Mark Lyman's recent letter proposing that only Lewes Beach homeowners, their guests and certain others be allowed to park in the residential area would, in effect, privatize a public beach. Lewes Beach is a public space supported by taxes from residents across the city, county and state. Restricting on-street parking to a small group of property owners and their guests would severely limit public access, hurt local businesses that rely on visitors and set an exclusionary, elitist precedent.
Lewes Beach is a shared treasure, not a gated community. Solutions should aim to improve safety, manage congestion and maintain access for everyone. Solutions may involve parking passes, timed or metered parking, seasonal shuttle service and stronger enforcement of existing parking laws, not drawing a line between owners and outsiders. The real challenge is finding a balanced approach that preserves the character of the City of Lewes, as well as Lewes Beach, while honoring the public trust that has made it such a desired destination.
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