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.
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Congratulations to Yadiel Meléndez, on their new role as Community Associate, with the Wanda Alston Foundation. Meléndez is piloting a new role as a Community Associate at the Wanda Alston Foundation, where they support queer and trans young people in finding their footing, building independence, and experiencing a housing community where they are seen, valued, and affirmed. They are coming into this role with more than a decade of experience as a community organizer and operations specialist, supporting diverse communities through service, advocacy, and program coordination.
Previously they worked for Right Proper Brewing Shaw as a server and bartender and at Sephora, Washington, DC, and at FreshFarm, DC, in bilingual food access. They also worked freelance to build foundational structures for local queer BIPOC performance art coalitions, producing variety shows to curate space for marginalized performance artists in the community. They were a production manager for Haus of Hart Productions, a BIPOC centric performance art production. They also worked as field staff with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Stafford, Va.
Meléndez is bilingual, Spanish and English. Their work is guided by a commitment to dignity, safety, and trauma-informed engagement, particularly within LGBTQ and BIPOC communities.
Congratulations also to Ben Rosen LICSW, on his new role as program director, with the Wanda Alston Foundation. Rosen previously worked with Fountain House’s OnRamps program, helping to build a new, innovative outreach program for individuals considered chronically homeless, and living with serious mental illness, in the Times Square area of New York. Rosen is a Psychotherapist, having worked with SG Psychotherapy, and as the psychotherapist with the Nest Community Health Center (URAM).
Rosen has a B.F.A. in Theatre Arts: Musical Theatre, Minor in Psychology (Cum Laude) from Malloy University Conservatory; and his M.S.W. in Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups, from The Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, N.Y. He is independently licensed in New York and Washington, D.C.
Rehoboth Beach
BLUF leather social set for April 10 in Rehoboth
Attendees encouraged to wear appropriate gear
Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach hosts a monthly leather happy hour. April’s edition is scheduled for Friday, April 10, 5-7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear appropriate gear. The event is billed as an official event of BLUF, the free community group for men interested in leather. After happy hour, the attendees are encouraged to reconvene at Local Bootlegging Company for dinner, which allows cigar smoking. There’s no cover charge for either event.
District of Columbia
Celebrations of life planned for Sean Bartel
Two memorial events scheduled in D.C.
Two celebrations of life are planned for Sean Christopher Bartel, 48, who was found deceased on a hiking trail in Argentina on or around March 15. Bartel began his career as a television news reporter and news anchor at stations in Louisville, Ky., and Evansville, Ind., before serving as Senior Video Producer for the D.C.-based International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union from 2013 to 2024.
A memorial gathering is planned for Friday, April 10, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the IBEW International Office (900 7th St., N.W.), according to a statement by the DC Gay Flag Football League, where Bartel was a longtime member. A celebration of life is planned that same evening, 6-8 p.m. at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.).
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Comings & Goings
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Calendar: April 10-16
BLUF leather social set for April 10 in Rehoboth
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