Overfalls museum gets council green light

The Overfalls Foundation has received approval to move full steam ahead on plans for a new museum building in Lewes Canalfront Park.

Lewes Mayor and City Council voted unanimously to approve the project Dec. 9.

The approval means the foundation can get an administrative site-plan review by the city and a review from the Sussex Conservation District.

Councilperson Tim Ritzert brought up the potential impact of the new building on park drainage.

Mike Safina, former Overfalls president, said discussions are underway with Rodney Robinson, Canalfront Park commissioner, on a solution.

Safina said the plan is to direct water from the roof into downspouts and then to an appropriate location.

“We’ve been discussing the issue of park drainage for over a year, even before we were talking about the building. We do not intend to do harm or make the situation worse,” Safina said.

The new structure would measure 14 feet by 40 feet. It would replace the small shed that sits between the Monomoy pavilion and the basketball courts.

The building is designed to be a museum for maritime artifacts that the Overfalls Foundation currently does not have room to display. It would also have an education space and an enclosed workshop facility.

Safina said construction could start as early as spring.