Rehoboth Main Street prepares for second act

After nearly being disbanded earlier this year, Rehoboth Beach Main Street is set to be resurrected. 

The organization has asked for a new home and to be refunded; Main Street announced on May 20, 2016 that it would disband in March 2017, but that did not happen after business owners and city officials sought to keep it afloat.

“We never did go out of business,” new board president Trey Kraus said.

Kraus said the vision of Main Street is to support the community through business-led events and activities. He said in the short time Main Street was transitioning from the old board to the new, more storefronts are empty. Kraus said the organization plans to improve the business climate through assistance and cross-promotion among the business community, citing Main Street’s sign and facade program, which works with businesses to create visually interesting storefronts.

“A healthy business community is best for residents,” Kraus said. “The erosion or downturn of the commercial district has led to negative circumstances for all.”

He said Main Street would also serve as a cheerleader for the city, bringing groups together through community events. Kraus said the difference between Main Street and the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce  is that Main Street will mainly focus on preservation and beautification.

Prior to its reorganization, Main Street had been partially funded by the city, which also provided office space next to City Hall. Following the announcement that Main Street was disbanding, the idea of resurrecting the organization with a new board came up. Then-Mayor Sam Cooper said while he did not mind having Main Street, he opposed supporting it with city funds, feeling the organization had become politicized, taking sides in issues between the city and individual businesses.

Kraus said the new Main Street would not take political stands in elections, nor would it organize against any local, county, state or federal government. He said Main Street would not be a fundraising organization or extend outside the city limits.

While Main Street’s funding was not addressed by the city commissioners, they agreed that having Main Street back was a positive thing.

Commissioner Kathy McGuiness, founding president of Rehoboth Main Street, said she was proud to see Main Street come back because it is a needed voice in the community.

Commissioner Toni Sharp said empty storefronts have gotten people’s attention, a point echoed by Mayor Paul Kuhns. Sharp said she did not to commit to re-funding Main Street until the commissioners know what the funding request is. Kuhns also made no commitments, noting the matter should be discussed when the commissioners begin budget talks in January.

“I think this is very important,” Kuhns said. “These are very important stakeholders in our community. I’d like to see them continue to thrive and grow.”