Rehoboth Beach to look at regulating placement of newsracks

In an effort to limit clutter and improve pedestrian access, Rehoboth Beach officials are expected to discuss possible code changes related newsstands on sidewalks.

The city hasn’t discussed the topic recently. Instead, the city issued a public notice July 25, saying Mayor Stan Mills had canceled a commissioner workshop planned for the first week of August because planned agenda topics required additional research and coordination.

When contacted to see what the topics were that needed more time, Mills said the only topics for the Aug. 4 workshop were to discuss proliferation of newsracks and the introduction of proposed code changes. He said there are accompanying challenges with the newsracks, including but not limited to cluttering sidewalks and impeding pedestrians; poor maintenance, such as racks with broken hinges or doors; racks sitting empty and unused; and racks being used as trash receptacles.

Both topics are not yet ready for discussion and no other topics are ready to introduce, said Mills.

There are several topics that could have been addressed in lieu of the newsrack or code change topics, with the length of the parking season coming to mind, said Mills. However, because staff need time to handle other duties and items during this time of year, meeting the deadline was challenging, he said.

This isn’t the first time Rehoboth has discussed regulating the placement of newsracks within the city. It resurfaces every few years – ordinances were drafted in 2011 and in 2019.

In late 2019, former code enforcement officer Dennis Jeney said the number of newsstands had gone from 41 in 2011 to nearly 120 in 2019. That represents 23 vendors in 29 locations, he said, suggesting the city limit newsstands to five locations, with eight boxes at each location.

Former City Solicitor Glenn Mandalas said the commissioners had to move forward carefully because newsstands involve freedom of speech issues. He said he’s aware of ordinances that have been drafted, but then struck down.

Ultimately, nothing came of the proposed ordinance in 2019.

The condition and placement of news racks and their impact on pedestrian routes is a topic that Commissioner Suzanne Goode has requested be brought back before the board, said Mills. The newsrack and code topics are expected to surface for the Monday, Sept. 8, workshop, he said.

Other communities have found ways to regulate newsracks. Milton officials amended town code in 2022 to say it is unlawful to place an object on the sidewalk without first receiving permission from the town. The town didn’t limit the number of racks, but instead required publications to request permission to place newsracks on the sidewalk. As part of the request, specific locations were required to be listed, accompanied by a picture of the location and the newsrack.