BETHANY BEACH, Del.- A problem over parking in Bethany Beach, The town is hoping that a change coming tomorrow could help ease concerns from many. Bethany Beach says there are a thousand pay to park spaces in the town and as of Friday, all of them will be active again. Bethany Beach understands that people were upset with the changes but they're hoping that people will understand things are changing by the day. Bethany Beach is once again adjusting parking to try and help everyone. Rosemary Hardiman, a Council Member in Bethany said, "We've never tried to keep people away, we just restricted the parking to try and cut down on the crowds on the beach because we have a obligation to try and protect the health and safety and welfare of everyone who comes here." Here's where parking will stand as of Friday: Bethany Beach said, "On Friday June 12th, at 4 PM all parking spaces on Atlantic Avenue and all ocean-front street ends and parking lots will be available as both Residential Parking Permit spaces and Pay-to-Park for those without a permit. Pay-to-Park will be in effect from 10 AM to 11 PM on Atlantic Avenue and beachfront streets closest to Garfield and 10 AM to 8 PM farther north and south of Garfield Parkway, as indicated on signage. Parking is free when Pay-to-Park is not in effect. All of the 100 and 200 blocks will remain Residential and/or Business Permit Required 24/7." The town says one goal during the pandemic has been working with the businesses. Some businesses say the parking changes have helped sales. Alex Heidenberger, Partner at Mango's and Hideaway said, "Seeing noticeable increases in sales just after the first change in parking and I think that after this weekend with it going kind of normal we'll see a significant increase." But not everyone has been happy with the changes. Businesses say that guests and customers have been upset with the parking changes but they want people to understand it's not the businesses fault or the towns fault all they're trying to do is follow the Governor's orders. Heidenberg said, "You know understanding and being humble and smart for safety is never a bad decision so we've tried to do our part and not you know fueling anyone's anger or fire fire." Bethany Beach says it has done more to help businesses. Since many are losing money and sales, it figured it would help them anyway they could. "Gave each of the businesses the number of parking permits they had last year but instead of paying for them, they got them free," Hardiman said. The town says spaces on the 100 and 200 blocks will stay as residential or business permitted parking only at all times. Bethany Beach says it's doing everything it can to try and accommodate the businesses and people who want to visit the town and parking can always be a tough task to tackle but the town says it's trying to follow the Governor's orders and recommendations.
Bethany Beach Parking Changes
