Lewes planners recommend approval of hotel site plan
The Lewes Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the preliminary site plan for the proposed Beach House of Lewes Hotel.
Commissioners attached conditions before voting Nov. 1, including changing the architecture to fit more of a Delaware coastal style.
They also want the owners to add more landscaping and canopy trees, environmentally friendly lighting and additional parking, with a parking lot made of pervious materials.
The vote also included the recommendation of two waiver requests: one to eliminate a loading space, the other for a reduction in the size of the corridor buffer on Savannah Road.
The commission held a public hearing for the preliminary site plan Oct. 18. At that session, commissioners received a detailed presentation on the project. Neighbors also spoke in favor of the project.
Owners Jim and Jana Owen plan to build a 16-room hotel, with a detached coffee house, on the property at 209 E. Savannah Road, the former location of the 2 Dips ice cream shop.
The hotel would be a little less than 10,000 square feet, while the coffee house is 862.5 square feet.
Jim Owen said the hotel will be designed for longer stays, with larger rooms, and washers and dryers.
The Owens currently own and operate the Savannah Inn at 330 Savannah Road.
