Dewey Beach Life Saving Station renovations begin

By Chris Flood | Apr 21, 2014

Dewey Beach Interior and exterior repairs and enhancements are underway for the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station.

It's occurring as we speak, said Marc Appelbaum, town manager, from his desk April 16.

The town has been somewhat derelict in keeping up with the building's maintenance, Appelbaum said, but keeping up with repairs is essential because small problems become larger, more expensive problems if they aren't addressed in a timely manner. The work is budgeted at $70,000.

We have the money. The time to do something is now, he said. We can afford it.

The list of interior improvements includes new paint, 10 executive chairs, 50 assembly chairs, the installation of a kitchenette and new flooring.

Exterior improvements call for the replacement of windows and rotted trim, a new deck and ramp, new storm shutters, and the fixing of leaks in the roof.

Appelbaum said the estimated cost for the improvements came in close to $58,000, which means the budgeted amount should be enough to account for any unanticipated changes.

The money for the improvements is coming from $208,000 of surplus revenue the town saw in fiscal year 2013. That money was divided equally three ways between these improvements, technology upgrades and town's rainy day fund.

Dewey Beach Patrol Capt. Todd Fritchman said he applauds the town manager for pushing forward with improvements. He said for a number of years he has been recommending these improvements when handing in his final statistics at the end of the season.

More:
Dewey Beach Life Saving Station renovations begin