Bethany Beach

BETHANY BEACH, Del. (AP) - Delaware transportation officials are blaming the weather for holding up a streetscape project in Bethany Beach.

The Delaware Department of Transportation says harsh weather this winter slowed work on Garfield Parkway near the boardwalk and the project won't be complete before Memorial Day. Work will be put on hold during the summer tourism season and resume in the fall.

BETHANY BEACH, Del. (AP) - Gov. Jack Markell is joining state transportation officials in highlighting a road project expected to ease congestion in the Bethany Beach area.

The project to be discussed Thursday involves the widening a four-mile stretch of State Route 26, also known as Atlantic Avenue, from Clarksville to the Assawoman Canal.

Officials say the project stems from record growth over several years that resulted in traffic congestion, safety concerns and operational issues.

Despite the recent bad weather the Streetscape project in Bethany Beach is still on track for completion by Memorial Day.

However, if there are further delays and the project is not finished by then Bethany Beach Vice Mayor Jack Gordon said that construction would be halted for the summer season and would resume later in the year.

Currently, almost all of the resort’s Garfield Parkway is blocked off .

Construction was started almost a year ago and is aimed at making the main road more accessible and safe for pedestrians.

Bethany Beach officials cannot keep Bethany Cycle and Fitness from selling and transferring firearms.

Local resident Carol Brigleb voiced concerns more than a year ago about the practice and the council began examining the law after the bike shop was in the process of changing ownership.

However, Delaware state law prohibits municipalities from restricting ownership, transfer or possession of firearms.

Mayor Tony McClenny told the Wilmington News Journal that the town will not be pursuing any change.

The Bethany Beach Town Council is looking at widening its boardwalk from 12 to 20 feet.

That’s to accommodate the summer crowds that throng to the resort.

Bethany’s engineer estimates the cost would be $990-thousand.

This is not the first time that the beach town has considered widening the boardwalk.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that five years ago the Town Council and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control approved $817-thosuand for such a project.

But the town decided against it because of the cost.

Efforts are just about to get underway to prevent erosion of a small strip of land that lies between the Bethany Loop Canal and Salt Pond.

The Land Strip Committee formed by neighbors has gotten the backing of Bethany Beach officials and has teamed up with the Center for the Inland Bays to preserve the trees, shrubs and marsh grass on the strip that help improve water quality.

The Delaware Department of Transportation has giving a $25 million contract to widen Route 26 near Bethany Beach to the company of George & Lynch.

Their bid was around 8.4 percent lower than what state officials had estimated which was $29.6 million.

Work is set to begin this fall with a completion date in the second half of 2016.

The 4-mile two-lane road will run from Ocean View to Clarksville.

BETHANY BEACH, Del. (AP) - The Bethany Beach Town Council has approved the purchase of a new trolley to add to its fleet for the summer season.

The Daily Times reports the town will spend about $167,000 for the new trolley. It will be the town's third trolley and is meant to compensate for mechanical problems on the other vehicles.

Officials say the trolleys are popular with children and help cut down on traffic.

BETHANY BEACH, Del. (AP) - Delaware State Police are telling residents of the Bethany Beach area not to be alarmed if they hear some unusual noises over the next two days.

The DSP' Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team is conducting what it officials describe as High Energy Dynamic Entry Training at the Delaware National Guard Training Facility located in Bethany Beach.

South Bethany police are investigating a possible accidental drowning that occurred between 4 and 6 a.m. this morning.

PFC Patrick Wiley said the body of a white female in her late 60s or early 70s was found at the shoreline in the area of S. 1st Street.

He added that the investigation has been turned over to the Delaware State Police.

The Salisbury Daily Times reports that vacationers along South Ocean Drive said they knew something was going on when they saw a Medical Examiner's truck from their decks. 

Summer time is just around the corner and the parking will no longer be free in some beach towns. 

On May 15 those visiting Bethany Beach will have to pony up some cash to park in beach lots and designated areas on Atlantic and Pennsylvania Avenues from First Street to Hollywood Street.

In addition, there will be paid parking on Garfield Parkway and the lots by PNC Bank and the fire department.

Free Wi-Fi could be easier to get in Bethany Beach this summer.

Town Manager Cliff Graviet said the resort hopes to offer the service on the Beach, boardwalks and bandstand by Memorial Day.

He told the Wilmington News Journal that it will be offered all year in the boardwalk area with beach access in the summer.

 For the last several years residents have been able to get free Internet access at the wireless park next to the Town Hall.

Many businesses and hotels have also offered Wi-Fi.