Fenwick Approves Motel Zoning Change, Then Enacts Two-Year Moratorium On New Projects

FENWICK ISLAND – In spite of public concerns, a protest petition and potential legal challenges, the Fenwick Island Town Council approved an ordinance that will allow the Sands Motel to be rebuilt and expanded.

Last Friday, Dec. 11, the town council voted 5-2 to approve an ordinance that would allow one room per 600 square feet at each of the town’s existing three hotels. The change will allow the Sands Motel, which is currently 38 rooms, to be rebuilt to include 65 rooms. The approval came in spite of concerns from Councilman Roy Williams, who voted against the code change with council member Julie Lee.

“There are three attorneys saying this could be a problem,” Williams said.

Williams said he’d heard from two residents who were attorneys as well as from Max Walton, a lawyer who represents resident Richard Benn. All three have questioned whether the ordinance meets Delaware code, which requires uniformity among buildings throughout a particular zoning district.

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