Candidates for Rehoboth Beach City Commission Share Feedback on Clear Space and the Arts in Rehoboth Beach
On August 10, voters in Rehoboth Beach will elect two new members to the Board of Commissioners to replace Toni Sharp and Tim Bennett, whose terms end this year and who are not running for re-election. As an arts organization central to the civic life of our region, Clear Space Theatre Company wanted to speak to the candidates to understand their perspective on the arts and on the future of Clear Space’s building efforts in Rehoboth Beach. All four candidates met in person or by phone with Clear Space Managing Director Joe Gfaller.
Knowing that many Clear Space patrons are also Rehoboth Beach voters, all four candidates agreed to answer a few questions that may be on the mind of our patrons in advance of the election. Knowing how busy canvassing can be in the final days before an election, we are grateful for their willingness to share their points of view in advance of the election. We applaud each candidate for taking the initiative to serve our community in this role. We hope that their answers to the following questions may be helpful as voters consider which candidates they may ultimately support in the election.
Whether you are a Rehoboth Beach voter or not, we hope you will find this information valuable.
These were the questions asked of the candidates:
(1) What role do you believe the performing arts play in the health and civic life of a community? What role do you see them playing in Rehoboth Beach?
(2) As you know, Clear Space Theatre Company is working toward a plan to build a new performing arts center for Southern Delaware as it begins its next chapter. CSTC has been in Rehoboth Beach for the first 20 years of its history. What do you see is the role of the Rehoboth Beach Commissioners in developing a plan to ensure that this new facility is able to be built in Rehoboth Beach? Do you want to see CSTC remain in Rehoboth Beach?
(3) What requirements, if any, would you have for Clear Space’s plans to construct a new performing arts center in Rehoboth Beach? What would you hope that the community would gain from such a new development here?
Suzanne
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(1) Performing arts are a critical, vibrant part of any community. Rehoboth Beach brings a lot of urban dwellers to the ocean. Urban residents are accustomed to high caliber cultural arts, so they are elated when it’s available when they’re on vacation or when they’re spending time in their second home. For full-time residents, it’s a wonderful addition to their lives, especially if they value live performance. Summer camp and theatre classes add another wonderful dimension for everyone.
(2) I absolutely want CST to remain within RB City limits. I prefer that the Christian Street property be re-purposed once the senior center moves to the land on Hebron Road which has been transferred from the county. There is an opportunity for cooperation since an existing municipal surface lot is adjacent to the senior center in its current incarnation. There is also a safe, off-street drop-off zone for the senior center which can be re-designed for theatre-goers with mobility issues (who need to be dropped off and picked up to attend performances or to participate in other CST activities). Also useful for the constant flow of cars for summer camp drop off and pick up so the traffic on Christian St doesn’t back up, which leads to hazardous conditions for pedestrians.
(3) My sole requirement is that CST’s site plan be code-compliant. That includes off-street parking and a safe, designated drop-off/pickup zone. The community will benefit tremendously from CST remaining in downtown RB. I also recommend that CST pursue negotiations with Mr. Keith Monigle who owns the large Baymart parcel on Route 1. In addition to generous acreage, there is already a DelDOT traffic signal for safe access from the highway. While Mr. Monigle does not want to subdivide, if push comes to shove, he may well do so if it’s in his best interest.
