REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - The countdown is on, just 12 days remain until demolition begins on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Starting April 21, crews will begin a three-and-a-half-week demolition for the One Rehoboth Avenue Hotel. The demolition will consist of the Sirocco Motel, Grottos Pizza and Zelky's Arcade only on the north side of the boardwalk.
For Arthur Hehn, who grew up along the coast and has witnessed its growth over the past 70 years, this transformation is nothing new. "It's just the way things go. And I guess it's progress. I don't have to like it. It's going to happen," Hehn said, reflecting on the constant changes in the area.
Visitor Pear Stemsbey, shared his concerns, "It's part of the history of the place. You wipe that out, and it just becomes like everywhere else—just a strip mall. What’s different about that? I can go to any place and visit a strip mall, but I can't go anywhere else and visit the beach," he added, pointing to Rehoboth’s shoreline.
(City Documents.)
The city says that before the busy summer season begins, the demolition site will be cleaned up. Fencing will be installed around the area until work resumes in September.
For now, locals and visitors alike will have to adjust to the changes as Rehoboth Beach embarks on a new chapter in its development.