BETHANY BEACH, Del.- Bethany Beach's parking changes continue to cause some conflict. This week the town changed some parking along Atlantic Avenue to residential parking in the day, and pay to park after 4. The town says it's an effort to reduce traffic and enforce social distancing as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Some business owners say, it's going too far.
"People who don't know are going to be really surprised when they circle and circle and can't find a spot," said manager of Bethany Surf Shop, Kimberly Benton.
The new parking changes have already pushed away customers.
"Over the last 10 days they've pushed back with hundreds of emails and text messages to us that they're done with Bethany Beach. They have been so inconvenienced," said owner of Silver Stockpile, Bob Thornton.
Starting Friday all parking along Atlantic Avenue will be pay to park after 4. The town says that goes in line with phase two of reopening. But some business owners say it won't bring back shoppers.
"People can't go to the beach from 4 on. They can't get their Bethany Beach day in from 4 on. We still have signs on Garfield Parkway saying 'Strictly enforced. Two hour limit'. Are you telling vacationers they can come to town and jam pack everything into two hours and then they got to get out of here?" said Thornton.
People with the town of Bethany Beach say they want to avoid crowds and ensure people social distance. They will reconsider restricting parking if it's needed for public health and safety.