Coastal Point • RUSLANA LAMBERT A heron takes off for flight near Bear Trap earlier this week.

Coastal Point viewpoint 01.20.06

County adopts housing regulation
It’s been more than a year in the making, but the county’s Moderately-Priced Housing Unit (MPHU) program is now official.

Fenwick residents split on home size, coverage ordinance
Some Fenwick Islanders in attendance at last weekend’s special council meeting (Jan. 14) were already steamed over new state regulations that would limit homeowners’ ability to build on the seaward (and apparently, bayward) side of their lots.

Beach-use regs to get another hearing
Owners of beachfront property in Delaware may be able to breathe a slight sigh of relief this week, with the news that any further action on draft state beach-use regulations will be delayed until after at least one more public hearing or workshop — likely in May or June. And some compromises on the draft language may be in the works.

County P&Z considers cluster subdivision
“We have only two hearings tonight, but at least one of them promises to be rather lengthy.”

Cluster ordinance debated by planners
Following a 3.5-hour hearing on the application for the Isaacs Glen cluster subdivision, deliberation on the proposed amendments to the county’s cluster-subdivision ordinance took a comparatively brief period — only 90 minutes. But it also ended in a deferment by the commissioners, for further study and tweaking of the proposed amendments that were designed to avoid a “density bonus” and other perceived flaws in the original language.

Bethany moves to alter parking, driveway regs
Bethany Beach’s somewhat notorious — and yet relatively unknown — ordinance requiring the registration of driveways with the town may be on its way out. The recommendation to drop the rule came from the town’s Traffic and Parking Committee at its Jan. 14 meeting.

GUEST COLUMN--Make the choice to make a difference to a kid
Throughout the state of Delaware, there are an approximate 17,000 children who could benefit from having a mentoring relationship. These children are in need of a positive role model and attention from someone they can trust.

CIB advises South Bethany on stormwater
Center for the Inland Bays (CIB) staff members have wrapped up study of add-on pollution filters for a stormwater management system in South Bethany – and word is they just don’t work in the field.

The Agenda

Scientists study oxygen levels in Pepper Creek
Pepper Creek, or Pepper’s Creek, depending on who you’re talking to — developers along the headwaters (which originate somewhere west of Dagsboro) have latched onto this charming appellation.

Bethany to get taste of Big Easy
New Orleans may still be deep in the process of recovering from last summer’s devastating hurricanes, but local musician Don Sharp is aiming to bring a bit of Big Easy flavor to the Bethany Beach Town Hall next week, with a performance of his Jazz Pioneers and their New Orleans-style jazz music.

County debates changes to zoning code
Discussions on a proposed ordinance that would close the existing Commercial (C-1) district and establish a new, Commercial-Residential (CR-1) district generated sparks at the Jan. 17 Sussex County Council meeting, with Council Member George Cole back on the defensive.

Emergency Response
“You’ll Never Be Home Alone.” So states Swann Keys resident Ron Finelli’s business card, and he takes it to heart. He started up his Advanced Alert business about a year ago, providing G&E CareGard systems for seniors, recuperating post-op patients or anyone interested in comprehensive security.

Rembert's buzzer-beater lifts Indians
Indian River’s junior varsity basketball team started its northern conference bid on a high note by beating 6-3 Polytech at home 45-42 on Jan. 17, which extended their current winning streak to four games. Tyshun Rembert snatched victory fwhen he stroked his fifth consecutive three-pointer for the game-winner against Milford on Jan. 13.

Lady Indians follow Graves' example
It’s been tough going for the Lady Indians basketball team this season. They held Milford within their grasp but gave way 47-40 on Jan. 12 and since have lost two games, to St. Thomas More and Polytech (51-28 and 39-28, respectively). That whittled their record to 1-10, but the team is trooping forward nonetheless.

Indian River lets Polytech pull away
Polytech had only a four-point third-quarter lead, but Indian River High School’s basketball team would get no closer. They hounded the Indian ball-handlers for 23 turnovers and beat Indian River at their own game — hustling.

Indians grapplers suffer first loss of season
Each season is marked by wins and losses and Jan. 10 marked the first loss for Indian River’s wrestling program this season. Indian River fell to conference titan Smyrna 46-26 and Caravel 40-30. State champion Andy Bokinsky lost his first match of season to Luke Robertus. But that’s OK, according to Head Coach Jeff Windish.