A week of big local news

What a week for big local news.

First, Chancery Court Judge Joseph Slights ruled that Sussex Council must rehear the zoning change application for the Overbrook Town Center shopping complex. Sussex Council members voted 4-1 several months back to deny the zoning change for the project. The developers took that decision to court.
Slights ruled that comments accompanying the no votes were inadequate for a coherent and informed record. Now another public hearing must be held at the council level followed by another vote.

One new council member is involved this time around. I.G. Burton won the seat held by Joan Deaver, who retired. As a Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission member, Burton voted against approval of the zoning change.

The new hearing process will take time and money, but if that's what it takes to get the final vote right, then so be it.

The second big news was Sam Cooper's loss to Paul Kuhns in the Rehoboth mayoral election. Cooper ran for his 10th three-year term, but was beaten handily by Kuhns. Rehoboth's voters clearly wanted change, and Kuhns, a veteran Rehoboth commissioner, brought a strong candidacy.

We wish Mayor Kuhns great success in his new role. He has lots of strong human resources to call on in Rehoboth Beach to help guide informed and enlightened decision-making. He has pledged to draw on those resources to revitalize committees that have not been active over the past few years.

To Sam Cooper, we extend sincere and deep thanks for his strong role in maintaining and improving Rehoboth Beach's status as Delaware's premier resort, and a great city for residents and visitors. Mayor Cooper brought lifelong Rehoboth Beach values and common sense to his decision-making and administration. These decades under Mayor Cooper's leadership have overall been a positive time for the city.

His defeat marks the end of an era, but he is leaving a solid foundation on which his successor can build.