling Rewards.
OMC issues scam warning on social equity licensing
The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner has received reports of out-of-state entities contacting potential social equity applicants in Delaware. These entities may be trying to trick applicants into paying for help to secure a social equity license to open a marijuana-related business.
The OMC does not endorse these activities and is working with the Department of Justice and the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement to investigate these incidents. Legitimate help with the social equity licensing process is available from the OMC at no charge.
Delaware citizens can protect themselves from these scams by following a few simple tips. First, do not pay upfront fees for help obtaining a social equity license.
Beware of unsolicited calls, postcards or emails promising to guarantee a license. Trust official sources for information on social equity licensing; refer to the OMC website below or contact the office directly at 302-244-3622 for guidance.
Finally, be sure to consult with an attorney before signing any agreements or contracts.
Anyone who is contacted by an entity offering to help them secure a social equity license for a fee and has concerns about their techniques should report it to the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner at omc.delaware.gov.
