Your RBMS Newsletter
March 2022
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This newsletter is a publication of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. President: Greer Maneval. Executive Director: Dan Slagle. Communications Committee Co-Chairs: Peter Pizzolongo and Mike Edelin. Newsletter Executive Editor: Peter Pizzolongo. Reporters/Editors: Dan Slagle, Mike Edelin, Jerry Filbin, James Mease, Cindy Lovett, Ed Chrzanowski, Peter Beck, Lisa Schlosser, and Richard Byrne.
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A Time of Renewal
One of the psychological benefits we all enjoy as residents of a Mid-Atlantic Region beach town like Rehoboth is a new beginning of sorts. A renewal as both old and new businesses begin to reopen for another beach season. The lure of sun, sand, and surf brings a new round of tourists to our shores from across the country to enjoy both the man-made and natural attractions that exist in our back yard. The anticipation and excitement begin every year in March as Rehoboth Beach's businesses announce opening dates and introduce new staff and updated menus in refreshed dining areas. We get to renew old friendships and reacquaint ourselves with old favorites as well as try new menu offerings.
The Rehoboth Main Street businesses showcased this month are an eclectic assortment of premiere places to stay, dine, and shop for your enjoyment as you search for a uniquely special item to remember your visit in The Nation’s Summer Capital.
If it’s relaxation by the ocean you crave, a stay at the Atlantic Sands & Conference Center on the boardwalk with easy beach access will accommodate your wishes nicely. If you're craving Mexican fare, a visit to Dos Locos Fajita and Stonegrill on Rehoboth Avenue may be just the experience you desire. For preeminent giftware suitable for any occasion, The Wooden Indian on Baltimore Ave has an array of distinctive gifts that will fit the bill. Are you a stitcher? Then head to Stitch-Stash! Finally, Rehoboth Beach House Rentals offers an array of accommodations to satisfy individuals or families looking for a special place to lull away the days in a beautiful peaceful setting by the Atlantic Ocean.
All of these businesses are located in downtown Rehoboth Beach, within easy walking distance of each other. You can read more specifics about each one later in this newsletter.
And don’t miss the ever-popular Save-The-Date feature later in this newsletter for your future planning needs.
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Remember: The RBMS Official Guide to Downtown Rehoboth Beach remains available across town in news boxes and hotel lobbies through April 2022. It is an excellent source of ideas for your shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences this winter. Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself, friends, and family as you enjoy downtown Rehoboth Beach this year.
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New Businesses & Membership Renewals
Rehoboth Beach Main Street welcomes new member businesses!
Green Partner
Members
Rehoboth Beach Main Streets thanks the businesses that have renewed their membership! We also thank the new and returning Friends of Main Street!
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Stop by every Tuesday and Thursday for Wood-Fired Pizza & Burger Days at Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats! All pizzas and burgers from the menu will be just $10 each all day long, and they feature new, hand-crafted specials frequently. Dine-in only.
Dogfish Head's Chesapeake & Maine: There’s nothing better than a fresh, 1.25 lb. whole Maine lobster served with melted butter ... especially when they're only $15 all day every day at Chesapeake & Maine!!
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Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses |
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Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center
The Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center has been an iconic presence on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk since 1955. Longtime visitors to the beach will notice that from the exterior the hotel has been relatively unchanged since then, retaining its cool mid-century modern vibe and even surviving the disastrous hurricane of 1962! Many rooms at the hotel offer unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the hotel is in a perfect location close to all of the restaurants, shopping, and clubs that downtown Rehoboth has to offer. Visitors cannot find a more convenient spot!
In addition to beautifully appointed modern rooms, visitors don’t have to leave the site to enjoy delicious food at the hotel’s new restaurant, Kiwi’s Cove, or quick meals and cocktails at Kiwi’s Tiki Hut. In season, a fabulous pool is right outside the hotel, lining the famous Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Every room includes complimentary Wi-Fi and a parking space in the hotel garage. Additionally, the Atlantic Sands also offers over 10,000 square feet of meeting and banquet rooms for special events of all kinds, such as weddings and conferences.
The hotel is conveniently located at 1 Baltimore Avenue, phone 302-227-2511.
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Dos Locos
Dos Locos…which means “two crazies” in Spanish…has been a mainstay in Rehoboth Beach since 1992. The moment you enter Dos Locos, you and your party know you are in for a great time! After three decades of success, Dos Locos continues to be a reliable favorite for both tourists and locals.
