Rehoboth Beach’s first director of planning and community development, Mary Ellen Gray, has stepped down from her role after less than 18 months on the job.
Hired in October 2023 by former City Manager Laurence Christian, Gray’s departure was not publicly announced by the city.
Leadership Transition
Gray’s last day was March 12th, and the city is currently re-evaluating the position.
Assistant City Manager Evan Miller introduced Corey Shinko, assistant building inspector, as interim director during a planning commission meeting on March 14.
The city has not disclosed the reason for Gray’s departure, and Mayor Stan Mills declined to comment, stating that staffing decisions fall under the city manager’s purview.
Timing and Policy Changes
Gray’s departure came just one day after city commissioners voted to transfer interpretive authority over the site-plan review process from Gray’s building and licensing department to the planning commission.
This issue had been debated for over a year prior to this change.
While Gray did not speak at the March 11th meeting when the decision was made, she previously voiced her opinion in the January 23rd special meeting held, advocating for building and licensing to retain that authority.
Ultimately, city commissioners sided with the planning commission.
Future of City Planning Initiatives
One of Gray’s key responsibilities was overseeing the city’s mixed-use task force, which was formed to provide recommendations on mixed-use development regulations.
The task force held its first meeting on February 27th and was scheduled to meet again on March 26th. Nothing further has been established at this time.
Despite Gray’s departure, the initiative will continue under the leadership of Nick Walls from Wallace-Montgomery, according to city spokesperson Lynne Coan.
As the city evaluates next steps for the planning and community development department, it remains to be seen what changes will be implemented in the wake of Gray’s departure.
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Source: Cape Gazette