Area residents and visitors filled the Bethany Beach town hall to view numerous bandstand and mall renderings planned for the end of Garfield Parkway. No draft, however, was selected at the Tuesday evening, Aug. 19 meeting.

The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the multiple layouts for the bandstand and mall area located along the Bethany Beach's boardwalk and gather public comment.

Council has been gathering drafts for the past three to four years and has plans to have a few more renderings drawn by employees of Becker Morgan, Inc. Hugh Grant, who works for the architect/engineering firm, presented some drafts during the workshop.

Grant's sketches, which are very preliminary, showed the bandstand located at the center of the boardwalk at Garfield Parkway facing southward. Another of his sketches placed the bandstand on the south side of the mall area.

Both renderings showed a more beachlike design using earth tones, curved steps and sails.

"The backdrop would be a series of sails," Grant explained. "It would add color and a beach feel."

He said there would be a portable bandshell to help the sound move toward those gathered to hear the concert.

Where the sound goes has been an issue with the McCabes, owners of Blue Surf Motel on the south side of Garfield and the boardwalk.

The family worries about the impact the bandstand will have on their guests and consequently their business.

"Their new center location still moves it towards us," Patty McCabe of the most recent draft sketches.

She and her family understand the bandstand area needs renovating. What they don't understand is the town's desire to move it closer to the hotel.

For several years, council has discussed what to do with bandstand, according to Mayor Joseph McHugh. He said each time a band takes the stage, they are at risk because of the antiquated electrical system.

The electrical system is not the only thing putting performers and others who climb onto the bandstand at risk.

"The bulkheading from north to south is shot," McHugh added. "It's rotted out, and we need to replace the bandstand."

Town officials had a lifeguard station built next to the bandstand. Now, as many residents claim, they are attempting to fit the bandstand in around it.

Resident Steve Wode suggested council leave the bandstand an open area and construct the bandstand over on the church property they are purchasing. That property is located at the northwest corner of the Route 1 and Route 26 intersection.

McHugh explained that could not be done because the town does not own it yet.

It was then suggested council cut their losses, admit they made a mistake building the lifeguard station at the Garfield Parkway location and move it to Campbell Street. Then council could rebuild the bandstand farther west on the current site in the center.

Council member Harry Steele said that idea would be one he would consider.

McHugh appeared to grow a bit frustrated at the mention of moving the lifeguard station, namely because he had made the very same suggestion several years ago. At that time, he said most town residents were against it.

"Something has to be done, the wiring is a catastrophe waiting to happen," McHugh said shortly after the workshop adjourned.

Reach Roxann Moore at (302) 537-1881, ext. 108, or by e-mail at mailto:rmoore@smgpo.gannett.com

Originally published Wednesday, August 27, 2003