Letters to the Editor

In defense of downtown Rehoboth Beach

I read with interest Mr. Clayton’s letter of June 3. While he does make some good points about people not liking debauchery and drunkenness, he just seems to try too hard to make his points about not being anti-gay. When people try that hard to defend themselves one has to wonder what is behind it.

The attacks on Dennis Barbour who Clayton says has now shown his true face by championing Bill Shields, owner of Aqua, seem to indicate just a little anti-gay bias. After all, Dennis Barbour ran as a gay candidate and it seems that was OK with Mr. Clayton as long as he didn’t champion someone who believes that it would be great for Rehoboth to have more gay citizens.

I have been coming to Rehoboth Beach for nearly 30 years. I love the town and own a place just outside the actual town limits. I rent a parking space in town from the city because I come there so often. The money the city gets from what they charge me for parking is more than some people pay in taxes for their homes. The reason for that is the bustling business community in Rehoboth and the fees they collect from parking meters and selling parking permits. The hotels are packed and most businesses are doing well. Now I don’t know what business Mr. Clayton owns because he doesn’t mention it, but I assume his is doing well too.

I wonder if Mr. Clayton really believes that the town would be doing as well as it is without the new robust restaurants and bars that have sprung up in recent years. I remember a few years ago many business owners were complaining that the town was dying, as were their businesses. They said that people were only shopping at the outlet stores and putting the in-town stores out of business.

Well, on Memorial Day weekend, all those people coming into town were also walking the streets and shopping. They were visiting all the new art galleries and stopping in at the older shops as well. The town is no longer dying and it is no longer attractive to just an older crowd. Despite that, it is gaining as a retirement area and many who are retiring to Rehoboth are part of the LGBT community. They as well as other new retirees have the money to enjoy the bars and restaurants that have opened in recent years.

The fact that Aqua bar has scantily clad waiters shouldn’t bother anyone as the waiters there wear more than anyone does all day on the beach. So no young children who are at the beach all day with their parents could be shocked by someone wearing a bathing suit.

Then again, no one should be bringing young children into a bar. As to the quote that one gets a “Key West” feeling from some of the bars and restaurants on Rehoboth Avenue, I think it is great. There is no one except the hotel guests at the Sandcastle who could be bothered by the noise emanating from that bar, and it is the Sandcastle that decided to rent to the bar. Guess they felt anyone who was bothered by the noise would have plenty of other choices of where to stay.

Rehoboth Beach is a great town with so many great places to live. It does have three commercial streets: Wilmington, Rehoboth and Baltimore avenues. I would suggest that anyone who finds living behind a commercial street actually could move if they were so inclined. People who moved there before the growth of the town have made fortunes on their investments. But I think it would be better for them to just realize that they moved to a beach town where the summer season is when people make their money and just adapt to it. It is kind of like living next to an airport and complaining about the noise and then realizing it doesn’t arouse much sympathy from the fliers coming into that airport.

The LGBT community in Rehoboth is growing, and I think Rehoboth should be happy about that. It is, as Mr. Clayton says, a community with families just like everyone else’s. But then again, it is a community like most others that likes to have entertainment and moves to the beach in the summer to enjoy outdoor restaurants, bars and patios. I think Mr. Clayton also knows how many members of the LGBT community now own businesses in Rehoboth and are helping to keep it alive and thriving.

So I would urge Mr. Clayton to stop complaining that the town he claims to like is not staying as it was 40 or 50 years ago. Nothing stays exactly the same. But Rehoboth and its LGBT commissioners like Dennis Barbour, and its business owners and Realtors like Bill Shields, are keeping it alive and actually giving back more than most that live there do.
Peter D. Rosenstein
Rehoboth Beach

Preserve unique character of Bay Avenue
The June 3 Cape Gazette article which indicates that the many residents' opposition to widening Bay Avenue is based on property disturbances and removal of shrubbery misses the main point.

The primary usage of Bay Avenue "alley” by the residents and guests of Lewes is for walking, jogging and biking.  It is the one of a kind character of the alley winding along the bay that makes it such an important part of Lewes.  On any given summer day, pedestrians and cyclists can be seen enjoying its charm in significant numbers.

Vehicle traffic is by far a secondary use.  The vehicles that are seen are mostly locals and beachgoers getting to and from their driveways or the beach.   Drivers are most always keeping a sharp eye out for the beach goer running off the hot sand into the street or the youth cyclist turning a corner.

