There are way too many 30-minute parking spaces in downtown Rehoboth Beach. This is most annoying from several perspectives. First, it is to go to dinner. In areas near First and Baltimore where many of our most loved restaurants are located, it is near impossible to find a spot because of the large number of empty 30-minute spots in front of closed or empty businesses. Secondly, it is depriving the city of needed revenue.
I was disturbed to read the letter from one of the candidates for commissioner a couple of weeks ago where he declared he spoke to "a" business owner who wanted more 30-minute spaces. In a city that frequently governs through the squeaky wheel principle, I was concerned about this. Yesterday, I received his mailer which declares as a part of his platform "increase 30-minute meters in front of businesses." Really!
The parking debate in Rehoboth Beach is a bit of a canard. The new lot next to the convention center is large and largely empty, despite the new walkway through to Second. The threatening 30-minute signs announcing all-year enforcement are a joke; they are not enforced off season.
It is the 30-minute spaces which increase the number of people driving around looking for parking, which leads to the constant complaining.
Alternatively, I would suggest that the 30-minute spots become regular spaces after 5 p.m., except for the beach block of Rehoboth Avenue. The city can repaint the signs, and in its constant quest for the perfect meter find something programmable. The effort would pay for itself in no time.
Robert A. Streimer
Rehoboth Beach
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