The price of liberty is eternal vigilance
Over the past decade there has been dramatic change in West Rehoboth. The largely African-American community tucked along Hebron Road and Church Street has witnessed the rise of a community center where children enjoy activities and after-school programs. Colorful signs celebrate the history of the community. A land trust works to help people buy properties and fix up others. Many abandoned and derelict buildings that once sheltered drug users and drug dealers have been demolished and cleared.
The extension of Hebron Road to Holland Glade Road made a through road out of what was once a dead-end road and the popular Junction and Breakwater Trail ends at Hebron Road. Signs direct users of the trail to use Hebron Road and Church Street as their route into Rehoboth Beach.
All of these improvements have made West Rehoboth a safer, more visible and more stable community over the past several years. Against that backdrop, recent violent assaults and fights in the community were much more jarring than they would have been 20 years ago.
Fortunately, and to the credit of state and local police forces, many of those involved in the fights and assaults have been taken into custody. A good portion of them were from outside the community, came in and caused trouble, injured some people severely, and created anxiety during an era that has been moving in a more positive direction.
Maybe the day will come when West Rehoboth enjoys a steadier police presence either through annexation to Rehoboth Beach or through incorporation to become its own governed community.
In the meantime though, residents and visitors in the West Rehoboth community can use their cell phones and 911 to be the eyes and ears of a well-trained state police force that can respond quickly and be proactive when informed of pending or erupting trouble. Police officers can’t be everywhere at once, but in cooperation with a community that stays alert and in touch, a timely and strategic police presence can help ensure that people can feel safe in West Rehoboth and the improvement trend can continue.
