Town of South Bethany – 2015 Community Survey
PART I. CURRENT TOWN SERVICES
Property Owner Comments Regarding Beach Services #1: Beach Patrol;
#4: Access; and #5: Parking
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Improved beach access – install water faucets.
Beach – restroom areas – even porta-potties and showers!
Improvement in handicap wheel chairs.
We need: 1) Town boat ramp, 2) More handicapped parking east of Route 1 other than
where handicapped access is. 3) Another handicapped walkway farther north on beach.
Handrails. I would support handicapped access on at least 2 other beach access points so
installation concentrated on S. 3rd making it easier for those who need it & for parking.
Local boat ramp access.
Clean the beach, professionally I have owned in SB since 1984 and I have never seen the
beach cleaned. Never.
Public access to the bay, including a boat ramp.
Beach entrances – difficult for elderly or anyone with knee, hip, or leg issues. Maybe
additional modified handicap entrances – even a couple with stairs which may be easier
for some to navigate.
Beach access for handicapped should be expanded problem – American Disability Act’s
rules should be researched. 4. Shower, like at Bethany Beach, should be added at end of
ramps. The primary reason most people visit SB is to enjoy the ocean beach. Focus on
that, so they are happy.
Beach access – Many elderly and residents who have chronic Illnesses are not able to go
the beach because of steep walkways. Even families with young children have difficulty
getting to the beach. We need more ramps so everyone in the community can enjoy our
beautiful beaches. All the ramps are too long and steep and mats are very hot.
Beach service access – need more handicapped board walks.
Can we get permission to leave our kayaks at the Sea Colony racks? Pay a small fee?
Thanks!
Beach – access walks in terrible condition from Sea Side Dr.
Beach access: consider partial walkways on street side of dune. And mobi’s on beach side.
Investing in some additional lighting & better beach access is important to safety &
convenience for both adults & kids.
Accessible boat ramp for property owners not located on water.
Beach access: Trouble except for handicap ramp at S. 3rd St.
19. As a property owner of age, I feel it is important to have more access as on S. 3rd street;
would be more than willing to give money for this. I feel we need less intrusiveness with
the SB owners. Better access to beach. Instead of handrails rise towards cost of
boardwalk, i.e. handicap.
20. Since purchasing our house on Brandywine Drive we have thoroughly enjoyed SB. We rent
our house mostly in summer months and spend time there when we can. We purchased a
house with a dock as we have a boat and like to fish and do watersports. There are very
few boat ramps/trailer parking areas in SB. Harpoon Hannah’s is the nearest location to
accommodate my boat and provide parking-Entry fee $30, exit fee $30. I would really like
to see the Town look into boat access for boats needing concrete ramps & parking. Thank
You.
21. We would like to have increased access to the beach for our dogs, it would be good to be
able to walk the dogs (on leash) at the beach after lifeguard hours.
22. Beach access - ramp from walkways to beach would be nice.
23. S. 3rd St. is the only handicap accessible ramp and it is not in good shape – always covered
with sand; people in wheelchairs cannot use the ramp to access the beach. (Walkers,
canes, and people with gait issues also cannot access the beach from the ramp).
24. Taxes rather than a tax increase to support things like improved beach access or burying
overhead lines. Why not consider a one-time charge per household to support these
things.
25. Need another handicap access to the beach.
26. The mobi-mats help but it is very difficult for seniors to access the beach, or cross the
dunes. Handrails would be very beneficial. A walkway (5.3) even better.
27. Access – more mobi mats are required. A cost effective lighting program should be
developed for all beach access points – a plan should be developed. Not sure handrails
are necessary.
28. Sandpiper village. Beach access needs to be improved – weeds overtook that walkway this
summer, the steps and the handrails are very rickety.
