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        <title>Delaware Beach Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/additional-crosswalks-on-coastal-highway-and-garfield-parkway.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/additional-crosswalks-on-coastal-highway-and-garfield-parkway.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>Additional Crosswalks on Coastal Highway and Garfield Parkway</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Credit: CoastTV, Brandon Ferguson





Work is expected to begin soon on new pedestrian crosswalks at the intersection of Coastal Highway and Garfield Parkway, according to the town’s newsletter. The intersection is a busy corridor that experiences heavy foot and vehicle traffic, particularly during the summer months.





The project will include installing a new pedestrian crosswalk on the north side of the intersection, expanding access in an area where crossing options have been limited. Residents say the current setup has created challenges for pedestrians.


“It’s really difficult as a pedestrian, and I really worry about families, especially with small children,” said Michaela Greene.


Bruce Warner added that having only one crosswalk makes the intersection harder to navigate. “It’s just the one crosswalk there, and it’s tough for people. There’s a lot of traffic during the summer, so it’s a good idea,” he said.


CoastTV has reached out to the Delaware Department of Transportation for a timeline on the project and is awaiting a response.


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:21:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/south-bethany-considers-rules-on-pervious-surfaces-to-combat-flooding.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/south-bethany-considers-rules-on-pervious-surfaces-to-combat-flooding.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>South Bethany Considers Rules on Pervious Surfaces to Combat Flooding</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Photo: WBOC


As coastal flooding becomes an increasingly common concern, officials in South Bethany are weighing new regulations aimed at reducing runoff and improving drainage across the town.


At the center of the discussion is a technical but critical distinction: pervious vs. impervious surfaces. Pervious materials—such as gravel, permeable pavers, or landscaped areas—allow rainwater to soak into the ground. Impervious surfaces, like concrete driveways and traditional pavement, prevent water from infiltrating the soil, instead sending it into streets, storm drains, and nearby waterways.


Town leaders say that balance may be tipping in the wrong direction.


South Bethany, like many low-lying coastal communities, is particularly vulnerable to flooding from heavy rain, high tides, and rising sea levels. Local officials are increasingly concerned that development patterns—especially the expansion of impervious surfaces on private properties—are making the problem worse.


Research supports those concerns. Studies show that as impervious surface coverage increases, flooding risk rises significantly, with even small increases in paved areas contributing to measurable increases in flood severity.


When rainwater cannot soak into the ground, it accumulates quickly, overwhelming drainage systems and pooling in streets and neighborhoods.


According to the report, South Bethany officials are exploring potential changes to local ordinances that would regulate how much of a property can be covered by impervious materials.


Possible approaches include:




Tightening limits on impervious coverage for new construction or redevelopment


Encouraging or requiring pervious alternatives, such as permeable driveways


Clarifying definitions of what qualifies as pervious vs. impervious materials


Incentivizing property owners to replace existing hard surfaces with more water-friendly options




These ideas align with broader planning discussions already underway in the town, where officials have considered increasing minimum pervious coverage requirements and promoting stormwater best practices.


The debate reflects a common challenge in coastal communities: how to balance private property rights with collective resilience.


Homeowners often pave driveways or expand outdoor living spaces for convenience and aesthetics. But when many properties make those changes, the cumulative effect can strain infrastructure and worsen flooding for the entire community.


Officials emphasized that any new rules would likely focus on future development, meaning existing properties could be grandfathered in.


South Bethany is not alone. Across Delaware’s coastal towns, local governments are increasingly turning to green infrastructure solutions—like permeable pavement and improved drainage systems—to manage stormwater and reduce flood risk.


Permeable materials allow water to filter through surfaces and into the ground, helping reduce runoff and easing pressure on drainage systems.


As climate pressures grow, experts say such strategies are becoming essential, not optional.


Town officials have not yet finalized any changes, but discussions are ongoing. Community input and further study will likely shape how aggressive the regulations become.


For residents, the issue may soon hit close to home—literally—affecting how driveways, patios, and other surfaces can be built or modified in the future.


What’s clear is that in South Bethany, even small design choices on individual properties are now part of a much larger conversation about flooding, sustainability, and the town’s long-term resilience.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:17:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bethany-bandstand-unveils-2026-seaside-concert-series-lineup.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bethany-bandstand-unveils-2026-seaside-concert-series-lineup.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>Bethany Bandstand Unveils 2026 Seaside Concert Series Lineup</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Summer is right around the corner, and we can't wait for the Town of Bethany Beach to begin hosting the Seaside Concert Series  Bandstand performances take place on Thursday and Saturday nights in the summer and Friday and Saturday nights in September and October.  Summer Wednesdays will feature &quot;Kids Nights&quot; in July and the occasional rain date.





