The Delmar Council (Del.) unanimously approved a site plan for a Starbucks to be constructed in the parking lot of the State Line Plaza, in front of the Edward Jones office. The conditional approval requires the plaza’s revised parking to meet the code or a variance will be required.
The original site plan for the State Line Plaza, approved in 1990, required 333 spaces and the developers provided 363 wakes. An addition to Food Lion in 2003 increased the required parking spaces to 396 and 491 were provided. The Starbucks will take away 29 parking spaces, leaving an extra 66 spaces.
The plan originally included a Dunkin Donuts store, rather than a Starbucks. The 2,500 square foot store will be comparable in size to the Salisbury Starbucks store. The developers are looking to break ground between March and April.
The council also voted, 5-0, to accept the Planning and Zoning Commission’s favorable recommendation for two signs at the entrance of Yorkshire Estates.
Police Chief Ivan Barkley reported that the department is in the recruiting process and will begin the testing phase next month. He added that he has 14 applicants and should be able to fill all open positions.
Barkley also said Corporal Keith Heacook is a candidate for a posthumous honor from a VFW in Georgetown, as officer of the year. Barkley is also hopeful that Heacook’s name will be added to the wall of fallen officers in Washington, D.C. in May.
Town Manager Sara Bynum-King said she has interviewed individuals for public works director’s position and will also be interviewing for labor positions in the department.
At the beginning of the meeting, the town made a presentation to the six-time state champion Delmar field hockey team. “You made our town, our community so proud. When you win, we also win,” said Delmar (Del.) Mayor Michael Houlihan, who was joined by Delmar (Md.) Mayor Benjamin Jorden.
Delmar High School will present The Wizard of Oz on Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 5 at 1 and 7 p.m.
The town’s first budget workshop will take place March 1. Bynum-King, also reported that town hall will be closed on President’s Day.
