Coastal town officials meet with real estate agents

The Sussex County Association of Realtors rental affairs committee met with officials from six Delaware coastal communities last week to discuss parking issues, traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, enforcing ordinances and other issues that arise during the summer rental season when more than eight million tourists visit.

Real estate agents met with officials from  Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island for the second year. The goal, according to a statement from the association, is to keep communications open and examine ways of solving issues.

“The turnout at this event, double that of last year, is indicative of our continued efforts at staying in touch with local beach towns and officials,” said Adriane Gallagher, committee chairperson. “I am pleased to see that our rental departments and our municipalities have forged such strong relationships. This is a process that ultimately benefits all parties.”

Officials from each town had a chance to speak in front of the group and discuss any seasonal issues they encounter regularly, as well as solutions and proposals that successfully or unsuccessfully addressed those issues.

“These collaborative efforts are a big step forward for the entire community, and really the entire region. We all face very similar issues, and the more we work together, the more we can help the tourists who come here every year,” Lewes Mayor Ted Becker said.

“To bring people together in a forum like this at the beginning of the season is extremely helpful,” says Mike Dunmyer, a commissioner in Dewey Beach. “To listen and hear from other town officials about what they’re dealing with and what matters to them…is so critical. I will definitely be coming every year.”

Coastal Delaware’s traditional summer season begins this weekend and runs through the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 5.