Jeff Zeller May 13, 2021
Parking in Lewes is a hot topic. Most property owners may not want to pay for parking permits. Shuttles for visitors would increase traffic and expense. Walking three blocks is a healthy way of life. It’s consistent with our much-appreciated bike trails. Both modes are a form of lower-impact exercise. A solution for the beach and downtown parking issue is out there somewhere. My occupation allows me to visit hospitals on a weekly basis. It has been brought to my attention, on several occasions, that a top revenue producer for some of these hospitals has been their parking garages. What if modest, well-lit garages were planned at Schley Avenue near the water tower, near Otis Smith Park or at other locations? The structures would be no higher than three levels; each level allowing up to 20+ cars. An artistic touch similar to the mosaics on the canal bridge or the mural on the Pig and Publican side of the Beacon Hotel would add a visual appeal
Rates remain the same; M&T Bank lot opening in May
Parking meters in Lewes are set to go online at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 1. FILE PHOTO
Nick Roth
Lewes’ parking meter season is set to begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 1.
Unlike last summer, free morning parking will not be offered in the downtown area. Mayor and city council had eliminated morning metered parking hours last year to encourage people to patronize struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In consultation with the business community, officials determined free parking, although appreciated, did not have a large impact.
Downtown parking remains at $1 per hour, with meter hours running from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parking is limited to three hours in regularly designated parking spaces. Other time limits are clearly marked with signs.
Friday, January 8, 2021
Candidates for Lewes City Council and the Board of Public Works made their case to voters April 15-16 in forums hosted by the Greater Lewes Civic Coalition.
Both elections will be held Saturday, May 8.
Incumbent Rob Morgan and challengers Carolyn Jones and Khalil Saliba are seeking two three-year seats on city council. Deputy Mayor Bonnie Osler is not seeking re-election.
The candidates agreed on many topics, including that a tax increase would be a last-resort option. Regarding Morgan’s recent comments criticizing the police department’s budget, the candidates differed.
Morgan touted his record of working with the police on a daily basis while serving in the U.S Attorney’s Office. He said he is not anti-police.
Vivid red tulips fill a flowerbed in downtown Lewes. RON MACARTHUR PHOTO April 19, 2021
The City of Lewes, in partnership with Lewes In Bloom, will hold its annual tulip dig starting at 8 a.m., Tuesday, April 27, lasting until all gone. The rain date is Wednesday, April 28.
So that everyone has an opportunity to bring some tulips home, organizers respectfully request that no one disturb the bulbs prior to 8 a.m., April 27; after that, it is first come first dig.
Members of the public are invited to bring their shovels, spades, trowels and bags to assist the city and Lewes In Bloom with removing the tulip bulbs and giving them new homes.
Lewes gets to work on 2021-22 budget
Lewes Mayor and City Council has begun to work on the 2021-22 budget. NICK ROTH PHOTO
Nick Roth February 12, 2021
After a year unlike any other, Lewes Mayor and City Council has started to work on the budget for the next fiscal year, which begins April 1.
The $6.5 million balanced budget estimates a revenue decline of 3 percent in part because of an expected lower take from parking meters due to the ongoing pandemic.
Despite the revenue drop, City Manager Ann Marie Townshend has asked city council for several staffing changes. The city has already approved promoting the parking enforcement supervisor from part time to full time. She is also requesting the city hire two additional parking enforcement officers to help with increased enforcement along the residential streets of Lewes Beach. Police Chief Tom Spell requested a staff increase of one officer, and the maintenance department is seeking additional staff.