Commissioners set four-hour parking rate in Dewey

In a unanimous vote Feb. 12, Dewey Beach commissioners have set a new four-hour parking rate aimed to help local businesses.

Commissioner David Jasinski introduced the ordinance, stating he asked the business community for ways the town could help. In some areas of town, business owners said, parking costs $20 an hour, which causes people to opt not to park for short visits such as dining out.

Visitors must pay to park on all public streets in Dewey during the summer season, May 15 to Sept. 15 of each year. In most areas, visitors must either purchase and display a permit or pay to park using the ParkMobile app, which only offered a 24-hour minimum time limit for $20 prior to the passing of the ordinance.

Jasinski proposed a new four-hour rate, based on comparable fees charged to park in hourly metered spots, of $10 on Monday through Wednesday, and a new four-hour rate of $12 on Thursday through Sunday. Parking will remain free from 5 to 11 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.

The ordinance is effective immediately and expires Dec. 31, 2021, unless extended by amendment.

For more information about parking in Dewey Beach, go to townofdeweybeach.com/WherecanIpark.