Clear cutting the surrounding roadway up to 26 feet will result in a complete loss of the unique charm of the Lewes beach promenade.  Additionally, a wider visual clearance for drivers will result in faster speeds that could lead to potential pedestrian injuries.

The safety of pedestrians and cyclists (often children) is most important as they enjoy a peaceful summer day or evening along the quiet street.

In order to retain this special part of Lewes the city should utilize known and available construction techniques that would limit the scale and scope of the project.  As was the stated goal by city officials at the first round of informational meetings that the character of the alley should be retained and the width should be maintained at the current 10 to 12 feet.  City officials will gain great support and respect by sticking to the original vision of the project.
David Schaen
Lewes

There's plenty of noise, exposure to go around
In a recent letter to the editor, Jeffrey Clayton rants about the debauchery and drunkenness of some of the bar scene, particularly that at Aqua on Baltimore Avenue, although he does mention other "Key West"-style bars. He's against the Aqua waiters who sometimes wear only designer underwear and says that this is something to which children should not be exposed.  However, he doesn't seem to be upset, since he doesn't mention it, by the short shorts of the Hooters girls, or the bikini-clad girls on the Boardwalk.

Mr. Clayton is upset with what he says is public drunkenness, but I would guess that there's just as much drinking at Dogfish as there is at Aqua.  If Mr. Clayton is upset with loud noises from these bars with open patios, then he definitely should not visit Funland on the Boardwalk, where the noise level is ear-piercing from computer games, rides and screaming children.  Mr. Clayton says that he's not anti-gay, but he is mainly picking on gay establishments while ignoring very obvious non-gay parallels.

Despite his one-sided opinion, I do agree with him on the noise level, and the noise is not predominantly from the crowd.  It's from the amplified music.  I've been driven out of some of the Baltimore Avenue bars because the singers, who are very good, have sound systems that are so loud that you can hear them halfway down the block.  Conversation on the far parts of the patio is difficult.  The noise issue may be a harder fix, since young people like loud music.  I'm reminded of a sign I saw on a very noisy vehicle coming down Rehoboth Avenue. The sign read "It's not too loud - you're too old."  However, I personally think the amplification could be turned down, and who knows, I might even go back to these places and listen to the singers.

Mr. Clayton refers to upscale stores and children-oriented businesses.  Doesn't he realize that many of these upscale stores have gay owners?  From what I've seen, children do not frequent upscale stores, galleries or restaurants. I've lived in the Rehoboth Beach area for three years now, and I've rarely seen children on Baltimore Avenue, except for Jake's Seafood House.  Conversely, on those rare occasions when I walk the Boardwalk in the evening, I rarely see other gay people.  It seems to be a self-imposed segregation.
Howard Cyr
Sussex County

Letter hints of gay bashing in Rehoboth
In response to Jeff Clayton’s letter of last week:

Wow, what a letter.  It is difficult to decide whether to first address Mr. Clayton’s factual inaccuracies or his not-so-veiled gay bashing.  So, let me start by getting some facts straight.  Oops - by straight, I mean “correct” as opposed to not gay.

The “biggest crybabies” you refer to, who ran for office “eight years ago” were not Joe, Bob and Bill.  Rather, Bob, Dave and Bill ran for office six years ago.  Moreover, you have not heard one word from Bob or Dave in those six years about over-enforcement of laws in Rehoboth Beach.  To the contrary, you may recall that I prevailed in litigation against the city for the under-enforcement of laws relative to elections and election signs.

Additionally, your rant about enforcement of laws and the relationship (in your mind) between this subject and “drunken debauchery,” then tying this concept to complaints by business owners is ridiculous.  I am not aware of the “business you own for 10 years” in Rehoboth, but I am sure it is not a business that has been subjected to the city’s use of a flawed noise meter utilized outside of establishments primarily frequented by gay patrons.  We all know that if the noise meters were ever utilized next to Funland or even the city’s own Bandstand, by way of example, these establishments would be off the noise chart.  But no one seriously suggests they should be subject to ordinance violation.  Hence, your rant about complaining businesses completely misses the underlying issues of subjective enforcement, selective enforcement and due process, which really is the heart of the issues raised by those “crybabies.”

Yet, despite the fact that your rant completely misses the critical administrative issues noted above, the tone of your letter is far more troubling.  Your reference to “those gay families” whom you are “friends with” reminds me of the recent reference by Donald Trump of “the blacks.”  It also sounds very reminiscent to the comment “some of my best friends are (gay), (black), (Jewish),” etc.

