Seaford leaders approve 157‑lot subdivision, tighten 'family' definition; hear plans for new restaurant

SEAFORD — The City of Seaford on Tuesday moved forward on a range of local matters, approving a large residential subdivision and adopting changes to the municipal code aimed at giving staff clearer tools to address overcrowding, Mayor Mamakoye said in a video recap.

At the top of the meeting, Mayor Mamakoye summarized actions that included approval of a final site plan for a 157‑lot subdivision and an amendment to the municipal code’s definition of "family" that establishes a minimum square footage for sleeping areas. "This language will allow them to do so," Mamakoye said, referring to the code department's ability to enforce overcrowding standards.

Why it matters: The subdivision approval enables a sizable expansion of housing in the city and the code change alters the enforcement baseline for rental and occupancy situations, which could affect landlords, tenants and code enforcement operations.

The council also approved two equipment purchases for city operations. Officials authorized buying an additional patrol vehicle for the Seaford Police Department using remaining FY25 budget funds, and they approved purchasing a sewer lateral camera for the public works department to support infrastructure inspections.

A commercial proposal was presented for the former Plaza Tapatio property next to Chick‑fil‑A. Mayor Mamakoye said Jeremy Reeves requested a sketch plan review to remove the existing structure and replace it with a new restaurant described during the meeting as a "cookout," and added, "Our community is very excited for a new restaurant to come into the area." The transcript does not record a formal final approval for that sketch plan review; it was presented to council as part of the public hearing.

Parks and recreation superintendent Katie Hickie asked the council for approval to apply for an ORPT grant to support improvements to the riverwalk and an "always house" project, according to the mayor’s summary; the meeting record provided does not include the council’s final disposition on the grant application request.

The council held a first reading on proposed municipal code language regarding water meters and installation requirements for single‑family residential irrigation systems; as a first reading, the proposal requires further council action before it can be adopted.

Votes at a glance: • Final site plan — 157‑lot subdivision (Jay Dolby): outcome recorded as approved; vote tally not specified in the meeting summary. • Municipal code amendment — definition of "family" (minimum sleeping‑area language): outcome recorded as approved; vote tally not specified. • Purchase — additional Seaford Police Department patrol vehicle: approved; funding source noted as remaining FY25 budget funds; vote tally not specified. • Purchase — sewer lateral camera for public works: approved; vote tally not specified.

What’s next: The water‑meter code change is at first reading and will return for additional consideration. The transcript-based recap also lists several community events and meetings: a yearly local meeting hosted Oct. 2 at Ross Station Event Center at 5 p.m., Friday Night Live on Oct. 11, and a Pink Walk on Oct. 3 beginning at the local TidalHealth facility (as named in the meeting). Mayor Mamakoye closed by encouraging residents to contact their local councilman with questions.

Speakers quoted or referenced are drawn from the meeting record; where the transcript did not include vote tallies or the council's final action, the article notes that those details were not specified in the meeting summary.