By Brian Gilliland

GEORGETOWN — A proposed height variance for a fence surrounding West Side New Beginnings on Norwood Street in Rehoboth Beach drew attention from neighbors before Monday’s meeting of the Sussex County Board of Adjustment. But during conversations between the owner, county staff and board members, an agreement was reached that wouldn’t involve a government sanction at all.

“As you know, the traffic in West Rehoboth has picked up,” said Brenda Milbourne, representing the property. “Our problem is there’s no safety. There’s no fence around the building. We’ve got cars coming. We’ve got bicycles coming so I’m looking for prevention for the children, for safety for the children.”

Safety, in West Side New Beginning’s original terms, was in the form of a 6-foot fence around the entire property, according to its Feb. 26 application, and would require a zoning variance. Part of the process is notifying the neighbors and more than 30 answered the call.

With 18 comments in support of the fence echoing Ms. Milbourne’s safety concerns, came another 14 in opposition.

Those opposed had safety concerns of their own, in that the fence could create a blind corner at the intersection where the center sits. A few others had cosmetic or logistical concerns.

However, the county has rules governing fence height, and by modifying the 6-foot height request, it was determined West Side New Beginnings could install a fence on its property.

However, instead of 6 feet high, it could only be a maximum of 3 1/2 feet tall along and adjacent to Burton Aveue as well as part of Norwood Street. In accordance with the code, the rest of the fence could be a maximum of 5 feet tall.

Asked if this was an acceptable solution, Ms. Melbourne said it met her goals of safety, and so requested to withdraw her application.

The board voted to allow the withdrawal and to refund the $400 application fee.