On May 14 afternoon at around 2 p.m., my spouse and I were in Dewey Beach checking out rental properties for a future stay.
For 20 years we have stayed in Rehoboth Beach, but were recently encouraged to visit Dewey Beach for a change of scenery. After visiting a rental, we planned on stopping by Dewey Beer Company for a beverage and to purchase a T-shirt. Three large HVAC trucks parked at the brewery left no available spots for parking. We moved on and found a spot on the side of Swedes Street, and parked safety next to a grassy spot.
The area had a clear sign requiring a parking permit after May 15. We thought we were in luck since it was the 14th. There was no signage prohibiting parking on the side of the road, and we were reluctant to park on the grassy area. Our thought was that it was an owner's property. The street was very wide in the area, and our position would not have impeded traffic. When we returned to the car, we found a parking citation for parking on the roadway in the amount of $30.
Did we violate a parking statute? Yes, but the rule should have been clearly posted in plain view! This is regrettable. We found Dewey to be extremely friendly and enjoyable, but will not be spending our money there in the future. This is not a way to promote tourism in Dewey Beach. Our business will stay in Rehoboth.
Linda Atchley
Susan Maloney
Rehoboth Beach