Sussex officials endorse Lewes byway

Sussex County Council has joined state and Lewes officials in endorsing the corridor management plan for the Lewes Scenic and Historic Byway.
In making the presentation to council before the 4-1 vote, Janelle Cornwell, county planning and zoning manager, said county officials could use the plan for guidance when considering new development applications in the area of the byway
“Will this in any way have an effect on anyone's private property rights?” asked Council President Mike Vincent, R-Seaford, at the June 7 meeting.
Cornwell said to the best of her knowledge she was not aware the plan would have an affect on property rights.
Wilson, who voted against endorsement, said that was not the answer he was seeking. “That doesn't guarantee anything,” he said.
The Lewes Scenic and Historic Byway encompasses Kings Highway, New Road, Savannah Road, Pilottown Road, Cape Henlopen Drive and Gills Neck Road with about half of the roadways outside of Lewes city limits in unincorporated areas.
Previously, Delaware Greenways transportation engineer Jeff Greene told council benefits of the byway plan include improved mapping and signage, tourism opportunities, access to state funds and grants and improved maintenance. “The byway tells a story of what the corridor should look like,” he said.
“It’s a starting point to begin the discussion how we want the byway to look. We do not have the right to take property, but we do have the right to have good conversations and collaborations,” said byway committee member Barbara Vaughan.
Delaware Department of Transportation and the City of Lewes Mayor and council had previously endorsed the plan.