The first meeting of a new Delaware Department of Transportation Five Points working group is scheduled for 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 18, at the Lewes Senior Center, 32083 Janice Road, Lewes. The meeting is open to the public.

DelDOT officials say they want to develop a transportation plan to address infrastructure needs for the Five Points area. In Phase 1, officials will solicit public input to develop conceptual transportation alternatives to improve the intersection and surrounding area, said C.R. McLeod, director of DelDOT community relations. The goal is to complete the first phase by the end of summer 2018, he said.

Working group members are: Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, 6th District; Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, 14th District; Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Lewes, 20th District; Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson; D.J. Hughes, transportation engineer; Sussex County Councilman I.G. Burton, R-Lewes; Rep. George Cole, R-Ocean View; Dennis Forney, Cape Gazette publisher; Lewes City Manager Ann Marie Townshend; local business owners Christian Hudson, Pat Woods and Linda Best; and residents Robert Fischer, Scott Green and Lloyd Schmitz.

DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan said everyone is in agreement a long-term infrastructure solution is needed for the Five Points area. “We've made several attempts to put forth solutions in the past that were met with public resistance, so we want the community's input at the outset this time around,” she said. “We want to collaboratively develop a comprehensive plan for resolving transportation issues in the area.”