29. Beach Access – Create more “handicap” access points doing multiple mobi-mats from
street all the way up to over dune to level beach. One near north end & one near south
end of Town would greatly improve handicap access. Current “handicap” access near 2nd
street is inadequate & does not meet the needs of many handicap folk like me who would
like to use the beach more. The mobi-mats are a less expensive alternative to the full
ramp concept. Michael Watson.
30. Future Town needs: We love our Town of SB and enjoy sharing it with our families.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult for them to access the beach. The walkways are too
difficult to walk on. Is there some way we could have wooden walkways, as those blue (I
think they are blue) mats did not help much. Some of our relatives who are more elderly
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would love to be with grandchildren on the beach, but cannot. Even some of our elderly
neighbors cannot make the hike. Thank you so very much for the survey. Your work is
greatly appreciated for keeping our Town such a treasure! Thank you again!
Mobi-mats for all beach access areas.
The beach is already crowded don’t provide more access.
As for beach access – everything a combination that helps elderly get over dunes to enjoy
beach. Thanks.
Suggest handrails on every other access path and more rails on the remainder.
Beach service – access – difficult, long walk for seniors. (Handrails not necessary at each
beach access). Definitely water spigots to rinse sand off;
Beach Access – some of the pathways to get to beach are so steep. Hard to get up and
down, especially when carrying beach chairs, umbrellas, etc.
Spending money to make the dunes more accessible when the dunes wash away every
few years seems wasteful.
Beach access two to three additional handicap beach access approaches similar to the 3rd
Street access.
I would like to see the Town install boat ramps with paid access to defray the costs.
Beach patrol – I have seen more and more rafts in the water. Also many swimmers “far
out” past breakers – puts swimmers and Town at risk! Don’t use high tide time and
temperature.
Our house is located on S. 8th St. I do not understand why a beach entrance is not at the
end of this street. It is one of the longest runs between entrances.
Some way to clean/shower when leaving beach would be nice.
Beach patrol uniforms do not seem professional. I think all members of the patrol should
wear distinctive swim suits such as red with SB printed on swim trunks and sweat shirts
and caps.
I live on North 4th St. and feel that a beach handicap ramp should be built at North 4th
entrance and handicap parking spots also marked. Add beach wheelchairs. They can be
stored in storage shed and left at the lifeguard station during the day. WIFI on the beach.
Really need some type of public restroom facility near beach. A lack of facilities makes
going to the beach extremely difficult for families with young children and elderly people.
Need mobi-mats on both sides of the dune.
Beach Services: We need lines to make best use of limited spaces. People leave too much
space between, cars, often having 3 or 4 “half spaces” left unusable. Perhaps better
monitoring of bottles on the beach. A simple reminder for renters but perhaps a fine for
property owners.
What is the plan if a storm takes out the beach and the state and feds take too long (i.e.
over a year) to repair/replenish?
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Beach services Beach patrol – serious lack of training and oversight!
Handrails at N. 4th & 5th & 9th 2-3 more mats for steepest dunes.
Mobi-Mats should only be on 4 dune crossings/with handrails.
Need to work with DNREC for launching facilities for kayaks at end of Black Gum Drive.
Now it is slimy & dangerous.
I suggest for beach passes they be used based on property address & not license plate #.
Lifeguards – the lifeguards are not as professional as they should be. I understand the
need to take breaks. On normal surf days, I am not concerned. However, on high surf,
dangerous days, they maintain same routine. They should have a rotation on those days
to maintain two guards in the chair. I witnessed an event this year where a parent had to
run 50 yards right by the lifeguard chair to save a five year old child. The single lifeguard
was not even aware this occurred. Bottom line – they don’t react to changing situations,
no sign of enhanced vigilance on rough days.
Invest in a beach cleaner to clean sand each morning especially on weekend.
Dragging sand on beach.
Some way disabled people using walker could get to the beach and use it.
I witnessed a “pee” tent on the beach this year - first time - they should be banned from
our beach – I told the lifeguards – disgusting – he did nothing. I told the people not to
“pee” on our beach.
