Opinion ID: 2351775
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Motion to Intervene The Parties' Contentions

Text: On January 4, 1996, the movants filed a motion to intervene in this appeal. The movants allege that they were parties to the proceedings in the Superior Court and that they may be affected by the outcome of this appeal. The movants submit that it would be illogical to expect the Board, as the only named appellee in this appeal, to defend a decision of the Superior Court which reversed the Board's own decision. The movants contend that they were the only successful parties in the Superior Court proceedings. Thus, according to the movants, they can best present an argument to this Court in support of the Superior Court's reversal of the Board's decision granting the Haleys a variance from the minimum lot size requirement. The Board does not oppose the movants' request to intervene. In its written response, the Board refers to the movants as a real party in interest. The Board has also stated that, if the movants' request to intervene is granted, the Board will not participate in the briefing of the issues on appeal. Jolly Jumper opposes the movants' request to intervene. Jolly Jumper argues the movants do not have a right to intervene. According to Jolly Jumper, the movants' request to intervene in this case is essentially a motion for leave to file a brief as amicus curiae. Jolly Jumper further contends that the only interest the movants have regarding the subject of this appeal arises by virtue of their status as residents of the Town of Dewey Beach and, therefore, that the movants' interest can be represented adequately by counsel for the Board.