News Briefs 7/28/23
Lewes Open Space Alliance gives update
The Lewes Open Space Alliance campaign has raised one-quarter of its private gift objective to preserve two significant properties in and just outside Lewes.
“The enthusiasm and financial support from our community has been tremendous,” said Jim Ford, campaign chair.
Ford and his wife Teresa hosted one of more than 20 planned local meetings to solicit contributions, resulting in $50,000 in gifts that were matched by a $50,000 pledge from the Leland Burton Family Foundation.
Other events are scheduled for residents of the Fourth Street corridor, Senators, Harbor Point and Pilottown Reserve. Plans are in the works for meetings in Mariner’s Retreat, Cape Shores and Lewes Beach. Events will continue into the fall and 2024.
Some $3.9 million in private donations is being sought as part of the overall $18.3 million needed to purchase 30 acres of land on Fourth Street Extended, and 89 acres between Savannah and New roads just outside Lewes. Funds must be raised or pledged by Dec. 31, 2024. The project is a joint initiative of the Greater Lewes Foundation and Sussex County Land Trust. For more information about the campaign, to make a donation or help host an event, go to the new Open Space Alliance website at osalewes.org.
Lewes housing committee to meet
The Lewes Planning Commission Housing Subcommittee will meet at 4 p.m., Monday, July 31, at the Rollins Center. The agenda includes discussion of potential housing strategies.
Lewes board of adjustment to meet
The Lewes Board of Adjustment will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 1, at city hall. The agenda includes consideration of three variance requests.
For the full agenda, go to lewes.civicweb.com.
Lewes Night Out slated for Aug. 1
Lewes will celebrate National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 1, at George H.P. Smith Park. Agencies sending representatives to the event include Lewes Police Department, Lewes Fire Department, Delaware State Police, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and more.
There will also be food vendors and activities for kids. Find details at leweschamber.com/event/lewes-national-night-out.
Sussex council awards nonprofit grants
Sussex County Council awarded the following councilmanic grants at its July 18 meeting: $1,000 to Town of Laurel for its Fourth of July fireworks; $500 to La Esperanza in Georgetown for its comprehensive immigration services program; $500 to Friends of Georgetown Public Library for its annual 5K run/walk; $1,000 to Lillette's Foundation for the Arts in Millsboro for its Music and Me program; and $1,500 to the Society of St. Andrew for its Delmarva Gleaning Network. The program provides volunteers to pick, dig or gather fresh produce remaining in fields after harvest. The food is then donated to local food pantries and organizations.
