FENWICK ISLAND, Del. - Fenwick Island officials are scheduled to discuss Friday whether to amend town code provisions that currently prohibit parking on unimproved, or vacant, lots in the commercial district, following a request tied to parking concerns near a popular local business.
Under existing town code, parking is not permitted on unimproved commercial lots, even with the property owner’s permission. The code also prohibits commercial parking areas from being used as stand-alone parking lots or for shuttle services.
The discussion follows a request from Surf Bagel, which opened its Fenwick Island location this year and has experienced heavy customer traffic. According to company President Matt Patton, the business’s 29 on-site parking spaces have not been enough to meet demand, leading some customers to park illegally and receive tickets.
“It’s very hard to find a parking space,” said Eunice Carpitella, a Fenwick Island resident of more than a decade. “It’s constantly busy, even in the off season. I was just there the other day and parking was tight.”
Patton has asked the town to consider allowing the undeveloped lot next door to be used for additional parking. That request is expected to be discussed during Friday’s Charter and Ordinance Committee meeting.
Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said the town is exploring potential changes to the code that could allow limited parking on underdeveloped lots located within the commercial district, pending Town Council approval.
Carpitella said she would support the change if done responsibly. “If it’s a lot that’s sitting unused, I’m all in favor for it,” she said.
If changes are approved, the mayor said businesses would first need permission from the property owner and then submit a formal request to Town Council for review.