REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- The long wait for barriers to return is over in Rehoboth Beach, as bright and early this morning the barriers were rolled out in time before the rain kicked in. Yolanda Pineda, with Mariachi's on Wilmington Avenue said, "It's just different now, but for the best." Around 5:30 this morning, crews with the city of Rehoboth Beach pushed out the barriers so restaurants can use extra space for outdoor dining. The barriers created a way last year for people to dine on the sidewalk, and people walked in the blocked off parking spaces. Restaurants are hoping it will be a hit again this year. Patrick Ramos, with Mariachi's said, "If they're able to see just to kind of sit down immediately rather than having to go inside and you know I guess be at risk, they can just take a spot right there because of the barriers. We're all for it I'm sure more people will be more willing to come right off of the beach and sit down." Barriers were out in front of a lot of restaurants, but it seems to be less than last year. Baltimore Avenue and Wilmington Avenue only feature barriers on the first block right off the boardwalk. While Rehoboth Avenue has some barriers on the first two blocks. Some places didn't see the need to use the extra space in front of their places this year. Thierry Langer, the Owner of Kaisy's Delights said, "Because on our end the sidewalk is so wide where we are that people have plenty of room to just navigate through our tables and it's not a problem." Although Langer does fully support the idea of the city being more pedestrian friendly. All the work isn't done yet. The planters are still being manufactured that Rehoboth Beach Main Street fully funded, the hope is for them to be ready soon. Main Street also funded all the barriers for the season, while Rehoboth in Bloom will need to wait until May to put the flowers in the planters once they arrive. Cindy Lovett, with Rehoboth in Bloom said, "In this area you just can't plant before May 1st, we can't risk the flowers but we can get everything set up and have the volunteers ready and then we'll just put the plants in as soon as the weather lets us do it." Barriers also had ramps put in to remain ADA compliant for those with disabilities. The city says that in addition to the places that are using the barriers there's 44 restaurants that are approved for outdoor dining set ups and there's also three retailers that have been approved to use their sidewalk space to put racks out for their merchandise.
Barriers Return in Rehoboth Beach, Businesses Hopeful for a Great Season
