Lewes, Del. — City officials in Lewes are set to review a proposed amendment that would prohibit gated communities within city limits. At a council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, the governing body will discuss changes to Section 170-27 of the municipal code, specifically to ban the installation of gates on both public and private streets.
Currently, Lewes does not have any gated communities. City planning representatives indicate that the proposed measure aims to address prior proposals from developers seeking to build gated entrances in new neighborhoods. The move is designed to prevent such requests from advancing in the future and to preserve community accessibility. Earlier this year, a developer’s request to add a gate in the planned Whites Pond Preserve neighborhood was declined.
This new prohibition would become the seventh guideline added to the municipal code’s section concerning city streets. Officials say the decision is focused on preventing exclusivity and maintaining open access for all residents. City council members, including Mayor Amy Marasco, have not issued further comment ahead of the scheduled meeting. The public session will take place July 23 at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
