This note is addressed to my esteemed fellow neighbors of Rehoboth Beach, with a particular nod to those dedicated individuals who strive to uphold the honor and legacy of our historic town.
The ideas we present below are founded upon the fundamental principles of the betterment of our city for those who interact with it in any of the multifaceted ways. Of course, this still includes considerations for city revenues at the reasonable, meritocratic expense of those who enjoy our city. After all, how else are we going to afford the new city manager’s pay package?
Dark sky - One of the subtle yet enchanting elements of Rehoboth Beach is the profound darkness of her night sky. However, this shared beauty is encroached on by the light pollution originating from land-based activities, jeopardizing this remarkable aspect of Rehoboth Beach. Implementing cognizant guidelines regarding the use of uncovered and unnecessary lighting fixtures after dark holds significant promise for preserving the integrity of the night sky, preserving the intrinsic beauty that it bestows upon Rehoboth Beach.
Facade guidelines - As anyone who has experienced Rehoboth Beach can affirm, the town's charm is a cherished aspect that renders it unique and exceptional. Therefore, as stewards of Rehoboth Beach, it is imperative that we exert every effort to preserve and enhance the town’s essence. A pragmatic approach to achieving this goal is to implement robust guidelines for building facades, applicable to both residential and commercial structures. The sense of belonging to the town's identity should ideally permeate every building and storefront, cultivating a Rehoboth Beach that authentically embodies its essence.
Pedestrian access - The most desirable pedestrian spaces possess the characteristic of uninterrupted flow. In Rehoboth Beach, a significant interrupter of pedestrian space is the presence of roads. Introducing raised crosswalks would effectively defragment Rehoboth Beach, facilitating continuous pedestrian movement and fostering a sense of psychological continuity.
Taking the principles from prior ideas but extending them further, fully pedestrianizing the first block of Rehoboth Avenue would transform it from a fragmented, car-dominated area into a cohesive destination. The space reclaimed from roads could be repurposed for various people-centered amenities, such as additional benches, picnic areas, green spaces and vendor stands. These could be shaded by trees or other structures, making the area inviting at all times of day. As the heart of Rehoboth Beach, a unified pedestrian core on Rehoboth Avenue would connect its bustling sides, solidifying it as a central hub of activity.
This concludes our list of ideas. These suggestions stem from our love for our city and our hope to see it flourish in the years to come. I welcome all comments and questions, as they contribute to realizing this vision.
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