Rehoboth commissioners vote for, against parking changes

January 30, 2024 49

The 2024 pay-for-parking season in Rehoboth Beach is fast approaching, and commissioners are beginning to make decisions on how things will operate.

During a meeting Jan. 19, two proposed amendments to code failed when commissioners voted 3-3. Commissioner Patrick Gossett was absent.

The first would have increased the fine for parallel parking violations from $15 to $50. The second would have authorized a one-time adjustment to the amount of a parking ticket from $30 to $15 if it was paid within seven days of issuance.

Commissioners did approve wording that prohibits vehicles from parking on the grassed median of Scarborough Avenue.

Another approved change includes having one price of $20 for a daily permit. Previously, daily permits on Saturday and Sunday were $20, but the rest of the week they were $15.

Finally, commissioners approved a change eliminating the requirement that a specific application be filled out to obtain a scooter parking permit.

Commissioners discussed possible changes to parking at Deauville Beach, but decided to hold off until the city and state have reached a resolution on the expired lease contract.

Parking recommendations move ahead

In early January, commissioners agreed to move forward with several recommendations from the city’s consultant Rossi Group as part of its preliminary traffic and parking study report.

Among the proposals the city will move forward with before the coming summer season are a pilot program to enhance pedestrian safety on King Charles Avenue, more clearly identifying 30-minute parking spaces, and installation of “Walk Your Wheels” markings on sidewalks and additional “Yield to Pedestrians” signage.

On King Charles, at the intersection with New Castle Street, temporary curb bump outs will be installed, while temporary crosswalks with relief islands in the middle will be installed at the intersection with Stockley Street.

These temporary measures will address requests for crosswalks and concerns related to speeding. This pilot program will be assessed over the coming summer season.

The city also will install “State Law – Yield to Pedestrians” signs on both the east- and westbound signal masts on Rehoboth Avenue at First and Second streets.

Later this year, in order to prepare for the 2025 summer season, commissioners also anticipate undertaking a comprehensive review of parking season dates and rates after the traffic and parking study is completed. Rossi Group is expected to present its final traffic and parking study report and recommendations to commissioners this spring.