Local
Rehoboth approves rules on lot size for new homes
Complaints followed construction of large beach houses
A referendum on zoning restrictions has roiled Rehoboth since summer. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — After a contentious fight that pitted neighbor against neighbor, voters here supported the controversial decision of the Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners to regulate lot size and coverage for homes in the community by a vote of 785 to 697.
For more than two years, discussions were held on how to handle the trend of replacing small beach cottages with homes with as many as eight bedrooms as residents living near the large homes complained about parking, congestion and noise. Some felt the homes were being operated as mini-hotels to accommodate crowds of summer visitors.
The city held 18 hearings before voting 6-1 in July to adopt zoning restrictions to limit Floor-to-Area Ratio (FAR), increase natural area and reduce lot coverage.
A petition drive provided enough signatures to mandate a referendum on the issue, as opponents of the new zoning ordinance felt the restrictions denied property rights to those who owned land in the city.
Groups on both sides of the referendum poured money and wrote dozens of letters to local newspapers to express their views. Proponents formed Rehoboth Neighbors United, and those who opposed formed another group, One Rehoboth Moving Together.
Interest in the outcome was so high that 845 individuals cast absentee ballots, which, according to Rehoboth Beach Solicitor, Glen Mandalas, was the most ever as it averages fewer than 360. Also, more than 300 new people registered to vote on the referendum.
Gene Lawson, an attorney who played an active role in getting the issue on the ballot, stated that although he is disappointed in the outcome, “what our side did to get to referendum was just short of a miracle.” He noted, “we registered many new voters who will help elect more favorable commissioners in the future.”
Rehoboth Neighbors United, in a press statement following the announcement of the election results stated, “This issue brought together a remarkable coalition of citizens committed to the protection of the traditional and unique character of our city.” They intend to work with city officials “to ensure that the regulation of over-development and commercialization in our neighborhood is appropriate, fair and effective.”
Lawson asserted in a letter sent to the Rehoboth Beach mayor and commissioners, as well as to a local newspaper that peace can be accomplished, “by implementing the citizen working group that was discussed during several of the workshops.” He further stated that the Commission needs to fix the deficiencies that they admitted exist in the new ordinance.
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours
D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.
In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.
Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.
According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.
The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.
Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.
It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.
Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)
A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.
The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert
A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.
The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.
Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.
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