Rehoboth Beach Commissioners Moving Forward with Clear Space Theatre Development

The Rehoboth Beach Commissioners have agreed to move forward with a development plan that will allow the City and Clear Space Theatre Company (CSTC) to continue discussions about a possible new performing arts campus within the city limits. The Commission voted 6 to 1, with Commissioner Suzanne Goode voting against the proposal – which approved all but 4 bullet points in the financial section. Goode said during the special meeting on Monday that she is open to the theater, but not open to the city being a “de facto mortgage banker to this new grant recipient.” The financial terms of the agreement remain under review.

The vote Monday affirms the City’s intent to enter a Public Private Development Agreement with Clear Space Theatre Company – paving the way for a new performing arts venue on Christian Street where the current Cape Henlopen Senior Center sits. The Senior Center is working to raise funding for a move to another location – however because of the lease the Senior Center has runs until 2030, any construction of the Clear Space theater could not begin for five years.

Public comment during Monday’s meeting was split between those in favor of the performing arts center and those opposed – including former Mayor Sam Cooper who wants more information on if this is legal according to the city charter and the zoning for the property. The specs for the new performing arts center include one option for underground parking which was an issue for Commissioner Goode, as well as members of the public who asked if a geological study had been done and why the City, which has been against a parking garage for years, is now ready to approve this one.  There is also an option for all parking to be ‘at grade.’  Another commenter said that part of the property involved in the proposal is designated as open space – can they legally build there?

In a release from the City:

While the financial terms of the agreement remain under review, city leaders and CTSC have expressed a mutual desire to collaborate safeguards and milestones that ensure a sustainable and transparent partnership.

City Manager Taylour Tedder remarked, “Clear Space has meant so much to the City of Rehoboth, our visitors, residents and for the arts culture in our town. The theater can be the beginning of the revitalization of that specific area of the city. Of course, we must examine the appropriate zoning, the applicable building codes, and many other details, but today’s action clears the way for serious discussions of all those elements.”

This discussion will be revisited at a future meeting.  

CLICK HERE FOR THE AGREEMENT WITH CLEAR SPACE