News Briefs 09/11/20

Georgetown Gateway project starts Sept. 14

Delaware Department of Transportation contractor Allan Myers MD Inc. is scheduled to begin the Georgetown East Gateway improvements project Monday, Sept. 14. The work includes realignment of Sand Hill Road and Airport Road to intersect Route 9 at one location at an improved angle with additional turn lanes, signal improvements, pavement resurfacing, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and drainage and lighting improvements.

Airport Road between Route 9 and Sterling Avenue will not be closed at this time. The road closure will likely take place in spring 2021. A traffic alert will be issued in advance of a detour. Nearly all of the cost will be covered by a $7 million discretionary Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The contractor submitted a bid of $8.8 million, the lowest of four bids received. The project is anticipated to be completed by June 2022, pending weather.

Lewes Mayor and City Council meets Sept. 14

Lewes Mayor and City Council will meet virtually at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14. Officials will receive a report from the police department review committee and consider its recommendations from the group. Council will also discuss changes to the city’s election ordinance and a possible charter change to use state voter rolls in the next election. Officials will discuss a proposed environmental protection chapter of city code to cover gas-powered landscaping equipment. They’ll also discuss the city’s noise ordinance related to that type of equipment. Council will consider possible changes to the zoning code related to a variety of issues including change in permitted uses for the R-4 zone and lot averaging. City officials will receive a presentation from Chesapeake Utilities related to the expansion of natural gas service in Lewes. Council will consider sending the annexation zones to the planning commission for review, and also consider a waiver request from the developer of the Lewes Waterfront Preserve major subdivision for the slope of storm drains. Rounding out the packed agenda are possible ordinances to establish a wetland buffer and to amend the water resource protection areas section of city code. To view the full agenda and related documents, and find a link to the meeting, go to lewes.civicweb.net.

Cape Senior Center reopening Sept. 14

The Cape Henlopen Senior Center staff announced its plans to reopen Monday, Sept. 14, with a new schedule and in accordance with state guidelines. Hours will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Established virtual activities will continue for members who are not comfortable returning to the center yet. The center has limited capacity, social distancing must be observed, and masks are always required for anyone entering. Temperature checks will be taken at the door prior to admittance. A complete set of guidelines has been sent to members; for more information, call 302-227-2055 during open hours noted above.

Lewes African American commission to meet

The Lewes African American Heritage Commission will meet virtually at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15. The group will discuss the Freedom of Information Act, bylaws, mission and goals, and the scope of subcommittees. A link to the meeting can be found at lewes.civicweb.net.

Election-themed financial webinar set for Sept. 16

Lokken Investment Group LLC will host a webinar, Election 2020: Observations and Implications, at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16. The upcoming election promises to be hotly contested as the nation determines its political path for the next four years. Investors anxiously await the election results and wonder what the outcome might mean for their finances. Jonathan Lokken, CIMA, and the Lokken Investment Group team will provide valuable information and answers to many of attendees’ election questions. Topics to be covered include: a historical perspective on which party is better for investors; policy differences and possible upcoming changes to taxes, healthcare or government spending; investment implications; and longer-term thoughts. Register by visiting www.lokkeninvest.com/resources or calling 302-645-6650.

RD20 Democratic Committee to meet

The RD20  Democratic Committee will hold its regular monthly business meeting at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, via Zoom.  Guest speaker Gov. John Carney will update attendees on the status of the Delaware economy and measures taken during the pandemic. Any registered Democrat is welcome to participate; non-committee people must register by emailing KerryThalheim@aol.com.

Unitarian Universalists online service Sept. 13

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold an online service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 13, on its Facebook page. On Covenant will be the service topic. For more information, go to www.uussd.org.