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.
District of Columbia
Blade welcomes fall intern
Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.
Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”
Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.
Rehoboth Beach
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance
Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.
Thursday (9/3)
Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.
After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Friday (9/4)
The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Saturday (9/5)
The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.
Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.
Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.
Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.
The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.
Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.
Sunday (9/6)
Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.
On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.
Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.
John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.
Monday (9/7)
The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.
Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.
Maryland
Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names
Conservative groups challenged system’s policy
By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.
Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”
Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.
The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
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