Mathews planners on Tuesday night unanimously and enthusiastically endorsed an application for a conditional use permit to turn an old home that’s on 9.5 acres in the rural zoning district in Onemo into a general store.
The vote came after the planning commission held a joint public hearing with Mathews supervisors, who also expressed enthusiasm for the proposal and are expected to make a final decision on the application at tonight’s board meeting, to be held at 6 o’clock in the historic courthouse.
In their application, Alexander and Elizabeth Benitez stated that the retail facility will be located in a 1,400-square-foot residence and will cater to people visiting Bethel Beach by handling such general merchandise as drinks, pre-packaged foods, clothing, souvenirs, beach games, chairs, umbrellas and fishing products, as well as pre-packaged European and Latin pastries and goods made by local artisans. There would also be an outdoor seating area where visitors could “enjoy a nice pastr...