In January, a structure to house a bakery and cafe, Station on Kings, located on Kings Highway in town, was approved by the Lewes Commercial and Architectural Review Committee. This proposed establishment is surrounded by residential homes, and has been supported by us and the community at large as appropriate for a residential area.
Now, The Station on Kings has applied to the state for an alcohol license, a Sunday alcohol license, and a request to serve alcohol outdoors, all of which have been met with surprise and opposition. Residents within 1,000 feet of this property, and mayor and council were informed of these applications by notice on Oct. 5.
Lewes has a core Town Center, where businesses flourish and alcohol is served at 10 restaurants. Additional alcohol service is available in the Lewes Beach Commercial District. More alcohol service is available at three establishments outside of the Lewes residential zoning on county lands, surrounded by other business enterprises and farm fields, not homes.
Alcohol will only escalate the inherent danger of the three-way intersection into Lewes, where you'll initially find no protective curb, no safe sidewalk; placing pedestrians and private homes in danger. Encouraged by Lewes's walkability goals and the new trails, bicyclists, including children assume they are in a safe zone. This main artery of Lewes also serves ambulances and speeding fire trucks.
While we support the Lewes Business District and Lewes Beach Commercial District to make decisions on the appropriateness of businesses in those districts, we do not support the selling of alcohol in a Lewes residential neighborhood.
The number of residents in the surrounding area opposed to these applications surpassed - by 50 - the required 10 signatures to ensure a public hearing. A public hearing will be announced by the Alcohol Control Commissioner in the near future, and we ask for your support and participation.
In the meantime, please join us in communicating to the mayor and council that residents' wellbeing and safety is of the utmost importance. Alcohol service and living, breathing neighborhoods just don't mix.
Denise Jackson
William Virden
Troy and Cathy Virden
City of Lewes
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