Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community

For Delaware residents seeking accessible housing options, particularly in the highly desirable coastal region of Lewes, manufactured home communities often present an alternative to traditional real estate. Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community in Lewes, DE, is one such community that has undergone significant infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The concept of manufactured home living typically involves residents owning their homes while leasing the land, which can offer a more affordable pathway to homeownership compared to purchasing a traditional stick-built house in a sought-after area like Lewes. This approach often reduces upfront costs and can lead to more manageable living expenses.

It is important for prospective residents to be aware of the community's history and ongoing efforts to improve its infrastructure and living conditions. Past concerns raised by residents and public records from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) indicate issues with the previous septic system and the need for significant upgrades. However, substantial work has been undertaken as part of an annexation agreement with the City of Lewes and the Lewes Board of Public Works (BPW) to address these concerns.

This article aims to provide a factual and engaging overview of Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community, focusing on its current status, recent improvements, and what it offers to local Delaware users. We will explore its strategic location, the services now provided, future features, potential offers, and essential contact information, to help prospective residents make an informed decision about this evolving community.

Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community is located at 34168 Central Ave, Lewes, DE 19958, USA. This address places the community in a prime location within Lewes, a historic and picturesque town in Sussex County, Delaware. Lewes is celebrated for its stunning beaches, charming downtown, and vibrant community atmosphere, making it a highly desirable area to live in the First State.

The community's location on Central Avenue provides convenient access to various local amenities and attractions. Residents are strategically positioned just a few miles from the beautiful Delaware beaches, including the popular Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, offering abundant opportunities for coastal recreation. Historic Downtown Lewes, with its unique shops, acclaimed restaurants, and cultural sites, is also a short drive away, providing a charming setting for daily errands or leisurely outings.

Beyond the immediate vicinity, Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community benefits from its connection to major roadways, facilitating easy travel throughout Delaware and beyond. This accessibility ensures residents can easily reach tax-free outlet shopping, diverse entertainment venues, and a wide array of dining options in the broader Rehoboth metro area. While specific public transportation routes directly serving the community may vary, its proximity to key areas makes it convenient for residents to access essential services and enjoy all that coastal Delaware has to offer. The community was annexed into the City of Lewes in April 2022, which has brought about significant infrastructure improvements, enhancing its overall accessibility and integration within the city.

Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community has recently undergone significant infrastructure improvements, which directly impact the services provided to its residents. As part of an annexation agreement with the City of Lewes and the Lewes Board of Public Works (BPW), the community now offers enhanced essential services:

• City Water and Sewer Connections: A major improvement, all homes in the community have been connected to the City of Lewes's public sanitary sewer system and public water utility system. This addresses past issues with on-site septic systems and ensures reliable, modern utility services.
• Free Water and Sewer Service for 20 Years: As a significant benefit stemming from the annexation agreement and state funding, residents are receiving water and sewer service free of charge for a period of 20 years. This offers substantial cost savings on utility bills.
• Repaved Streets: The internal streets within the community were repaved upon completion of the utility connection project, improving navigability and the overall aesthetic of the park.
• City Trash and Police Services: Residents now benefit from city-provided trash collection and police services, integrating them more fully into the municipal infrastructure of Lewes.
• Lot Leasing: Residents own their manufactured homes and lease the individual plots of land. While specific details of lot rent increases have been a past concern, the 20-year free water and sewer service is intended to insulate residents from rent increases related to these utility costs.

Prospective residents should always confirm current lease terms, any applicable fees beyond the included utility services, and management policies directly with the community.

Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community's key features and highlights largely revolve around recent and ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing resident quality of life. While it may not currently boast extensive recreational amenities found in some other parks, its fundamental improvements and future potential are significant:

• City Water and Sewer: This is the most critical highlight. The connection to the City of Lewes public water and sewer system eliminates past issues with failing septic systems, ensuring a modern, reliable, and hygienic utility supply for all homes.
• 20 Years of Free Water and Sewer: A substantial financial benefit, residents are not charged for water and sewer services for two decades, offering significant savings on monthly expenses.
• Repaved Roads: The improved and repaved internal roads enhance the community's appearance and ease of access within the park.
• Lewes City Services: Residents now receive city trash collection and police services, offering improved municipal support.
• Prime Lewes Location: Despite its challenges, the community's location in Lewes remains a major draw. It offers proximity to Delaware beaches, historic downtown Lewes, tax-free shopping, and other coastal attractions.
• Potential for New Homes and Community Upgrades: There are ongoing discussions and plans for potential new homes to be added to the community, and the owner has agreed to provide funds for resident-chosen amenities like a playground, outdoor lighting, and landscaping. This indicates a future focus on improving common areas and facilities.
• Affordable Housing Option: The community aims to provide an option for affordable, workforce housing in the Lewes area, addressing a critical need in the region.

It's important to note that while past reviews highlight significant concerns regarding electrical infrastructure and general maintenance, ongoing efforts and future plans suggest a commitment to addressing these issues. Prospective residents should inquire about the current status of these improvements.

Based on publicly available information, Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community has had, and may continue to have, specific promotions and incentives. These offers are typically designed to attract new residents and are subject to change. Recent and potential promotions include:

• Tenant Referral Program: If a current resident refers an approved tenant for one of the community's new or pre-owned homes, they may receive one month of FREE lot rent. This incentivizes existing residents and helps grow the community.
• **"Fixer Upper Special":** While not consistently available, the community website has previously mentioned a "Fixer Upper Special," which could indicate opportunities to acquire homes needing renovation at a reduced price, offering a pathway to highly affordable homeownership for those willing to invest some sweat equity.
• Free Water and Sewer Service for 20 Years: While not a "promotion" in the traditional sense, the inclusion of free city water and sewer service for two decades, resulting from the annexation agreement, acts as a massive ongoing financial benefit for residents, effectively reducing monthly living costs significantly.

For the most current and precise information on any ongoing promotions, pricing for available homes, or specific terms of the tenant referral program, prospective residents are strongly encouraged to contact Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community directly. It is always advisable to discuss all financial commitments, including lot rent and any other fees, in detail with the management.

For those interested in learning more about Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community, exploring available homes, or discussing potential residency, please use the following contact details:

Address: 34168 Central Ave, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

Phone: (302) 629-6315

This phone number is the primary contact listed for Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community. When you reach out, it is highly recommended to be prepared with specific questions regarding current home listings, the details of the land lease, any ongoing or planned community improvements (especially concerning electrical infrastructure and general park maintenance), and the terms of the free water and sewer service. Direct and thorough communication with the community management or sales team will provide the most precise and comprehensive information for your decision-making process.

For many Delawareans, particularly those seeking affordable housing in the highly desirable Lewes area, Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community presents a unique and evolving option. While the community has faced well-documented challenges in the past, significant recent infrastructure investments, driven by an agreement with the City of Lewes, position it as a more viable and suitable choice for local residents.

The most compelling reason for its suitability now lies in the major utility upgrades. The connection to the City of Lewes public water and sewer system, coupled with the extraordinary benefit of 20 years of free water and sewer service, represents a substantial financial advantage. This directly addresses previous major concerns and offers significant cost savings on essential utilities, making overall living expenses more predictable and affordable in a region known for its high cost of living. The repaved roads and integration into city trash and police services further enhance the daily living experience and sense of security.

Moreover, the community's prime location in Lewes remains a powerful draw. Residents are mere minutes away from Delaware's pristine beaches, the vibrant historic downtown, and an abundance of tax-free shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. This blend of accessibility to coastal attractions with an affordable housing option is a key factor for many Delawareans who wish to enjoy the Lewes lifestyle without the prohibitive costs of traditional homeownership.

While past resident feedback indicates areas where continuous improvement is needed, especially concerning the electrical system and overall park maintenance, the recent city annexation and the owner's commitment to fund resident-chosen amenities suggest a forward trajectory. For Delawareans prioritizing affordability and access to coastal amenities, and who are willing to be part of a community undergoing positive transformation, Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community now offers a significantly improved and increasingly suitable pathway to homeownership in Lewes.

Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community

34168 Central Ave, Lewes, DE 19958, USA