Lewes to hold second meeting with Clear Space

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a second private meeting with officials from Clear Space Theatre Company this week, according to Mayor Amy Marasco.

She said the discussion will focus on whether the organization is seriously considering a move from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes.

“We are staying in contact with Clear Space execs and looking for them to update us on their plans, should they want to go to the next step with Lewes. If that is the case, we would hold discussions at a city public meeting,” Marasco said.

Marasco is trying to quash concerns the city is holding secret negotiations. She said the city is not negotiating with Clear Space, there has been no offer made, and there is no competition between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

In April, Clear Space told mayor and city council it had narrowed its search for a new location to the Cape Henlopen Senior Center site on Christian Street and a site within Lewes municipal limits.

Joe Gfaller, Clear Space executive director, declined to name the Lewes location, because it is on private property that would have to be acquired.

Clear Space recently reached an agreement with Rehoboth Beach that would keep the theater company in town. It is planning to build a 40,000-square-foot facility on city-owned land, the site of the senior center.

Marasco said they have let Clear Space know of the “tools Lewes has in its toolbox” to help them relocate, should they make that decision.

Marasco has said Lewes would be interested in a performing arts center in the city, even if it does not involve Clear Space.