Summer concerts typically begin at 7:30 p.m.  Fall concerts will begin at 6:30 p.m.  Shows offer something for everyone - from rock and pop to country, jazz, and anything in between.  Bench seating is provided free of charge, but it is limited. Since seating is first-come first-served, we ask that you don't save full benches in the hours leading up to show times.  Bringing your own chairs is encouraged


In addition to the Seaside Concert Series, the Town of Bethany Beach will also host movies and bonfires on the beach.  All events are weather dependent and subject to beach conditions.  
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:58:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/county-council-reviews-land-use.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/county-council-reviews-land-use.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>County Council Reviews Land-Use</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Credit to: Coastal Point, Susan Canfora 













The Sussex County Council this week introduced the first ordinances stemming from recommendations made by its Land Use Reform Working Group.


At the Tuesday, March 10 council meeting, Assistant County Attorney Vince Robinson said the introductions mark the first step in acting on roughly 20 recommendations developed by the group. The council created the working group last year to review land-use trends in Sussex County and recommend possible changes to the county code and Comprehensive Land Use Plan.


The ordinances introduced this week address affordably priced rental units, open space, preliminary plat requirements and cluster subdivisions. Public hearings will be held before the ordinances are considered for adoption. Details on the ordinances and hearing dates will be posted on the county’s website at www.sussexcountyde.gov.


The Land Use Reform Working Group began meeting in March 2025 and held its final session Sept. 11, 2025.


Among its final recommendations were:


• Revising the Future Land Use Map using the state’s Strategies for State Policies and Spending to define growth and conservation areas. As part of the 2028 Comprehensive Plan update, the county would also undertake a countywide rezoning to align zoning districts with those areas and better direct development toward locations with infrastructure and suitable land.


• Amending the zoning code to clearly define “missing middle” housing types such as duplexes, triplexes, stacked flats and cottage courts, which are currently grouped under the broader term “multi-family dwelling.” The update would also allow a wider range of housing types and revise minimum lot sizes, widths, setbacks and separation distances in growth areas to support more compact housing.


• Adjusting permitted densities in growth and conservation areas to encourage development where infrastructure exists and limit growth in areas targeted for conservation. The recommendations also call for incentives to preserve open space, farmland, natural resources and affordable housing.


• Revising the county’s rental housing program to improve its effectiveness and encourage more developer participation through a data-driven approach. The group also recommended working with DelDOT to create transportation improvement districts in growth areas and establishing a transportation impact fee for development in conservation areas.


• Encouraging the preservation of existing trees through value-based tree protection standards, including mitigation options and incentives, along with new landscaping and tree-planting requirements for development projects.


• Promoting naturalized landscaping and native vegetation in open spaces.


• Requiring major subdivisions in AR-1 agricultural districts within conservation areas to maximize lot size and preserve natural resources wherever possible.


Additional recommendations include supporting working farms in AR-1 zones, improving clarity and reducing subjectivity in the review process, prioritizing public hearing scheduling for projects that advance county land-use goals, and modernizing the zoning code to make mixed-use development a predictable permitted use in commercial districts.


The overall goal, the group said, is to foster vibrant, walkable centers, expand housing options, support local businesses and make efficient use of infrastructure while preserving community character








 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:13:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/firm-start-to-2026-for-sea-colony.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/firm-start-to-2026-for-sea-colony.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>Firm Start to 2026 for Sea Colony</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in Sea Colony. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


Despite two significant snow events and extended periods of below-freezing temperatures in January and February, Sea Colony real estate started 2026 strong.With stable inventory and active buyers already in the market, we anticipate continued strength as we move into the spring season.


Through the first two months of the year, 11 properties went under contract—a 10 increase compared to the same period last year. Properties are also moving much more quickly, with the average days to contract just 8 days, down from 34 days a year ago. While overall sales volume based on list price declined by 10, the average sale price rose 7 year-over-year.


As always, if we can help with your real estate goals or provide additional insight on the market, please reach out to our Sea Colony Experts: Chris Housman (302) 853-0192 Gail Phelan (302) 233-4909
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:44:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/firm-start-to-2026-for-bayside.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/firm-start-to-2026-for-bayside.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>Firm Start to 2026 for Bayside</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in Bayside. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


Bayside real estate has had a firm start to 2026, despite two significant snow events and extended periods of below-freezing temperatures in January and February.With low inventory and pent-up buyer demand, the market remains fundamentally strong for homeowners and we expect buyer activity to stay strong as we head into Spring. 


