REHOBOTH BEACH, DE – City leaders in Rehoboth Beach discussed a possible extension of the city’s paid parking season Monday. The proposed extension would add 61 additional days to the season.

The city’s current parking season runs from May 15 to September 15. The new proposed dates would range from May 1 to October 31. The recommendation emerges from the results of a traffic study carried out in the city in 2023.

City officials said the expansion would help address the city’s increasingly busy off-season and demand for parking. Accordingly City guide, The expansion would boost parking sales and bring in additional revenue.A full breakdown of the proposal can be found on the city’s website.

In that breakdown, city leaders estimated potential additional revenue at about $1.6 million could be introduced of the proposed 61 additional days. The Same The breakdown puts estimated expenses for the extended season at around $340,000.

WBOC spoke with several local business owners Monday. Many of them said they fear the proposal could harm their businesses.

Jessica Hubbell, the store manager at Stoneworks Lapidary, said many locals only shop with them outside of the paid park season.

“I think it’s frustrating as a small business in Rehoboth because we rely on it,” Hubbell said. “To survive here year-round, we rely on locals coming here in the off-season.”

Michael Holland, the owner of LEH Soap Company, said he fears the proposed change could push locals into cities without increasing parking fees.

“They won’t stop by for a simple walk, a sandwich or, in my case, to buy a bar of soap if they are constantly worried about their health.” Meter, or feeding the meter,” Holland said. “That’s a barrier I hear from my people.”

A city spokesperson told WBOC late Monday afternoon The, If the proposed change occurs, it would not come into effect until 2026. According to the city spokesperson, the potential change will continue to be discussed by commissioners in the coming months.