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When is enough in Lewes on overdevelopment

May 13, 2021

Now that we have two new Lewes Council members, it is time to begin solving lingering problems that have been ignored, specifically:

1. With the most recent decision to reassess property values, it is time to make changes to allow all taxpaying property owners in Lewes city limits to vote in strategic elections for city council.  This is taxation without representation like the Boston Tea Party.

2. With sea-level rise concerns, the Lewes Wastewater Treatment Facility is in a tidal wetland, and pumping effluent into a navigable waterway which flows out to Lewes Beach.  The sewage sludge bins are at ground level.  This facility must be either relocated and/or the effluent must be redirected.  How about ocean outfall like Rehoboth, or better yet inland spray irrigation, and/or inland rapid infiltration basins to restore our aquifers with potable water.  

3. The lingering BPW lawsuit against city council has become very expensive with legal fees pushing above $400,000.  Can we resolve this mess now?

4. The public fecal contamination of Lewes Beach due to lack of bathroom facilities between Savannah Road and Roosevelt Inlet must stop.  Council should initiate an ordinance like Rehoboth Beach regarding public defecation on Lewes Beach. There is a Lewes Beach ordinance for dogs but none for humans.

5. Permit parking on Lewes Beach is a must; the free-for-all parking arrangement on Lewes Beach is not acceptable.  All day, users are parking in the streets, in the bike lanes, and on both public and private property.  A thorough carrying capacity study must be done similar to Cape Henlopen State Park, which closes when it is full.

6. Cars parked in the Cedar Street bike lanes create a hazardous environment to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Designate the bike lanes as bike lanes, not open parking spaces which create dangerous blind spots, and cause pedestrians and cyclists to ride in the roadway.  The Delaware Department of Transportation initiated a parking restriction along Cape Henlopen Drive to protect pedestrians and cyclists; they should do the same on Cedar Street.

7. The Lewes Beach Survey revealed blatant encroachment on city property with no consequences; maybe council can reclaim their property, designate permit parking spaces and generate income. 

8. Overdevelopment causes overtourism; both are creating a serious infrastructure situation that must be considered before it is too late.  When is enough, enough?         

Nick Carter
Lewes
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