Dos Locos offers authentic Mexican food in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The menu is extensive, featuring traditional dishes, seafood, and many gluten-free and vegan options. Tasty stonegrill fish and meat items are also on the menu. Portions are large and plentiful, using the freshest ingredients possible. Finally, there is a wonderful bar offering over 90 varieties of tequila; it is said that the Margheritas are the best in town!
Dos Locos also has daily food and drink specials on its menu. Additionally, the special online menu is handy, and gift cards are available for purchase. Dos Locos is just two blocks from the Boardwalk at 208 Rehoboth Avenue, phone 302-227-3353.
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Rehoboth Beach House Rentals
In the heart of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, your home away from home awaits! Whether you’re looking to accommodate an extended family vacation or a special romantic interlude, one of Rehoboth Beach House Rentals’ beautiful residences is the perfect answer for your dream vacation. Rehoboth Beach House Rentals’ inventory includes homes, condos, townhouses, and quaint cottages for weekly or seasonal rental periods throughout the year—for beach bums in the summer to those who prefer a quieter beach town in the winter. From new construction, to fully renovated and newly furnished, these residences are offered at competitive rates and are replete with modern amenities and features that are sure to satisfy even the most discriminating vacationer. Rehoboth Beach Rentals is located at 402 Rehoboth Avenue, near the intersection with State Road. For more information, see https://rehobothbeachhouserentals.com/ or call Judy at (302) 650-3789.
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The Wooden Indian
The Wooden Indian was established in 1977 and became the destination for preeminent giftware. Paul Roscosky and Joe Yasik, the current owners, have continued the legacy by providing distinctive gift items for people with discriminating taste. Year after year, THE BEST OF DELAWARE has awarded The Wooden Indian its seal of approval for the store’s exceptional bridal registry and selection of wedding gifts for the home and hostess gifts.
Spring and summer entertainment means casual and colorful dining, and The Wooden Indian has the perfect item for all entertaining needs, including Melamine by Beatrix Ball, Vietri, Le Cadeaux, and acrylic wine tumblers by Caspari—making dining on the deck, poolside, or the boat carefree.
Priding themselves on exceptional customer service and expertise, whether you are shopping within the store, on the phone, or via the internet, The Wooden Indian’s highly trained professionals are committed to delivering unparalleled service with unbeatable prices. No matter what occasion you are wishing to celebrate, The Wooden Indian has that special gift. The Wooden Indian, 25 Baltimore Avenue, 302-227-8331. Open 7 days a week year-round.
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Ribbon-Cutting: Stitch-Stash
Stitch-Stash is a full-service needlepoint store in Rehoboth Beach. They also ship across the country! Customer service is one of their main focuses, and they love their stitchers! If you are in the neighborhood, stop by to say hello, or come in to stitch for a while. They look forward to meeting you!
RBMS conducted a Stitch-Stash ribbon-cutting on February 11. In the photo, from left to right: Cindy Lovett, RBMS Board Member; Ramsey Alexander, Mimi Dickenson, Bunny Waltersdorf, Ellen Emanuel, Kim Sykes, Gerry Hartman, Mary Beatson, Elizabeth Abrams, Susan Itell, Sally Keidel; Andrew Hoffmann and Patti Hoffmann, Owners, Stitch-Stash; and Steve Curson, RBMS Board Member.
Stitch-Stash is located at 102 North Street, between Baltimore and Maryland Avenues. Hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00am to 4:00pm. Email: [email protected], phone: 302-569-0063.
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Dining Off-Season in Rehoboth Beach!
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Oldies Dance to Support Rehoboth In Bloom
Are you ready? After much delay, RBMS–Rehoboth In Bloom will hold its Oldies Dance fundraiser on Friday, April 29, from 7:00 to 10:00pm, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Come dance to the tunes! Music will be provided by the awesome DJ, Skye Brady. The dance is the major fund-raising event each year for the fabulous work Bloom does to make downtown a very special and picturesque place to visit. Tickets for the event are $25 per person in advance online or at the RBMS Office. Beer, wine, coffee, snacks, and dessert will be provided. So—come on down and dine downtown—and then come to the Convention Center to do the slop, mashed potato, twist, jerk, Bristol stomp, pony, disco swing, hustle, and any other favorite Oldies Dance moves! For more information, go to Featured Events | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com).
