On April 24th, 2025, Lewes Mayor and City Council approved the preliminary site plan for the Overfall Preserve development, a 90 unit townhome community at 1147 Savannah Road, formerly on the Warrington property. 

The development is set to share an entrance with the nearby Dutchman’s Harvest workforce housing community.

A key aspect of the approval was the applicant’s commitment to fund a Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) traffic study to address safety concerns raised by the Lewes Planning Commission (LPC). 

The study will focus on traffic flow, including access from Savannah Road and potential turn lanes. 

It may also explore future connectivity between Savannah Road and Kings Highway.

Addressing Traffic Concerns

• Traffic Flow: The primary concern was how traffic would access Overfall Preserve from Savannah Road. The LPC suggested adding dedicated left- and right-turn lanes to improve access and reduce congestion.
• Connectivity: Currently, drivers would need to cut through Dutchman’s Harvest and Lodge at Historic Lewes parking lots to move between Savannah Road and Kings Highway. This raised concerns about traffic affecting families and seniors using the parking lots.
• DelDOT Traffic Operational Analysis: The applicant has agreed to fund the study and abide by any recommendations made by DelDOT.

Site Plan Revisions

• Elimination of Stub Road: The site plan was revised to remove a stub road that would have been built at the property line of the adjacent Plummer property. The Plummer family has opposed any potential road connection through their land, and the council agreed not to pave the stub road or build sidewalks in that area.
• Community Concerns Addressed: Both the developer and city council members received praise for addressing community concerns, with the developer agreeing to the DelDOT study and being receptive to suggestions made by the LPC.

Moving Forward

The approval came with 25 conditions attached by the LPC, including a review of the final site plan by city planning staff. 

The city’s proactive approach to addressing traffic safety and community input could ensure that the Overfall Preserve development moves forward in a way that benefits all parties involved.

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Source: Cape Gazette