Dewey Beach officials have taken key steps in planning for the town’s future, approving its Fiscal Year 2026 budget and committing funds to crucial flood mitigation projects.
Budget Approval and Contingencies
During the February 21st town council meeting, officials tentatively approved the FY 2026 operating and capital expenditures budget.
However, final adjustments will depend on surplus funds from FY 2025. If funds fall short, a revised capital expenditure budget will be presented.
Additionally, projected expenditures for 2027 and 2028 remain flexible, with final funding decisions to be made at the end of each preceding year.
Flood Mitigation Investments
Recognizing the need for flood prevention, council members approved funding for two significant projects:
- The Jersey Street flood mitigation project
- A $50,000 allocation for flood mitigation efforts on Van Dyke Avenue
The Jersey Street project focuses on installing storm drains to alleviate standing water, which currently damages roads and floods properties.
The Van Dyke Avenue project aims to resolve persistent flooding in the vicinity of the Hyatt hotel. This will involve the removal of hazardous beach pipes and a concurrent assessment of water quality.
These initiatives are crucial for protecting infrastructure, improving resident safety, and preserving the environmental health of the area by directly combating the detrimental effects of flooding.
Ordinance Updates and Community Impact
The council also approved several draft ordinances, including:
- A requirement for residential structures to have a 2-foot freeboard, with optional additional height based on town restrictions
- An increase in the dry floodproofing requirement for commercial buildings from 12 inches to 24 inches
- Updated regulations for mailbox installations and placement
- Adjustments to parking ticket fees, including changes to late fees and accrual timeframes
Upcoming Events and Business Expansions
In addition to infrastructure and regulatory changes, the council approved temporary expansion applications for The Starboard, a popular local establishment.
Events benefiting from the expansions include:
- Starboard Opening Weekend (that just passed last weekend, March 14-16)
- Running of the Bull (June 28)
- Dewey Goes Pink (October 3-4)
These events continue to be major attractions for the community and local businesses. For more details on Dewey Beach’s latest decisions and upcoming projects, follow our blog for updates!
Source: Cape Gazette