Jean Briggs Johnson, a Seaford resident who identified her address as 442 Thomas Street, told the mayor and council during the public-comment period that residents within 300 feet of 728, 730 and 732 Clarence Street were not mailed the required notice about a variance application.

"According to the ordinance, all residents and property owners within 300 feet of a parcel requesting a variance must be notified in advance," Briggs Johnson said. She recounted email exchanges with staffers, including Mike Bailey and Charles Anderson, and said she was told differing explanations (maternity leave versus an employee with cancer) for why mailing lists were not produced. Briggs Johnson said the lack of notice denied neighbors a meaningful opportunity to review and comment on a matter that affects their homes.

She asked council for a written explanation for why the notification was not issued and for assurances that corrective measures would be implemented to prevent similar lapses. Briggs Johnson also said she requested that the variance not be voted on given the lack of notice; she told the council she had been informed the board approved the variance on Nov. 10.

Council members did not provide a detailed factual rebuttal during the meeting; staff and council acknowledged the request and the need for follow-up. Briggs Johnson concluded by asking for a written response to residents of Clarence and Thomas streets.

The mayor and council did not take an on-the-record action to overturn or rehear the variance during the Nov. 25 session; the transcript records the public comment and the request for a written explanation.