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News from Rehoboth Beach Main Street
This column highlights the work of the RBMS Executive Director, Dan Slagle, the RBMS Board, and the five committees, focusing on the behind-the-scenes work of the staff and volunteers, as well as the activities that are planned and carried out. For information about Dan, the RBMS Board, and the committees, go to About RBMS | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com).
Recent Activities of RBMS
- Dan Slagle, Executive Director, Greer Maneval, Board President, and several members of the Board attended the February 7 Board of Commissioners (virtual) budget workshop and presented highlights of RBMS’ 2021 activities. We are happy to report that the Commissioners have awarded to RBMS the requested contribution. Dan also completed the paperwork required for 2022 National Main Street America Accreditation.
- The Design Committee and Rehoboth in Bloom continued planning for the Oldies Dance, a fundraiser scheduled for April 29, 2022.
- The Organization Committee is continuing the development of the RBMS Membership Ambassador Program and is seeking volunteers to assist the Committee members by serving as Ambassadors to member businesses. A grant application to the Carl Freeman Foundation was submitted to fund a video presentation of the Rehoboth Beach Diorama developed by Paul Lovett.
- The Promotions Committee has been busy developing plans and marketing materials for several upcoming RBMS events, including the Italian Meatball Showdown, Gumbo Crawl, Fashion Show, and Chocolate Crawl.
- The Communications Committee continued development of newsletter and social media content. This committee finalized the Newsletter Ads Policy and Specs and created an email blast to inform RBMS members of the availability of ad space in the RBMS newsletter.
- The Economic Vitality Committee reviewed grant programs to identify funding opportunities for RBMS member businesses. Stay tuned for this information!
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Recognizing Our Volunteers: Steve Curson
For those of you who have worked with Steve, you know that he volunteers significant time towards improving our community in so many incredible ways. Currently, Steve is on the board of both Rehoboth Beach Main Street and the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association. Steve and his wife Sandra (who also is an amazing volunteer in our town) moved to Rehoboth Beach full-time in 2013 (after having a weekend summer cottage since 1996) from the suburbs of Philadelphia, where Steve worked in commercial security and Sandra served as a teacher for 36 years.
"I love Rehoboth Beach and want to do whatever I can to make it the best it can be,” said Steve.
In Steve's case, these are not just words. Steve immediately jumped into action in 2013, when he joined the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association, serving as its Treasurer, and Rehoboth Beach Main Street as a board member. He remains on these boards today. Steve became a volunteer with the Farmer's Market, where you can see him and Sandra every Tuesday in the summer. He is also a member of the Rehoboth Beach and Boardwalk Committee and a member of the Rehoboth Board of Elections. Steve has also volunteered with the Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding Center.
As a volunteer, Steve has accomplished much for our community. He is especially proud of his efforts in making the city officials aware of how many people wanted a no smoking policy for the boardwalk and beach. He did this by starting a petition to ban smoking that got over 600 signatures, including many from the Homeowner's Association. In addition, Steve worked with various entities, including the American Lung Association and the City of Rehoboth, to successfully lead efforts to have the ban come into effect for the summer season of 2014.
Most recently, Steve, who is a US Army Veteran, helped in co-coordinating the 2021 Inaugural Rehoboth Wreaths Across America initiative, where over 150 wreaths were laid on the final resting sites of our local veterans in Epworth Cemetery. This project, which was co-sponsored by RBMS and RBHA, accomplished one of Steve's main objectives: to bring together our local businesses and the residents. Said Steve, "One of the objectives of RBMS is "to position our downtown as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases our unique characteristics. I want to serve as the liaison between RBMS and RBHA to accomplish this vision."
The City of Rehoboth Beach is fortunate to have such a tireless volunteer working every day to make our community better—thanks to Steve Curson.
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Support RBMS with Delaware's Biggest Day of Giving!
Do More 24 Delaware is a fun and easy way for the entire Delaware community to impact philanthropy and be inspired to donate to nonprofits serving Delaware. Do More 24 Delaware is designed to help nonprofits increase capacity and engage new donors. This is a collaborative effort to celebrate philanthropy and spur impact in the Delaware community. The event will begin on March 3 at 6:00pm and end on March 4 at 6:00pm. RBMS supporters are urged to donate during this 24-hour day of giving! For more information, go to Do More 24 Delaware--RBMS Donation Page.
