Lewes council drops railroad display fence requirement

The Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association will not have to erect a fence around its historic exhibit in Stango Park.

Mayor and city council voted unanimously Dec. 9, to eliminate the requirement from a memorandum of understanding the organization had with the city.

Mayor Andrew Williams said he was assured by the city’s insurance company that the lack of a fence would not mean a rate increase.

David Ludlow of LJRBA said the doors of the red caboose that is currently parked on the tracks are locked, and there are signs warning people to keep off the equipment.

Council added a requirement that signs be placed around new equipment when it arrives.

“The children I know, and the child I was, didn’t always use stairs to get over or onto objects. It’s common sense,” said Councilperson Tim Ritzert.

The LJRBA expects a locomotive tender to be added to the tracks in late 2025.

A steam locomotive, which is being restored in Wilmington, will join the exhibit after that.

The LJRBA wanted the fence removed because it said it would ruin the view and spirit of the display, and create clutter in the park.