REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - The Rehoboth Beach Mixed-Use Zoning Task Force is focusing on workforce housing. Which encourages increasing the number of first-floor businesses that feature residential apartments on upper levels.
Jeff Houseman, co-owner of EC Shades in Rehoboth Beach, has firsthand experience with this model. For years, he’s had tenants living above his business and sees it as a practical solution to the town’s housing struggles. "It's really hard to get help downtown anymore, and part of that is because there’s no place for anybody to live that's reasonable," Houseman explained. "I think it’s a great idea for others to consider."
The city’s Mixed-Use Task Force is actively exploring the possibility of expanding this type of development. One of the key discussions at the recent task force meeting was the issue of parking. They proposed that the size of an apartment could influence the number of parking spaces allotted, with a requirement that parking spots be located at least 700 feet from the apartment entrance.
Tom Browning, a local on the coast, stressed the importance of addressing the workforce housing shortage. "We need those workers," Browning said. "However, it's hard to find affordable housing, and that causes a problem because our businesses need these people to work."
While the task force is still in its early stages, the impact of their recommendations could significantly reshape both the landscape and the skyline of Rehoboth Beach.
No final decisions have been made yet, but the discussion continues to highlight the pressing need for affordable housing solutions in the coastal city.