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Gumbo Crawl
Mark your calendar. RBMS is hosting the 2022 Gumbo Crawl on April 30th from 1:00–4:00pm. More information to follow in the April RBMS Newsletter and on the RBMS Website Events Page.
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Where’s the Dolle’s Sign?
So, if you’ve been away for a while—at least since December—you may have just noticed a change in the vista at Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk! You may remember that Dolle’s owner, Tom Ibach moved the famous Rehoboth Beach beach-treat store around the corner into his other location at 9 Rehoboth Ave. And there was the conundrum of what to do with the famous Dolle’s sign—it wouldn’t fit on the Ibach’s roof! The solution came when Tom donated the sign to the City of Rehoboth as an historic piece of commercial folk art, and the City, in-turn, donated it to the Rehoboth Beach Historical Museum—RBMS’s neighbor at Grove Park. So, on December 15, 2021, the Dolle’s sign was removed from the building and brought to the City’s storage yard for safe-keeping while the Museum works on a plan to finance the display and care of the sign. The sign will be mounted on the west side of the Museum facing the canal and visible from the bridge. The Museum is in overdrive with a program to raise the $35,000 needed to accomplish this. If you can help preserve this signature piece of Rehoboth Beach’s history please contact the Museum!
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Community Unity Dinner Sponsors and Supporters
In the February 2022 Newsletter we thanked the Community Unity Dinner Sponsors and Supporters. We inadvertently did not include the Village Improvement Association, whose volunteers provided much assistance to ensure the event was successful. Apologies for not including VIA in the list of sponsors and supporters—and Thank You for your support of the event!
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News from DANA
N95 Masks, Hand Sanitizers, Wipes, and Gloves Available to Nonprofits
Charity Crossing has N95 Masks, hand sanitizers, wipes, and gloves available for distribution to nonprofits. Make your requests via email to [email protected]. Please include the items you're requesting and your contact number. Items available while supplies last!
2022 Annual Conference: IMPACT Delaware.
Engage with other nonprofit staff, board, volunteer, business, and government leaders to explore the possibilities. Mark your calendars for April 27, 2022! This year's Keynote Speaker will be Albert Manero, Engineer & Co-Founder of Limbitless Solutions. Times, locations, and more details coming soon! Please send questions to [email protected].
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Rehoboth Beach Patrol Lifeguarding Services |
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The Rehoboth Beach Patrol (RBP) has a question for young people who are looking for meaningful and fun summer employment: Have you got what it takes to rise to the challenge?
For more than 100 years, the RBP has provided lifeguarding services that ensure that visitors to the Nation’s Summer Capital enjoy days on the beach that are safe and memory-making for all of the right reasons. RBP has scheduled tryouts for the 2022 season, which begins the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.
Interested individuals should download, print, complete, and bring applications with them to one of the scheduled tryouts:
- March 5 and April 2: 10:00am at the track at Lake Forest High School, 5407 Killen’s Pond Road, Felton;
- March 12: 10:00am at St. Andrew’s Aquatic Center, 350 Noxontown Road, Middleton;
- March 19: 11:00am at the rear pool entrance parking lot at Sussex Academy of Arts & Sciences, 21150 Airport Road, Georgetown.
The City of Rehoboth Beach has additional seasonal employment opportunities in its police, streets, parking, and parks departments. Find information and an employment application online at cityofrehoboth.com/employment-opportunities.
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Above The Dunes is now hiring for all positions. Full-time and part-time positions available. Please go to www.abovethedunes.com and fill out an application. You can also drop in at 101 S Boardwalk, Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Sous chef, bartender, servers, food runner, bussers, and host are needed.
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Jackpot Bingo Fundraiser
Wednesday, March 2
Cape Henlopen Senior Center, 11 Christian Street
AFTERNOON JACKPOT BINGO! The doors open at 11:30 am, lunch is available, and games start at 1:00 pm. The cost is $20 per person, which includes one Game Pack, Specials, and one Quickie Card. Additional games and food may be purchased. COOKIE JAR IS $484! They are also offering “Pot of Gold” and “Screw Ball Games,” along with a “Jackpot Game” worth $100. The public is welcome, but you must be over 18 to participate. For more information call 302-227-2055.
