Pedestrian improvements coming for Rehoboth’s State Road

It’s taken a couple years, but Rehoboth Beach Public Works Director Kevin Williams said long-awaited pedestrian improvements slated for State Road, at the intersection of Grove and Munson streets, will be in place by Memorial Day 2023.

During a commissioner workshop Sept. 5, Williams presented commissioners with the final design of the project. As proposed, there will be a crosswalk across Munson Street, a crosswalk across State Road and flashing pedestrian beacons similar to the ones installed on Rehoboth Avenue a couple of years ago. There will also be bump outs installed on all four corners of the intersection to make the crosswalk shorter.

It’s a state-maintained road, but the city has been given permission to make the improvements, said Williams.

Commissioners asked if there was any consideration of making the intersection a four-way stop. Williams said no.

There was a brief discussion about funding. Interim City Manager Evan Miller said the city could pursue Delaware Department of Transportation funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program or through Community Transportation Funds, which is money used by local state legislators designed to be spent on transportation projects in their district.

In addition to the crosswalk project, commissioners suggested a sidewalk along Grove Street and stormwater drains be added. Williams said the engineer who designed the project has accounted for the possibility of those two additions, but if they wanted it done as part of the current project, the completion date would be pushed back.

Ultimately, commissioners decided it was best to move forward with the proposed plan and then possibly add a second phase.

City begins planning for next year’s fireworks

The three-year contract Rehoboth Beach had with Zambelli Fireworks ended this year. It appears the city is prepared to enter into another three-year contract with the same company.

While the city wants to continue the relationship with Zambelli, it will come at an increased price. The previous contract was $34,000 per year. Miller said the new contract would start at $35,000 the first year, with an additional $750 added each of the next two years.

Miller said a second company, Sky Shooter Displays, also reached out to the city about providing the service. They offered a one-year contract at $32,000, he said.

Commissioner Patrick Gossett said Zambelli knows what the city wants and a little bit of savings isn’t worth the hassle of establishing a new relationship. The rest of the commissioners agreed.

Commissioner Toni Sharp asked if the city needed to issue a request for proposals before moving forward with Zambelli. City Solicitor Glenn Mandalas said no because it’s such a specialized service.