Another disabled walkway at south end of beach. Town services. Does the Town have an
“emergency” fund in the event of a once in a century storm. Are we continuing to add to
it?
I am not an old curmudgeon but found the female lifeguard bathing suits way too skimpy
– sort of ridiculous!
Parking & launch area for kayaks into Assawoman Canal. No real area to put in kayaks
from Cat Hill.
Would love to see wood stairs to beach eventually.
Because so much of Town revenue is based on “the beach” why doesn’t the Town spend
some money & purchase a beach rake! Cost of a beach rake approximately $7K – this will
eliminate holes in the sand from digging youngsters & possibly a law suit from a broken
bone that the Town will have to spend. This is good for both full-time residents & visitors
alike. Looking, for positive beach experiences.
Beach walkways need improvement: too steep, mobi-mats are slippery – we need to
consider wooden walkways that won’t form ruts (like sand does) in rain. Passages
between walkways have too many weeds. Many times our family picked up “burrs” on
feet & legs. FYI: peanut eaters leave shells on beach: makes me nervous for those with
peanut allergies.
65. Expand junior lifeguard program to the entire summer and do better age appropriate
activities. Say for teens and non-teens.
66. It would be nice to have water spigots to clean feet, etc. when coming off the beach.
Since dunes installed – hard for older people to get to beach.
67. Mobi-mats-I am not in favor of the mobi-mats. I find them very hard to walk on. I’d rather
walk on the sand. Our guests & family members agree with me. I find it difficult to walk
over the dunes, but I don’t know what the solution is.
68. I was not impressed by the lifeguards this year. They were inattentive to the people in the
water. In the 15 years we’ve owned, I’ve seen a decline in the professionalism of the
guards.
69. Beach patrol – 2014/2015 guards peed up by snow fence – not bathroom. Guards are not
engaged/paying attention.
70. Need to improve walkways to beach. 2. No parking sign in front of walkways.
71. Handrails are badly needed. It’s almost impossible to get to the beach.
72. Need to control back beach, non-residents who park their bicycles on SB property near
the beach. This and non-resident drop offs are impacting beach area.
Comments Regarding Parking
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Parking – So annoying when looking for parking & lifeguard parking places are empty! –
happens a lot.
2. Parking on bayside and walking to beach even if they do not live in SB.
3. Beach services #5 – Parking this is becoming a big problem areas – 2) made their
driveways too large half a block in some cases 3) hang signs about parking this coupled
with having one-sided parking on roads and many lifeguard spots (that are not used) has
made this a very frustrating issue. Homeowners should not be allowed to block others!
4. More handicapped parking east of Route 1 other than where handicapped access is.
5. Also, renters on Ocean Drive, have 5-car driveways, limiting parking for those who pay for
passes. Their rental fees are too small. There are fewer & fewer places to park on the
Oceanside. For those of us with passes, it is inequitable.
6. Parking – Appears more cars are parking behind York Beach Mall on empty lots & along
roads. Are permits needed here? Should they be?
7. Beach services – Parking. Please consider angled parking which will add additional parking
spaces
8. I would support handicapped access on at least 2 other beach access points so installation
concentrated on S. 3rd making it easier for those who need it & for parking
9. Non-existing parking
10. Beach service parking – need to limit private home parking to allow visitors adequate
parking. 1. The Town-required beach parking tags from 5/15 to 9/15 but only provided
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lifeguards between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The guards should be provided from
5/15 to 9/15 or only require tags between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Parking on
Ocean Drive and side streets east of RT 1 should be expanded to accommodate visitors.
Too many homes have expanded parking to include entire properties. At least 20 feet per
property should be for visitors during the summer so they can park.
Only one handicap ramp and there is not enough parking there
Parking – the "please don't block our walkway" signs. What does this mean? If I have
space to walk around is that ok?
