News Briefs 2/2/21

Giles named new beach patrol captain

Rehoboth Beach announced Jan. 28 that Jeffrey Giles, a 30-year veteran of the Delaware State Police, has been named as the new beach patrol captain.

Giles, a Delaware native, held several DSP leadership positions, including supervising the maritime and scuba units. He also served on the safety committee for the annual Special Olympics Delaware Lewes Polar Bear Plunge that takes place in Rehoboth Beach.

Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Keith Banks said Giles served five summers as a member of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, including as a lieutenant, before he was with the state police.

“As a longtime professional in law enforcement, he brings extensive background in homeland security, emergency management, and training and education, which supports our goal in maintaining our community as a safe and welcoming one,” said Banks in a prepared statement.

Giles said he is honored to be chosen for the position. 

“The beach patrol meant so much to me and helped me in my career to fulfill my dreams,” said Giles. “Now, it is my turn to give back.”

Giles officially took command as captain Monday, Feb. 1.

Rehoboth streets committee to meet

The Rehoboth Beach Streets and Transportation Committee has scheduled a virtual meeting for 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 4.

The agenda calls for discussions on bike safety measures at the city’s gateways, position of street crossing warnings on State Road, an intra-city on-demand shuttle, and a bike-share program for Grove Park.

Anyone wishing to speak must preregister with City Secretary Ann Womack at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Rehoboth to resume Clear Space hearing

The Rehoboth Beach Planning Commission will resume the public hearing for Clear Space Theatre Company at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5. The theater has proposed a two-building complex for 413, 415 and 417 Rehoboth Ave.

Anyone wishing to speak must preregister with City Secretary Ann Womack at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com.

A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Lewes historic preservation to meet

The Lewes Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission will meet virtually at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2. The group will consider a request by Coastal Cottage Renovations for the renovation of an existing accessory structure at 372 Pilottown Road. Commissioners will also discuss a request for renovations to the Preservation Forge property at 114 W. Third St. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net. 

Lewes Beach Parking Committee meets Feb. 3

The Lewes Beach Parking Committee will meet virtually at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3, to finalize its report to mayor and city council. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net. 

Lewes Mayor and City Council meet Feb. 4

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a virtual workshop at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, to discuss the changes between the 2012 and 2018 International Building Code, including a discussion about the residential fire suppression requirement. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net. 

Lewes annexation committee meets Feb. 4

Lewes Mayor and City Council’s committee on the annexation of 1145 Savannah Road will meet virtually at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 4.

A microbrewery is proposed for the property, but it would first have to be annexed and assigned to a zone. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net. 

Lewes budget meetings begin Feb. 5

Lewes Mayor and City Council will kick off budget meetings for fiscal year 2021-22 at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5. In the first meeting, council will get an overview of the draft budget, staffing requests and other budget issues. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net. 

SDARJ to host town hall Feb. 9

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, in partnership with the New Castle County League of Women Voters, will present Racism and Housing Part II: Why Fair Housing Matters at a town hall meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, via Zoom.

 A panel of experts will examine the acute shortage of affordable housing opportunities and the racial injustices that contribute to severely constrained housing choices that perpetuate segregation and poverty. The panel will be moderated by Melody Taylor, regional director, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Panelists include Katie Millard, director of development and advocacy, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity; Sara Pratt, attorney with Relman and Colfax and former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development deputy assistant secretary for fair housing enforcement and programs; and Sarah Watson, associate counsel for the Fair Housing and Community Development Project - Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights.

To register for the webinar, go to housing2.eventbrite.com or go to www.sdarj.org for more information.

Canalside Inn applies for liquor license

Rehoboth Beach’s Canalside Inn, 34 6th St., has applied for a liquor license. Under the name BKD Partners LLC, the application was submitted to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner Dec. 29.

The application has three requests – to receive a hotel liquor license, to be able to serve alcohol on Sundays, and to use patio space.

Individuals concerned about the potential license can voice their concerns to the ABCC commissioner.

The commissioner is required to hold a hearing if he receives one or more documents containing at least 10 signatures of residents or property owners located within one mile of the property.

To file an objection to the granting of this license, write to the ABCC commissioner at the Carvel State Office Building, 820 North French St., Third Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801.

For more information, call the commissioner’s office at 302-577-5222.

Sussex County applies to build pump stations

Sussex County has applied with Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Water to build two pump stations.

The first notice was published Dec. 27 and calls for the pump station to serve Wolfe Runne, which is south of Gills Neck Road and approximately two miles southeast of Lewes.

The second notice was published Dec. 30 and calls for a pump station to serve the Herring Creek Sanitary Sewer District.

For more information on either project, go to the public notice section of dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov.