Lewes is at a crucial pivot point for its future – one driven by pained feelings among homeowners who are worried about what prerecorded music at restaurants with outdoor dining will do to the town’s culture. The conversations have become angry for a few reasons. A perceived disregard among the mayor and city council for the wishes of people who live downtown versus those who don’t. The ever-present and perfectly reasonable concern that homeowners have for their property values. And the strong belief among many that a new ordinance allowing for music at a certain volume will be impossible to enforce.
Count me among the many who bristled when the mayor announced at the last public meeting that the council was under no obligation to listen to the concerns of opponents. In hindsight, I don’t believe the arrogance was intended, but it was strongly felt among the standing-room-only crowd. While I had intended to remain neutral, it pushed me to write a letter to mayor and city council that called them on it.
Which is my main point. I’ve lived downtown for many years and absolutely hate the conflicts that have been created. Friendships are fracturing. People feel they aren’t being heard. And recently one restaurant owner, a good guy who has done great things for Lewes, has been singled out for completely undeserved vitriol. This isn’t the Lewes I’ve loved for decades.
We have to do better. Mayor and city council must take the views of local homeowners – who contribute greatly to the atmosphere that enables Lewes restaurants to thrive – into account. Likewise, the homeowners need to listen to the restaurant owners as opposed to telling them how to run their businesses.
So here’s a simple proposal that will lower the temperature. Restart the conversation and invite the many who spoke against the ordinance as proposed to weigh in with ideas that will make it more palatable. Also recognize that running a restaurant is tremendously challenging, and be open to the concerns of our restaurateurs. If playing outside music 13 hours a day, from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. is a problem, think of a better timeframe. If the definition of ambient music is too broad to define for a community comfort level, be more specific. If there’s a better way to enforce this aside from calling the police if the music is too loud, think that through. Since a lot of people aren’t really worried about bad behavior among the current restaurateurs but are concerned with what happens when they sell to someone else, figure out how to ensure future owners are accountable.
Simply put, be nice. Start over on this. Stop demonizing hardworking restaurant owners and writing off homeowners as people who should simply bend to city council’s will. Use our collective brains to craft something that’s good for everyone. I believe it can be done because I believe in my neighbors.
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