Dewey Beach Community Turns Out To
See
The Future of Ruddertowne
Harvey, Hanna and Associates details
plans to transform Dewey Beach into year-round
family destination, with positive economic impact for
the town
Dewey Beach, DE (July 21, 2007)- Sharing
their vision to help preserve Ruddertowne and transform
Dewey Beach into a prosperous, year-round family resort
destination, representatives of Harvey Hanna & Assoc.,
Inc. (HHA) met today with more than 100 members of the
community at a breakfast workshop at the Ruddertowne Bay
Center.
In a comprehensive, one-hour visual
presentation, Harvey Hanna & Assoc., Inc. representative
Shawn Tucker, Esq. detailed the concept plan for the Ruddertowne
Redevelopment project, which if approved, will help prevent
this landmark property from being demolished and replaced
with 48 townhouse units.
The concept plan for the project
calls for retaining Crabbers Cove, the Lighthouse Restaurant,
and the Bay Center, as well as an expanded Bay Center,
with a new Convention Center, additional retail, a "funland",
and upscale restaurants, three levels of parking and a
120-unit, five-star, full service hotel/condominium. The
redevelopment plan also incorporates such community amenities
as a bay boardwalk, welcome center, public boat slips,
public rest rooms, and public access to both waterfront
attractions and rooftop views.
"Ruddertowne will be a greater magnet for residents and
visitors, looking for top quality dining, shopping and entertainment
year-round," said E. Thomas Harvey III, President, Harvey
Hanna and Associates. "Families will not have to hit the
road to Rehoboth or Bethany-they can simply stay in Dewey
Beach and walk to an exciting array of activities.
Positive Economic Impact
The Ruddertowne Redevelopment project will not only enhance
quality of life for residents and visitors alike, it will
also have a strong economic impact on the community by helping
to greatly extend Dewey Beach's visitor and rental season.
According to the Dewey Beach Comprehensive Development Plan,
the town currently has one of the lowest rental rates along
the Delaware beaches.
"It appears that many visitors rent in Rehoboth, rather
than Dewey, but all that can start to change with the approval
of our proposed redevelopment project, geared towards families,
not solely college students," Harvey added.
The proposed project also will generate
additional sources of revenue for Dewey Beach-through building
permits, building licenses and transfer taxes. Employment
opportunities are expected to skyrocket. At peak season,
Ruddertowne currently employs 100. When the project is
complete, Ruddertowne will provide approximately 400-500
total jobs.
Throughout the meeting, community members commended HHA
for creating a productive opportunity to educate Dewey Beach
citizenry about the project and provide an open forum to
gather their input and answer questions. Harvey and Tucker
underscored the company's commitment to maintain an ongoing
dialogue with the community, throughout the process. The
workshop ended with applause from the attendees. For more
information, visit www.saveruddertowne.com
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