Lewes homeowners seek fix for backyard flooding

Dick Bryan has had a lot of people in his backyard on DeVries Circle over the years, but he’s not throwing garden parties.

Mayors, legislators and engineers have all been there to see the property, which Bryan said turns into a lake during heavy rain storms. 

Matt Messina, project manager from the Sussex Conservation District; Janet Reeves, Lewes assistant city manager; and Salvador Alarcon, a representative from Rep. Alonna Berry’s office, were among those to take the tour Oct. 16.

Michael Deldeo, Bryan’s next-door neighbor, has joined the effort to find a solution.

To put it in perspective, the recent nor’easter did not produce enough rain to cause major flooding in their yards. 

But heavy rain on Oct. 30 was enough to bring flooding to the area behind Bryan’s house.

They said runoff from the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail and a development on Freeman Highway has only made the problem worse.

They said the water flows across Kings Highway, through an overgrown ravine, turning a small stream into a rushing torrent. Deldeo has said the section between their properties is in danger of collapsing.

Bryan told mayor and city council at an Oct. 22 workshop that help is on the way, but he needs financial assistance.

“This is Groundhog Day all over again,” he said. “I’ve been coming here for 25 years asking for help. But now we’ve finally found a friend in the [Sussex Conservation District].”

SCD committed to doing the work at one of those backyard meetings earlier this year. Bryan said the ravine would be covered and piped, and a gentle swale created.

“The volume of water will continue to flow, it will just be an improved area that’s easier to maintain,” Bryan said.

SCD estimates the price tag at just over $67,000. It is not clear if engineering design work would have to be done, which would add to that total.

Councilman Tim Ritzert said he is concerned the SCD work might not go far enough without the engineering component.

SCD proposes that Bryan, Deldeo, the city and the state evenly divide the cost.

Bryan and Deldeo asked mayor and city council to chip in to help cover its portion.

Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, and Rep. Alonna Berry, D-Milton, are looking into funding, but neither has made a formal commitment.

The Lewes Board of Public Works voted unanimously Sept. 24 to reject Bryan’s request for financial help, because it is private property and there is no easement.

“We’ve done everything we can do legally,” said Preston Lee, a BPW board member. “We could go over and above, but I don’t think we should do it. There are so many locations in this town that are like this, that if we started this precedent it would be difficult to stop it.”

Mayor Amy Marasco also expressed concern about the city setting a precedent if it contributes.

Marasco directed City Manager Ellen Lorraine McCabe to meet with SCD, legislators and engineers before council makes a decision.