Fenwick Council Votes 5-2 To Approve Motel Zoning Code Change; Some Residents Worried Over Precedent For Other Properties

FENWICK ISLAND – In spite of concerns raised by residents, a local developer’s plans to replace the aging Sands Motel are moving forward.

The Fenwick Island Town Council voted 5-2 last week to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would permit developer Spiro Buas to replace the Sands Motel with a larger hotel.

“The Sands is in bad condition,” said Councilman Bill Weistling. “This gives the opportunity to build a new hotel equivalent to the two existing ones.”

Since Buas purchased the motel this spring, he’s been working with the town’s charter and ordinance committee to explore potential zoning code changes that would enable him to replace the 38-room motel with a bigger facility. The town’s existing zoning code allows one room per 1,000 square feet and does not allow for a motel to have more than 65 rooms. The Sands Motel property is 39,000 square feet.

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