Events on campus last week kicked off the global proceedings, which will include representatives from the Water Center at Penn, Penn Carey Law School, and the School of Arts & Sciences.
Friday, February 12, 2021
Lewes Beach residents used their opportunity to speak at a May 3 public hearing to discourage mayor and city council from passing two controversial ordinances aimed at addressing sea-level rise and source water protection.
The ordinances could be considered for a vote by council as early as Monday, May 17; however, Mayor Ted Becker hedged by saying the May 8 election could affect council’s readiness to move forward.
While many residents agreed with the spirit of the ordinances, they said the new regulations would hinder their property rights and significantly impact property values on Lewes Beach.
The Sussex County Association of Realtors joined with residents in opposition, submitting a letter opposing both proposed ordinances on the basis that they infringe on property rights for about 1,200 property owners.
Friday, February 12, 2021
The Lewes Planning Commission is recommending the maximum lot coverage for properties within the defined excellent recharge area be capped at 50 percent.
The proposed ordinance would apply to all properties – regardless of their zoning – within the overlay area, which comprises much of Lewes Beach and most of Gills Neck Road.
The existing ordinance, which was adopted in 2008, allows a maximum of 20 percent lot coverage on all properties within the excellent recharge area, as defined by the state. Applicants can increase lot coverage to 50 percent with an environmental impact assessment report that shows post-development water recharge will be no less than pre-development recharge.