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Tax Preparation
March, through April 7
CAMP Rehoboth
37 Baltimore Avenue
The first few weeks of AARP’s tax filing program has seen a massive turnout at CAMP Rehoboth! Through April 7, CAMP Rehoboth is hosting AARP Tax Prep and Filing appointments, free of charge and for all ages. Due to COVID, participants will schedule a time to drop off their tax documents, and work will be done remotely. Participants will pick up their completed returns the following Thursday. To schedule a time please call CAMP at 302-227-5620 or e-mail [email protected].
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“The Storm of ‘62”
Friday, March 4, 10:00am–Sunday, November 6,1:00 PM
Rehoboth Beach Museum
511 Rehoboth Avenue
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Sip & Shop Rehoboth
Saturday, March 5, 10:00am–4:00pm
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Avenue
Grab a taste of delicious Sposato Wine and sip as you stroll the Convention Center aisles of over 40 local businesses and vendors, including apparel, foods, candles, wood crafts, cosmetics, purses, baked goods, and so much more! Door prizes and a grand prize!! Free entry!
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To Benefit Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Come show your support by eating at the participating restaurants on the designated night(s) and vote for your favorite meatball! Ballots will be available at each location. The winner will be awarded a trophy.
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“Lorenzo Dow Martin and His Farmhouse”
Rehoboth Beach History Lecture
March 10, 7:15pm
Kent/Sussex Room, Boardwalk Plaza Hotel
In 1873 Lorenzo Dow Martin’s farm was sold to become the commercial core of Rehoboth Beach. Presented by Paul Lovett, this is the first of the Rehoboth Beach History Lecture series. The fee is $25/lecture. Reserve early: Space is limited! Call 302-521-4190 to reserve a seat. Enjoy dinner in the beautiful Victoria’s Restaurant before the lecture (not included in the lecture fee). Call Victoria’s at 302-227-0615 to make a dinner reservation. Reserve for 5:30 to be on time for the lecture.
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March 11–27, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm. Sunday matinees at 2:00pm
Clear Space Theatre
20 Baltimore Avenue
In jazz-age Paris, singer Victoria Grant struggles to make ends meet. With some help from her flamboyant friend Toddy, Victoria ultimately achieves stardom by masquerading as a man, "Count Victor Grazinski," who performs as a female impersonator. When macho businessman King Marchan develops feelings for "Victor" and Victoria reciprocates, comic hijinks ensue. Musical numbers include "Le Jazz Hot," "You and Me," "Almost a Love Song," "Trust Me," "Living in the Shadows," "Paris By Night" and "Crazy World."
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Rehoboth Beach Public Library
226 Rehoboth Avenue
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Looking Ahead to April and May… |
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Oldies Dance to Support Rehoboth In Bloom
Are you ready? Rehoboth in Bloom will hold its Oldies Dance fundraiser on Friday, April 29, from 7:00 to 10:00pm, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Come dance to the tunes! See the story in this issue of the RBMS Newsletter. For more information, go to Featured Events | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com).
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Gumbo Crawl
RBMS is hosting the 2022 Gumbo Crawl on April 30th. See the story in this issue of the RBMS Newsletter. For more information go to the RBMS Website Events Page.
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Fashion for Charity
The Harry K Foundation Garden Party Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held on Thursday, May 12, at The Clubhouse at Baywood. The Harry K Foundation “works to defeat childhood hunger throughout Delaware.” Tickets are $39 and will be available from HarryKFoundation.org—call Karen at 302-226-0675 or order online at BidPal One (https://one.bidpal.net/hkffashionforcharity2022). Look for additional information on this fundraiser in the April RBMS Newsletter.
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City Update
Commissioners Revise Parking Season Timeframe, Increase Some Meter Rates
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners voted on February 7 to change Rehoboth Beach’s annual parking season to May 15 through September 15. Previously the parking season in Rehoboth Beach, the period during which visitors must purchase a parking pass or pay at meters, was defined as the Friday before Memorial Day through the second Sunday after Labor Day.
In addition, Commissioners voted to make the meter rate consistent at $3.00 per hour citywide. Previously, the price for some meter locations was $2.00 per hour.
“The changes adopted by Commissioners today provide consistency and simplicity to the City’s parking guidelines,” says City Manager Sharon Lynn. “Parking-related information will now be easier to communicate and understand.”
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