As the chart illustrates, through the first two months of 2026, 9 properties went under contract which matches activity last year. Meanwhile, sales volume (based on list price) is down 12. Despite the slower pace of sales (52 days-to-contract vs. 10 last year),the average sale price is up 33 year-over-year and inventory is down 28. 


As always, if we can provide additional insight on the market, please call our Bayside Expert: Kiki Hargrove (302) 569-2959


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:42:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/slow-start-to-2026-for-bear-trap-dunes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/slow-start-to-2026-for-bear-trap-dunes.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>Slow Start to 2026 for Bear Trap Dunes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in Bear Trap Dunes. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


The Bear Trap Dunes real estate market has gotten off to a slower start this year as we battled two significant snow events and temperatures below freezing for much of January and February. As the chart illustrates, through the first two months of 2026, 3 properties went under contract in your community compared to 7 last year.


Both the number of sales and sales volume in dollars (based on list price) were down57 through the first two months.With the continuation of historically low inventory and pent-up buyer demand, we are confident that the market remains fundamentally strong for Bear Trap homeowners.We expect buyer activity to increase significantly as we head into the busy Spring season 


As always, if we can help you with your real estate goals or provide additional insight into the market,please reach our Bear Trap Specialist, Gail Phelan: (302) 233-4909
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:36:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/firm-start-to-2026-rising-inventory-in-ocean-view.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/firm-start-to-2026-rising-inventory-in-ocean-view.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>Firm Start to 2026, Rising Inventory in Ocean View</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in Ocean View. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace.


The real estate market has started at a slower pace this year as we battled 2 significant snow events and temperatures below freezing for much of January and February.With pent-up demand and historically low inventory, we are confident the market remains fundamentally strong for homeowners and expect buyer activity to increase as we head into Spring.


As the chart illustrates, through the first two months of 2026, 47 properties went under contract, an 8 decrease compared to last year, and sales volume (based on list price) down 10.Despite the slower pace of new contracts, the market continued to move quickly. The average days to contract was 18 days compared to 20 days during the same time frame last year.


As always, if we can provide additional insight on the market, please give us a call: (302) 541-5207
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/fenwick-slower-start-to-2026.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/fenwick-slower-start-to-2026.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>Fenwick Slower Start to 2026 </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes propertiesin Bethany Beach, North Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace. 


The real estate market at the beach has started at a slower pace this year as we battled two significant snow events and temperatures below freezing for much of January and February.With stable inventory and pent-up buyer demand, we are confident that the market remains fundamentally strong for homeowners and expect buyer activity to increase significantly as we head into Spring.


As the chart illustrates, through the first two months of 2026, 25 properties went under contract, a 24 decrease compared to last year, with sales volume (based on list price) down 23.Despite the slower pace of new contracts, the market continued to move quickly.The average days to contract was just 9 days, a significant improvement from 22 days during the same time frame last year.Additionally, the average sale price increased 4 year-over-year.


As always, if we can provide additional insight on the market, please give us a call.








Leslie Kopp              Christi Arndt               Wayne Lyons(302) 542-3917        (302) 245-5223            (302) 858-7347






 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:55:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bethany-fenwick-slower-start-to-2026.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.bestofbethany.com/blog/bethany-fenwick-slower-start-to-2026.html</link>
        <author>Leslie Kopp &amp; Christi Arndt</author>
        <title>Bethany-Fenwick Slower Start to 2026 </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in Bethany Beach, North Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace. 


The real estate market at the beach has started at a slower pace this year as we battled two significant snow events and temperatures below freezing for much of January and February.With stable inventory and pent-up buyer demand, we are confident that the market remains fundamentally strong for homeowners and expect buyer activity to increase significantly as we head into Spring.


As the chart illustrates, through the first two months of 2026, 25 properties went under contract, a 24 decrease compared to last year, with sales volume (based on list price) down 23.Despite the slower pace of new contracts, the market continued to move quickly.The average days to contract was just 9 days, a significant improvement from 22 days during the same time frame last year.Additionally, the average sale price increased 4 year-over-year.


As always, if we can provide additional insight on the market, please give us a call.


Leslie Kopp                    Christi Arndt(302) 542-3917                (302) 245-5223
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:44:00 -0500</pubDate>
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