Business Owners Speak Out About Loss of Parking on Rehoboth Avenue

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- Rehoboth Beach businesses say a petition was signed by nearly 40 people opposing taking away parking on Rehoboth Avenue. But the city put barriers in, blocking off over 200 parking spaces, in an effort to both help social distance and allow outdoor seating and shopping.  Grant Willis, the owner of Sierra Moon said, "You know you come into town and you see red barriers and it's you know shop local dine local and the first thing that you drive into town and you see red barriers. That sends a completely different message." But the city says it is trying to help everyone. Paul Kuhns, Rehoboth Beach Mayor said, "Everybody's got different needs and you know again, we're trying to massage the needs as much as possible and somebody's going to be left out and I apologize for that." But businesses say since the barriers were put up, it's lowered sales.  Debbie Marchesee, the owner of Kilwin's said, "The past Saturday after they put up the barriers was my lowest Saturday in sales in five weeks."  The city says that even though the parking spaces along Rehoboth Avenue are taken away it is still hopeful that people will come and park in the city even if they have to take a further walk to support the local businesses. Trey Kraus, the owner of Carlton's said, "You know we had a parking problem now we're taking away 200 and something parking spaces that's just not you know friendly."  And since these spaces are taken up more people are parking next to the barriers, blocking lanes. But even in spots where there aren't any barriers, businesses feel like they can't take advantage of the added space.  John Teknen, with Semra's Mediterranean Grill said, "If I out outdoor dining, come July, August people are going to plow through the dining area where people will be sitting, it'll be too messy." The city says it is trying to do as much as it can to help, while still following the Governor's direction.  Kuhns said, "Could we have done maybe more research, sure. But we're in a time that's very difficult to figure what's the next step, what's the next step, and we're basically going blind." As for a solution? Business owners have a few ideas.  "Bump out specifically per request," Willis said. "Maybe they could allow some space," Marchesee said,  "Maybe take a step back and look this over a little bit more," Kraus said. "You know allowing parking for people who want them," Willis added But the city says it recognizes issues and wants to continue to adapt. Phase two is set to start on the 15th, and Kuhns says there is still time to make changes. The city says it will continue to try and have an open dialogue with these businesses so they can try to reassess the situation on a week by week basis and make decisions when they feel necessary.