Developer Unveils New Plan for Ruddertowne

WBOC 16 News, FOX 21 News

DEWEY BEACH, Del.- A company planning to redevelop the southern portion of Ruddertowne unveiled new plans to turn the complex into a “condo-hotel.”

A standing-room-only crowd attended Friday evening’s meeting of the Ruddertowne Architectural Committee. Harvey, Hanna and Associates Inc. showed off a proposal for a 6-story building with a first floor made up of commercial properties.

Shawn Tucker, a lawyer for the company, says the goal is to turn the property into a 5-star destination.

Originally, current owner Highway One planned to demolish the complex and turn it into townhouses. Town leaders worried they would lose their commercial anchor, but Harvey, Hanna and Associates stepped into the picture in May. The company is under contract to take over the southern part of the complex, which includes the Lighthouse and Crabber’s Cove.

One town leader says the proposed plan must first win residents’ approval.

“This is our largest commercial district,” said Dewey Beach mayor Dell Tush, “and we really need to preserve it if possible. Unfortunately, the problem is we have so many people that do not want to go any higher than that 35 foot limit,” referring to current town regulations.

But the new developers say they are confident they can win the public over. “I don’t really think there’s as much controversy as people perceive,” said Tucker. “I know we won’t convince everybody, but I think we’ll convince a majority this is a wonderful thing for Dewey B