Donovan-Smith residents meet with Lewes officials

During the process to annex the Donovan-Smith Manufactured Home Park, Lewes officials stressed just how strict city code is and the diligence required from homeowners to abide by it.

Seeking reprieve from deplorable conditions in the park, residents said they prepared to shoulder such tasks during the public hearing April 7. A week later, mayor and city council voted unanimously to annex the park.

On June 27, city officials held a meeting to discuss the transition process for Donovan-Smith residents. 

The meeting was well attended, filling nearly every chair in council chambers. A packet of frequently asked questions was provided to residents in both English and Spanish. City Manager Ann Marie Townshend, building official John Robitaille and Maintenance Department Manager Rick Melendez were some of the officials available to answer questions. Melendez’s daughter, Zeli Melendez Montez, interpreted for Spanish-speaking residents.

Basic services – trash pickup, recycling, public safety, permits and fees – were the main topics of conversation, but serious safety and health concerns were also discussed.

Donovan-Smith has a number of homes within the floodplain, and in addition to the flood risks, one resident brought up the vulnerability manufactured homes have to other natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Townshend assured those living in the park that in an evacuation situation, it would be all hands on deck, and public safety officials would be in the neighborhood to inform residents of emergency plans. Commending police presence already in the park, a round of applause was given after one homeowner said they already feel safer seeing Lewes police patrolling their streets.

According to a memorandum of understanding, however, the maintenance of the streets is the responsibility of park owner Ken Burnham. Some street improvements will occur directly related to the Board of Public Works’ construction of a water and wastewater system over the next 12 to 18 months. Park residents said they have potholes that have created lakes and stormwater management issues that lead to flooding in front of homes. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said stormwater management is up to adequate standards, but residents disagree and said DNREC has stopped answering their calls. Additional repairs outside the construction area would need to be done by the park owner.

Sam Saunders, president of the Donovan-Smith homeowners’ association, informed officials of vegetation growing on electric lines in the park. Residents have complained for years about electrical issues, but according to the MOU, the park owner is responsible for electrical infrastructure. BPW General Manager Austin Calaman confirmed BPW is not responsible for electric poles and wires.

Saunders’ primary concern is in the wintertime when snow accumulates on the vegetation, which could weigh down the wire and lead to outages. 

Residents also engaged with Robitaille about how to stay within the rules of city code. A permit is required for most exterior improvements, but council placed a moratorium on additions while it works on regulations for the park. Some homes have transformed beyond the legal definition of a manufactured home, while others are in such disrepair that demolition may be the only option. Officials say more research is needed before anything is decided. 

Residents said abandoned homes have become havens for rodents. According to the MOU, the park owner is responsible for the eradication of such pests. Homeowners said their calls for removal of the mice and rats have gone unanswered. Lewes officials said they can look into the demolition and removal of nuisance properties, but they are limited in their powers to do anything beyond that. Townshend said she believes there are tools in the code and charter that would help the city further down the line, but time must be afforded to the park owner to make the necessary corrections first. 

Officials stressed communication with the city and following the city website for updates on services.