In Rehoboth, don't reopen the wound
Everyone agrees that preserving the special charm and character of Rehoboth Beach and its enviable property values is, to say the least, a worthy pursuit. In fact, preservation of the city’s special character and property values are inextricably connected. There are so few places like Rehoboth Beach remaining in this country, and demand is increasing.
The result: rising property values. Small lots on shaded streets with appropriately scaled houses, decent yards all the way around with room for trees and natural growth all contribute to a neighborly feel - a perception that brings a feeling of nostalgia. It’s a good feeling whose loss should be avoided at all costs.
The City of Rehoboth Beach offers a nice balance between commercial and residential interests. The recently enacted zoning ordinance is an attempt to preserve that balance. It’s not like the city is proposing to rid rentals from residential areas. Rather, it wants to slow the advance of out-of-scale houses whose owners’ sole interest is investment in an income-producing property that will appreciate in value.
No one faults that thinking from an investment point of view. It’s called smart. But if that trend continues, the character of Rehoboth Beach will unquestionably change and - in the opinion of of many current residents watching their streets transforming around them - not for the better.
Given the demonstrated concerns voiced by dozens, no change is not an option if property values and character are to be preserved. Starting over by reversing the new ordinance would create a kind of limbo when there could be a rush of applications to build according to the old rules. That - many feel - would only allow the problems that started this discussion in the first place to proliferate. The only way to avoid that possibility would be to enact a building moratorium while initiating another round of discussions to resolve the concerns.
Rehoboth’s long-term interests - including property values - would be best protected by its voters upholding the new zoning rules and starting from that point to refine and improve them.
