Rehoboth takes steps to preserve small-town charm
December’s relatively balmy temperatures seem to make it a little harder to get into the Christmas spirit this year, but a walk around Rehoboth Beach should put even the Grinchiest among us in a more joyous mood.
Colorful holiday lights on Rehoboth Avenue cheer up these long winter nights, and with a brightly lighted tree along its bank, Rehoboth’s Silver Lake has become the reflecting pool of the nation’s summer capital.
Rehoboth brims with small-town charm, and it’s good to know the city commissioners are taking initiatives to preserve it.
They have taken steps to reduce congestion by working on a plan to encourage people to park their cars and walk or ride bikes through town; another plan will link Lewes and Rehoboth by water taxi. As those who already enjoy the city on foot or bicycle well know, slowing down and getting outside are healthy and enjoyable ways to experience the city’s appeal.
Rehoboth officials also obtained grants to plant trees in public places and set a goal to plant enough trees to create a canopy that will cover almost half the city’s total area.
Because Rehoboth has so many trees, this effort might appear unnecessary, but it’s only by protecting trees and adopting policies that promote planting new ones that Rehoboth’s shady streets and tree-lined avenues will be preserved going forward.
Rehoboth also recently approved a measure to discourage demolitions by bringing building permit fees for new construction in line with fees for renovating and repairing existing homes.
While the new fees are not likely to change the minds of investors replacing old cottages with new homes for resale, it’s likely they will encourage homeowners considering upgrades to reject demolition in favor of renovations.
At the very least, as Mayor Sam Cooper put it, the city should not be encouraging demolition by charging lower permit fees.
These measures drew almost no controversy, yet taken together, they demonstrate a decisive effort to identify and preserve qualities that give Rehoboth Beach its unquestionable appeal.
