Lewes historic railroad group presents plan for Junction Park additions

Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association representatives laid out their plan for an expanded Junction Park to Lewes Mayor and City Council at an Aug. 24 workshop.

The presentation included images of the signs, switches, signal lights, landscaping and benches the association wants to add to the area around the red caboose now on display next to Lewes Public Library. The plan also includes moving a steam locomotive and passenger rail car to the site.

The LJRBA has been responsible for preserving the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal swing bridge, moving the current track farther away from the bike path and restoring the caboose that now sits on that track.

Presenters asked council to amend the memorandum of understanding it has with the city to eliminate the requirement for a fence around the trains.

“Fencing just doesn’t work for us,” said Steve Thienel, LJRBA secretary. He cited examples of how installing a fence would change legal requirements and add to the liability for personal injury lawsuits. “All we have to do is keep doing what we do today. Why would you do something against what you’re trying to do to create the look of the park and have less protection against [lawsuits]?” he said.

LJRBA President Randy Voith showed a plan with all of the additions. “We want to fit in with the area we’re in, Stango Park and the library, and we want to provide a comprehensive railroad exhibit,” he said. 

“There is a lot going on there, kiosks and landscaping and these other things,” said Councilwoman Carolyn Jones. “That’s what concerns me. It’s a dramatic change for an open space area.”

Voith said the exhibits would be spread out so they don’t over-clutter the vista.

Council recommended that LJRBA take its presentation through the city’s approval process, including the parks and recreation commission, and City Tree Commissioner Mardi Thompson.

The full presentation can be seen at lewes.civicweb.net.

Also at the Aug. 24 workshop, mayor and council reopened discussion on a possible ordinance to allow outdoor ambient music.

“We’re not talking about live music. We’re talking about background music,” said Deputy Mayor Khalil Saliba. “We all respect that busy days and quiet nights is a key, core value of this community.”

“There were errors in how we presented this last time and what the appetite was for this type of thing,” said Mayor Andrew Williams.

Last year, mayor and council pulled the plug on a proposed music ordinance after receiving substantial opposition.

The current ordinance prohibits outdoor amplified music performances.

“One person’s amplified music is another person’s noise,” said resident Jody Tavss. She told council they will likely still find opposition to an outdoor music ordinance.

Williams said council would continue the discussion at a future meeting.