Beach services parking. Parking space should be made available on both sides of Seaside
Drive. A space is needed for emergency vehicle maneuvers, more parking from Seaside
Drive “on the loop” to “inner loop”.
Parking – not enforced on sea side of Route 1
More “no parking” signs on some of the eastside streets during summer season. Bicycle
police or parking enforcers during summer season for cars parking faced the wrong way as
illegally.
Beach parking – limited, caused by homes having huge driveways (width) which eliminates
street parking.
Parking – late with my disabled mother – went to court- nasty judge – worst court
experience ever.
Beach parking! Please require a permit on the bayside for parking.
Parking on the Oceanside is adequate but last year was not well policed. Find a person
with a bike, car park w/out a permit, in wrong directions, in driveways and blocking
garbage access.
I would like all parking passes to be without tag numbers, each homeowner is given 4 they
should be used as homeowner prefers.
Parking – many homeowners at the beach, especially those with the new huge Oceanside
houses install driveways covering the entire lot on the street. Therefore no one can park
on these areas. This limits the area for parking for legal SB homeowners who live on the
bayside of our Town. I consider this selfish, uncaring for fellow homeowner, and surely
not community minded. This is an issue I have been concerned about for a long time. Also,
beach passes encourages giving passes to others outside SB. Thank you.
Should require permit only parking on all streets within 100 or 200 feet of Route 1. People
who are not locals or renters are starting to realize they can park for free there & walk
across to the beach.
Regulate parking passes on bayside from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Major issues not being addressed – canal water, lighting, street maintenance natural gas
lines & future parking issues, future beach costs due to new housing development near
SB.
25. Why can’t there be parking on streets on canal side!
26. Beach services – Parking – The owners of houses on the beach side of Route I keep taking
away more & more parking spaces by paving (or graveling) more parking on their own
properties and eliminating street parking. There should be a limit on curb cuts for each
property so those owners cannot unilaterally take away parking spaces from the rest of
the Town. We think the above parking issue is the most critical issue to address so the
beachside owners do not continue to take away parking from everyone else.
27. Parking near the beach is becoming a problem since all of the homeowners are expanding
driveways & walkways, and making the private beach more crowded. Many parking on
Henlopen Drive on the unimproved lot. Need ticket.
28. Town should mail parking permits as convenience to owners. Permits should not be
restricted to individual license tags.
29. Stop parking on Elizabeth Way.
30. Parking at beach – Not in favor of day passes for out of Towners’ vehicles-I pay Town tax
and there’s no room at beach to park.
31. Beach: Post “no” parking signs to prevent blocking beach access ways. Also – no bike,
stroller, etc. to the left on walkways.
32. Placing the parking signs by handicap spot toward south end of ocean is very confusing –
please fix this; unsuspecting parkers are getting tickets, mark each spot!
33. Beach services – parking. Some people park taking two spaces-either not conscience or
inconsiderate. Also I notice some people have parking permits that don’t own property in
SB.
34. Beach parking getting harder each year. 1. Can we park on both sides of streets?
Lifeguards park by Route 1 not Oceanside?
35. Beach side Parking is inadequate to accommodate residents, let alone visitors.
36. Services - beach parking is horrible. How about diagonal parking? Would fit more cars.
37. Parking on South Ocean Dr. is too congested. Barely room to move cars-dangerous to
walkers.
38. Do not put “public” parking on or around our beach.
39. Parking should be limited to the 4 passes per owner. Hopefully this will control the
parking better.
40. Beach services: No parking for residents in afternoon during summer months.
41. Parking – not enforced on sea side of Route 1 & speed – does not seem to be enforced
past couple of years.
42. More “no parking” signs on some of the eastside streets during summer season. Bicycle
police or parking enforcers during summer season for cars parking faced the wrong way as
illegally.
43. !!! Most Important – Please do not let cars/trucks park way into streets. The streets are
narrow, and these vehicles limit-visibility for the hundreds of children, walkers and
bikers!!! A code change is necessary!