The challenge of parking in downtown Lewes isn’t limited to the metered areas.
For several months, the downtown business district parking committee has been brainstorming ways to encourage use of free parking areas just a bit farther from the business district.
Ideas include reconfiguring and beautifying the stoned parking lot at the corner of Schley Avenue and Franklin Avenue. The lot is along the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail about a quarter-mile from Second Street. From the lot, it’s a straight walk to Kings Highway and Zwaanendael Park. From there, Second Street is a block away.
There have been several issues raised about why the parking lot is underutilized. Besides the desire to park in front of the shop or restaurant a visitor wants to patronize, committee members have determined the lot’s appearance is problematic. For years, the lot has been used as a staging area for various construction projects, and it’s often filled with heavy equipment.
It appears that the Chardon Starbucks project is now a go.
The Planning Commissionâs informal review on Dec. 21 of another revised plan was greeted much more warmly than the previous rendition. No vote is taken on informal proposals.
The commission had deadlocked Dec. 7 â with one member absent â on a design that placed the main drive-through features facing Center Street. The site, at 255 Center St. and Cherry Avenue, formerly was home to a rundown residence.
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Some commission members didnât like the idea of viewing the drive-through window from a major thoroughfare, though that layout would have required fewer variances.