SCAORCard – Issue #005 – Public Policy & Rental Affairs
Public Policy:
Several items are coming down through the State. In particular, the budget deficit and Gov. Markell’s proposed exiting budget (which at first glance seems not very friendly to real estate). We have amazing opportunity to engage our legislators at this juncture. SCAOR will be providing dates and locations of opportunities to have one on one interaction with their elected officials. This stresses the importance of finding more viable alternatives than increasing the real estate transfer tax. DAR will be providing talking points for our PPC members to share with their colleagues and to speak to our legislators in “One Voice”!
For example, our next big opportunity to speak intimately with our legislators will be our annual Legislative Breakfast scheduled for Friday, February 24th from 8:30-10:00 here at SCAOR.
In conjunction with these opportunities to meet our legislators, SCAOR is once again initiating an “adopt a legislator” program. This is where each of our PPC members will have a particular legislator that they follow and communicate with on a regular basis. From this, our hope is to have each member report on any new initiative and/or opinions expressed by their legislator.
PPC continues to monitor the development of the Sussex County Comprehensive Plan and will provide pertinent updates as they become available. To track the progress of this Comprehensive Plan, please visit http://sussexplan.com/ We ask that all be involved in this – as we are expecting significant changes to our county commercial zoning ordinances to take place.
Our chairman reported on the Downtown Development District program that has been awarded to the town of Georgetown (as well as Milford). This is a great opportunity for developers and business owners to take advantage of some commercial development opportunities. For more information regarding the benefits and incentives of the Downtown Development Districts, visit the DSHA (Delaware State Housing Authority) at www.destatehousing.com/Developers/dv_ddd.php, the Office of State Planning Coordination at www.stateplanning.delaware.gov/ddd, and/or the Town of Georgetown at www.georgetowndel.com/Downtown-Development-District-Information/
We are revving up to present some exciting news that will take place in April! Prep your engines and your wheels greased as we prepare to spin out details in the next couple of weeks.
Rental Affairs:
Our preseason meeting with Southern DE Tourism, coastal town officials, and law enforcement is scheduled for May 4th from 8:30am -10am at Irish Eyes on Anglers Road in Lewes. This is our annual preseason meeting to foster a partnership between the rental agents and town officials to ensure a safe and positive summer experience for our visitors.
Sharon Palmer-Stauffer, chairperson of Rental Affairs, attended the Travel Adventures’ Trade Show in Washington DC on January 14. Our committee was able to garner well over 300 leads from that event to be used for future marketing, etc. This is a collaborative partnership with Southern Delaware Tourism and has been a huge success for our rental community.
Mark your calendar! SCAOR’s Rental Summit will be held on April 19th. This is an all day event for our rental agents, and it should be jammed packed with some great continuing education opportunities, cross marketing, food, and other activities. Stay tuned for more details.
Changes are coming to the town of Rehoboth as they just unveiled their new rental ordinance. For a copy of the ordinance, rental application, and any other information please email Patricia Anderson, Rental Affairs Committee Liaison at Patricia@scaor.com. City of Rehoboth has also unveiled possible changes to their tax structure – which would include a gross receipts tax as well as an increase of 6% in the Rental Licensing Fee. Stay tuned as we gather more information and details to release to our members.
Dewey Beach has also announced that they are looking at rental business license changes that could be adopted and implemented before the end of the month. Information to follow as we monitor the changes and proposals set forth by Dewey Beach. Be prepared to see an increase in those.
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