New town hall proposed for Dewey Beach

A new town hall building could be in the works for Dewey Beach.

Commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 21 to authorize Town Manager Scott Koenig to issue an RFP for an architect to develop conceptual plans and options for a new building.

Koenig said overcrowding is an issue with the current building; the alderman court judge is not happy with her areas and there is no meeting space. While many town meetings are held in the Lifesaving Station, he said that location is also not ideal.

“Commissioners can’t go into executive session without asking the public to leave,” said Koenig, who noted the station also has audiovisual, accessibility and safety issues. “It would be nice to have one single building where everyone is.”

Koenig said he would like a 50-year building that would last until 2075.

Commissioner Dale Cooke said the current building does not meet a number of standards, and that suspects awaiting trial or placement in holding cells must stand outside the town manager’s office.

“It’s 35 years old, and it’s not going to last,” he said.