Small Town News

Ford speaks to Lewes Homeowners Association

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It's been a busy year in the first town

From new faces in City Hall to new landscaping around the Lightship Overfalls and a new wind turbine, plenty has changed

in the City of Lewes during the past year.

Lewes Public Library's second-floor meeting room filled with many of the 205-household - member

Lewes Homeowners Association to hear Mayor Jim Ford reflect on what has happened since the organization's last meeting. The group's annual meeting was held Friday, Sept. 10.

Ford and Lewes Police Department Chief Jeffrey Horvath were invited speakers; however Horvath was unable to attend. Ford said when he prepared notes for his recap of the past year he was surprised as the list grew. "We've really done a lot, accomplished a lot," he said.

Ford said Carol Richardson, the city's new administrative assistant, has filled an important position because she's the first person the public sees when they enter City Hall. He said Glenn Mandalas has stepped in as new city solicitor, and Fred Slater is filling the position of city street supervisor once held by Larry McLaughlin, who died July 4 in a motorcycle accident.

"Larry was a very dedicated employee," Ford said.

He said the city and University of Delaware would meet soon to talk about 66 acres the city leases from the state adjacent to the university's Hugh R. Sharp Campus. "The university has no plans for a southern campus in that area," he said. The city has a 20-year lease on the parcel with an option to renew for 20 years.

Ford said construction of the Canary Creek development, which will be adjacent to the city-leased property, is set to begin soon.

He said the city and UD would soon link their websites, giving the public better access to information related to the university's new wind turbine, including energy output and other data.

Ford said the city is also working to ensure $124,000 in municipal street aid is fully restored. The state last year cut street aid funds entirely.

He said since then, 80 percent of the money, about $84,000, has been reinstated, but getting 100 percent back is the city's goal. Ford said street aid funds can be used for projects such as relocating Verizon and Comcast utility lines, which would otherwise cost the city significantly.

He said he's received a lot of positive comments about the Lewes Canalfront Park its popular playground and the way the new Lightship Overfalls site seamlessly blends with everything. Ford said the city's annexation of Savannah Place is a win-win because it addressed the community's long-standing drinking water problem and would be an environmental improvement. He said residents should be prepared for mandatory curbside recycling next year.

"Nothing happens in Lewes without a joint effort," Ford said.





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