Rehoboth is making progress on updating its planning code, but some are concerned with the direction it's going.
Rehoboth hired Dover Kohl and Partners, a Miami, Florida based city planning company, to help with the planning code update process - but critics say their unfamiliarity with the city is problematic
Joe Kohl presented before council, seeking the go ahead for Phase 2 of the process, but Councilman Mark Saunders questions who the firm is communicating with on the project.
“I was just a little worried that your list of stakeholders had some gaps. I didn’t see anywhere where you’d be talking to our four [committees], we have four really great committees, and those people work with us every single day. I would insist that they be included.” he said.
Similar concerns were also voiced by Councilwoman Suzanne Goode.
“It’s not your fault- you can’t possibly learn about the layout of all our streets and all the different machinations. So, this charette you’re going to run, I’d like it to be run in a way that our administrative staff can take that over from you.” she said.
Kohl says Phase 2 will start with a charette planning session. It will seek as much public input as possible with the town’s committees included.
The proposed 5-day session will begin with the firm setting up a planning studio that’s open to the public for several hours each day.
Also planned are several public meetings with stakeholders, including arts and culture committees, the business community, and non-profit institutions.
Kohl notes one of the biggest concerns they’ve heard from the public is fear of losing Rehoboth’s uniqueness - specifically general opposition to large scale building and a preference for development that fits a small ocean-front town.
The exact time frame for the effort is not yet planned, but Dover Kohl says it won’t happen for at least the next six weeks.
