Clear Space eyes Rehoboth site near roundabout

After months of speculation fueled by city officials, a recently posted Rehoboth planning commission agenda has revealed where on Rehoboth Avenue Clear Space Theatre Company is looking to move.

According to an agenda posted Oct. 3, the planning commission is going to review Clear Space’s development plan for 413, 415 and 417 Rehoboth Ave. The properties are located near the circle, sandwiched between clothing store Jane and Georgie and the condo complex The Ark.

Wesley Paulson, Clear Space Theatre Company executive director, said in an email Oct. 3, Clear Space has been studying options for a permanent home since 2015. “The Clear Space board of directors has not made a final determination about this location,” he said. “We will share news with the community about 415 Rehoboth Ave. if, and when, we have something final to announce. Meanwhile we continue to offer live theater and performing arts education at our current home at 20 Baltimore Ave.”

Paulson said the board is weighing costs, location, feasibility and sustainability before making any decisions. Clear Space began in 2004, moving into the old Epworth United Methodist Church in 2010. During an Aug. 6 commissioner workshop, City Manager Sharon Lynn said the theater company was looking for a new home on Rehoboth Avenue because its Celebration Mall home is too small and the stage was not properly equipped for the plays Clear Space would like to produce.

Then, during the Aug. 10 planning commission meeting, Rehoboth building inspector Damalier Molina said Clear Space was looking for space on the 400 block of Rehoboth Avenue. At the time, property owner Gene Lankford said there are two more years on the lease with Clear Space. According to Sussex County property records, available online, a limited partnership named HKKW LP owns all three properties.

According to multiple online real estate companies, the three sites total 15,000 square feet. Two of the lots have a building; the third is vacant. It was listed in November 2017 for $2.45 million, but was reduced in price at the end of January to the current asking price of $2.27 million.

The planning commission meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or online at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information call 302-227-6181.