News Briefs 11/29/22

Lewes art group meeting Nov. 30

The Lewes Public Art Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Rollins Center.

A report on installation of the recently approved DeWitt Godfrey sculpture will be given prior to discussions about a 2023 city-sponsored bus trip to Glenstone sculpture park in Maryland and potential new projects.

See the meeting agenda and link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes BPW mitigation meeting Nov. 30

The Lewes Board of Public Works Mitigation Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the BPW conference room.

The group will review the upgrade schedule of BPW’s major assets as it relates to FEMA’s 2015 flood designations.

Discussions will include the Howard Seymour Wastewater Treatment Facility emergency response plan, and various environmental programs and policies that encourage public acceptance and implementation of green technologies and practices.

See the meeting agenda and link at lewesbpw.com.

GHD to present BPW long-range plan

The Lewes Board of Public Works will hold a special meeting at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30, at city hall.

Engineering firm GHD will present its long-range plan for the wastewater treatment plant to BPW board members. No action will be taken yet on plan implementation; board members will set a date for a public workshop about the plan.

See the special meeting agenda and link at lewesbpw.com.

Postal Lane closing for sewer work

Postal Lane near Lewes will close for a sewer project starting Wednesday, Nov. 30, and ending Friday, Dec. 2. Postal Lane will be closed to through traffic between Plantation Road and Coastal Highway. Motorists should use caution and expect minor delays moving through the area.

Lewes adopts state voter roll

During their Nov. 14 meeting, Lewes Mayor and City Council voted unanimously to adopt the state voter roll for municipal elections.

Lewes residents will no longer have to register with the city to vote in municipal elections if they are already registered to vote in Delaware.

The adoption creates a partnership between the City of Lewes and the State of Delaware whereby both entities will cross-reference information and provide support.

City Manager Ann Marie Townshend said the state’s ability to verify via state identification cards automates a system city staff used to have to do through a line of questioning. 

Bona fide residents of Lewes will still be the only ones permitted to vote in municipal elections.

Lewes sponsoring Slam Dunk

Lewes Mayor and City Council have agreed to pay $2,500 to sponsor the annual holiday basketball tournament Slam Dunk to the Beach.

Chair Dr. Matthew Robinson, along with Deputy Mayor Khalil Saliba, pitched the idea during the Nov. 14 meeting.

Saliba believes it is an opportunity for Lewes to not only put money toward a good cause, but also start creating brand awareness for the city.

Robinson said the sponsorship will cover the first night of games, which feature local teams.

He said this year's event will be streamed on the tournament website, slamdunktothebeach.com.

Great Marsh Park Master Plan approved

Lewes Mayor and City Council unanimously approved the Great Marsh Park Master Plan Nov. 14.

A master plan is required from the City of Lewes to the State of Delaware before the state agrees to extend the 20-year lease in 2025.

Eric Wahl of Pennoni Associates said the plan is high concept at this point. Citing concerns from Harborview Road residents, Wahl said any implementations would require engineering studies before building begins.  

More information about the Great Marsh Park Master Plan is available at ci.lewes.de.us.

Historical Society sets stuff-a-boat food drive Dec. 2-3

The Lewes Historical Society, together with the Nautical Academics Captains School, is hosting the Stuff-a-Boat Food Drive to benefit the Cape Henlopen Food Basket. Collections will be accepted during the LHS Holiday Village & Market set for 4 to 8 p.m., Dec. 2, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 3, at 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. 

Donations also may be delivered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday at the LHS main office on the Shipcarpenter Street campus. Paid admittance to the Holiday Village & Market is neither required nor expected of those who wish to deliver a food item on event days. Cash donations will be accepted to go directly to the nonprofit Cape Henlopen Food Basket. 

The all-volunteer organization processes more than 2,000 requests for food from Delaware individuals and families each year.

To learn more about items accepted for donation, go to capehenlopenfoodbasket.org.