Most parking permit and meter fees will increase in the Town of Dewey Beach this spring.
The Dewey Beach mayor and commissioners started discussions about raising meter and parking permit fees in January.
They voted unanimously at the end of February to raise rates starting May 15th.
Mayor T.J. Redefer says Thursday through Sunday - the meter rate jumps from two to three dollars. The hike is a bit lower the rest of week.
“In most of the areas during the early parts of the week (Mon., Tues. and Wed.) our parking will go from $2 to $2.50 an hour in those metered spots,” Redefer said.
Seasonal parking permits are rising from $200 to $250 - with the exception of property and business owners - who will continue to pay $150.
Weekly permits will rise from $55 to $75 and weekend permits will go from $35 to $45. There are also one day permit increases.
Redefer says that lower Monday through Wednesday rate is designed to help draw more people to town.
And Redefer says changes to parking permit fees were made with local residents and businesses in mind.
“The annual seasonal permits - we tried our best - and were successful in making sure that the owners of properties and the owners of businesses can buy permits at a discounted rate - just like they could in the past; so their fees didn’t go up at all, said Redefer. " But for our guests who want to buy one for the entire season and for weekly rates, they all went up just a little bit as well.”
Parking meters and permits are in effect from May 15th to September 15th each year.
Redefersays Dewey hopes to raise an additional $150,000 with the increases.
“We were able to protect our residents and business owners from fees going up. We were able to keep the free parking period that the Chamber loves, because that’s when we do bonfires on the beach and our movies on the beach," said Redefer. "So we were able to accomplish a lot with only increasing in those areas where we think we’re getting the most use and have the most visitors. And we need their help to help pay for the things we need and want.
Complete parking information can be found online here.