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Rachel
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(1) I firmly believe that the performing arts, along with broader arts and culture, are essential to the health and vibrancy of any community especially, Rehoboth Beach. They enrich our lives, foster a sense of shared identity, and enhance our quality of life. In my role as a Planning Commissioner from 2019 to 2022, I supported Clear Space Theatre’s project because it aligned with the strategic vision outlined in the CDP and because it was code compliant. I was very disappointed when the Mayor and Commissioners overturned the decision of the Planning Commission. Moreover, I was disheartened by the lack of outreach by the Mayor and Commissioners to Clear Space to explore alternative locations, which could have ensured the theatre remained in Rehoboth. (2) I am deeply committed to ensuring Clear Space Theatre Company remains an integral part of Rehoboth Beach within our city limits. My family and I have cherished countless events and children’s programs at Clear Space over the years, and I recognize the vital role it plays in our It is crucial for the Mayor and Commissioners to develop a comprehensive strategy and economic development plan to support Clear Space's new facility. This includes identifying suitable locations, providing incentives, and ensuring a streamlined and fair approval process. In addition to leveraging the survey results, I will actively engage with Clear Space leadership, community stakeholders, and other relevant parties to create a collaborative plan that meets the needs of all involved. This plan will prioritize Clear Space’s presence in Rehoboth Beach, which I believe most of our residents and property owners want – we just need to find the right way to do it. (3) I envision a new performing arts center in Rehoboth Beach that is thoughtfully planned for future growth and diverse uses. This center should not only serve as a home for Clear Space Theatre Company but also become a vibrant cultural hub offering year-round programming. A new performing arts center would bring numerous benefits to Rehoboth Beach. It would provide a platform for local talent as well as talent from other performing arts centers, provide unique opportunities for aspiring performers, attract visitors, boost our economy, and offer enriching cultural experiences. Year-round programming would enhance our community’s quality of life, making Rehoboth Beach a cultural destination. As Commissioner, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the new performing arts center aligns with these goals, enhancing Rehoboth Beach’s cultural landscape and providing lasting value for our community. |
Mark
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(1) I believe the community of Rehoboth Beach extends far beyond the physical borders of the city. That said, a regional performing arts center is crucial to a vibrant, involved, well-educated community. The coastal region absolutely must include art and cultural pursuits of various forms, including the performing arts, if it hopes to attract smart, well-rounded citizens to the area. A well-rounded community is a happy community. (2) Yes, I absolutely want the City of Rehoboth Beach to be the center of all things cultural, including the proposed Clear Space Performing Arts Center. I believe the city leaders will, and should work with the search and planning committees of Clear Space to come up with a solution benefiting the City, the Community, and of course Clear Space itself as it enters into its second twenty year run in Rehoboth Beach. (3) I believe the Clear Space launch several years ago was poorly conceived, and mistakes were made by all parties involved. Let’s not do that ever again. Instead, let us find an attractive, well-located location, with adequate parking and minimal impact on residential areas. I would encourage city leaders to make property available on a generous partnership basis, and make reasonable accommodations, considering the unique needs of a This can be, and I hope will be, a win-win situation and another jewel for the City of Rehoboth Beach. Thank you for reaching out to us candidates and wishing you all the success as you move forward. |
Craig
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As my wife Lorrie and I have been canvassing Rehoboth Beach the past several weeks for my commissioner candidacy, it is clear that there is community support for Clear Space Theater Company (CSTC). I support CSTC, and would like to see CTSC remain in Rehoboth Beach. There are numerous studies detailing the positive role of the arts on the social well being of a community, and I could not agree more. In addition to this role, I believe CSTC’s new theater presents an opportunity to revitalize an area within the commercial district of Rehoboth Beach. As a Commissioner, I will be firmly committed to the revitalization of our downtown. But, if we have learned anything about the residents of Rehoboth Beach over the course of my campaign, it is that the residents want and demand transparency and communication. I would encourage CSTC to be transparent in sharing your concepts, designs, and plans, as well as wants, needs and goals with the residents. Schedule community meetings, live stream them, and listen to the resident feedback. You can then incorporate this feedback where you see appropriate and above all, seek compromise when necessary. This will showcase your willingness to work with the community that CSTC serves and will further endear residents to the artistic vision CSTC is bringing to Rehoboth Beach. |
![[Suzanne Goode Headshot]](https://www.clearspacetheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Suzanne-Goode.jpeg)
![[Rachel Macha headshot]](https://www.clearspacetheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/5.15-Rachel-Macha-headshot.jpg)
![[Headshot of Mark Saunders]](https://www.clearspacetheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mark-saunders-3.jpeg)
Tags: Election, New Performing Arts Center, Rehoboth Beach Commission
clear space theatre company