Ellen Driscoll

Oct 26, 2024 | capegazette.com | Ellen Driscoll

To prevent the potential loss of control of a Dewey Beach landmark, Town Manager Bill Zolper has worked with state officials for more than a year to transfer to the town the property upon which the lifesaving station sits. “After what happened down in Rehoboth with Deauville Beach going back to the state when the city decided they didn’t want to pay what the state was asking, I was thinking, could the same thing happen here?” Zolper said at the Oct. 18 commissioners meeting.

Oct 25, 2024 | capegazette.com | Ellen Driscoll

When Dewey Beach officials return a Humvee to the military Monday, Oct. 28, the town will have dispensed with the last remaining item obtained through its participation in the Law Enforcement Support Office program. Police Chief Constance Speake said officers have not used the Humvee in the nearly two years she has overseen the department. The town had been an active participant in the federal surplus equipment program since at least 1999.

Oct 10, 2024 | capegazette.com | Ellen Driscoll

A move to waive a requirement that property owners replace felled trees in certain cases met the ax in Dewey Beach, where commissioners tabled a draft ordinance that would have provided that authority during the permit approval process. In February 2023, commissioners voted unanimously to clarify the existing tree ordinance with requirements for replacing removed trees and to increase penalties for the illegal removal of trees.

Oct 5, 2024 | capegazette.com | Ellen Driscoll

Event planners in Dewey Beach need only apply for a temporary expansion of premises 45 days in advance after unanimous commissioner approval Sept. 20. Some restaurateurs were unaware of the 90-day application submission deadline, Mayor Bill Stevens said, which was in place to ensure the town has sufficient resources and there are no competing events when the use of police and public property is requested.

Oct 4, 2024 | capegazette.com | Ellen Driscoll

Following up on public concerns voiced about pedestrian safety, Dewey Beach officials outlined results of a subsequent survey requesting input on the topic at their Sept. 20 monthly meeting. In June, residents detailed close calls with inattentive drivers. The town issued the survey to residents requesting suggestions, and more than 300 people responded, said Town Manager Bill Zolper. Overall, respondents said the town has done a good job implementing safety measures, he said, but issues remain.