I am sure there is a relationship between being a soccer coach and having gay friends, but I am having difficulty making this connection.  Frankly, it sounds to me like someone who has a problem and is desperately trying to explain this problem by denying the same.  Frankly, I am not sure who you are, what business you own or who might be accusing you of gay bashing, but as the saying goes, “if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck…”.

As for your comments about Dennis Barbour, I am most fascinated.  Sounds to me like you feel he should be included in the Bob, Dave, Bill slate from back in 2005 - who would have ever guessed!  Dennis, sounds like you have been traded from the Save Our City team to the Ruin Our Town team.  Welcome aboard!

Now you too can share in the pleasures of being painted in broad, inaccurate brush strokes.

My suggestion for you, Mr. Clayton, is twofold.  First, when you decide to trash individuals and a community at large, have the guts to pick up the phone and speak directly with those with whom you have a concern rather than advertise your animosity to the community at large.  Second, given your issues, I think you need to go out, take a day off, and enjoy the beach.  However, let me suggest that you stay away from Poodle Beach where you’re liable to run into some of your gay friends who you have met while coaching soccer.
Bob Sokolove
Rehoboth Beach

McGlone a great fit for Rehoboth mayor
Tom McGlone has been my financial planner for several years.  Since the beginning of our relationship, I have admired his expertise in the financial field, his enthusiasm, his creativity and ability to think outside the box, and most important, his talent for listening to his customers.  Tom is now running for mayor of Rehoboth Beach.  I can’t think of a better fit for his skill sets.

Tom understands the qualities that make Rehoboth so special. At the same time, he sees many opportunities to improve the city.  His priorities include more transparent city management and financial reporting, process streamlining, and responding to the needs of Rehoboth’s customers - residents, businesses and visitors alike.

I believe now is the time - and Tom McGlone is the right person - to bring new energy, new ideas, and unsurpassed qualifications to the City of Rehoboth Beach.  I would encourage all residents (part time or full time) to make sure they are registered to vote by the deadline of Friday, June 10, and to vote for Tom McGlone for mayor Saturday, Aug. 13.
Deborah Woods
Rehoboth Beach

Kings Creek Country Club deserves kudos
I would like to comment on Bob Yesbek's article concerning Kings Creek Country Club.  I co-chair a luncheon or two per year for a nonprofit organization and Kings Creek is the hands-down favorite venue of my committee.  Gary and Leslie have always treated us with the utmost courtesy and professionalism in the planning of our events, which have included as many as 140 guests.

Chef Phil consistently serves us delicious selections of soups, entrees, salads and desserts.  Please consider Kings Creek and its staff to host your next nonprofit event.  You won't be disappointed.

Thanks, Gary, Leslie and Phil for a job always well done.
Cynthia Ritthaler
Milton

Cape boys lacrosse boosters say thanks
The Cape Henlopen Boys Lacrosse Boosters would like to take this opportunity to thank the many businesses and community members who generously supported our boys lacrosse program this spring.  Our team had a successful season ending the year with a record of 13-5.  The team advanced to the semifinals of the Delaware High School State Championship tournament and placed fourth.  Great job team!

Our thanks to:  Jack Lingo Realtors, Adriatico, Capriotti’s in Lewes, Joe Mathews, World Cup Sports, First State Disposal,  Minuteman Press, Five Guys of Lewes, Jungle Jim’s, Light House of Lewes, Delaware Anesthesia Associates, Jeanine O’Donnell - State Farm Insurance,  Keith Donovan, Morris James Attorneys, County Bank, Schell Brothers, Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry, Sundew Painting, Deli 88, Apple Electric, Keen Consulting, Boulevard Ford, Prudential Gallo Realtors,  Grotto Pizza, SPI Pharma, Surf Bagel, Cape Pharmacy, Sleep Inn, Lawns Unlimited, Ed Brown - L & W Insurance, Kelly Kalb - Fresh Air Architectural Design & Drafting, Lyle & Patrice Riggin, Hickman’s Meat Market and PopWarner Cape Vikings.

A special thank you to all of the parents, grandparents and fans who helped make this season a success.  Our best wishes go out to our large class of graduating seniors.  Have a great summer.
Lori Mathews
Cape Henlopen Boys Lacrosse Boosters

American Legion says thanks to all
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 17 would like to extend a special thank you to the Dewey Beach Lions Club.  The Lions Club generously donated $500 to the auxiliary during May's annual Poppy Drive.  Once again, thank you.
Carole Harbaugh
Unit 17 Poppy Chairwoman