Lewes takes no action on bump-outs
Curbing intended to slow traffic in DeVries Circle could be removed. But it’s also possible they might be left in place.
Lewes Mayor and City Council appeared on their way to approve removing the curbing known as bump-outs, at the panel’s Aug. 13 meeting, but decided to postpone action.
City Councilman Ted Becker, chairman of the Street Committee, said he received a proposal to remove and replace 9-by-30-foot sections of curbing and sidewalk where four bump-outs are installed.
Becker said the work would cost $21,800 if David A Bramble Inc. did the job. He said Bramble is still working on Bay Avenue, and the city would save money by avoiding the mobilization charge. He said the job could cost as much as $50,000 if another construction company came in to do the work.
The city is considering removing the bump-outs because they have caused accidents and near-accidents, Lewes Mayor Jim Ford said.
DeVries Circle homeowners Beth and Wendell Heid told the panel the bump-outs are the only thing slowing motorists, but the couple also said the features actually have little effect on speeders.
The Heids said removal of the bump-outs would send the wrong message to motorists – it’s OK to speed.
“The city saw fit to put them in. What has changed?” Wendell asked. Beth said they have three children, and she’s concerned about their safety. She said she’s seen cars traveling at 50 mph on DeVries headed toward Kings Highway. The biggest offenders are parents driving kids to school, she said.
DeVries Circle resident Dick Bryan said he opposed bump-outs in 2007 when DeVries Circle restoration was discussed.
In an August 2007 meeting about the DeVries Circle rehabilitation project, many homeowners questioned several aspects of the plan including whether traffic speed-control would be addressed to maintain a pedestrian-safe environment.
More than 20 homeowners signed a petition and submitted it to the city stating the design of new “speed-calming islands” was not clear.
Ford said if the bump-outs were not effective at reducing speed, an alternative should be considered. He suggested postponing action.
Wendell Heid continued to speak in favor of keeping the bump-outs and, at one point, Heid began talking while Ford was speaking, prompting the mayor to say he had the floor.
Moments later, Heid and several others began talking over one another, which caused Ford to strike the gavel once and call for order. But Heid continued to press the issue, which provoked a rarely seen, stern reaction from Ford.
“It gets to the point where there’s a need for personal meetings for everyone,” Ford said, adding he and councilmembers serve the city under democratic rules.
“If you don’t like what were doing, then vote us out,” Ford said.
