I attended the May 15 hearing for the rezoning and proposed construction of an emergency homeless shelter at the Belltown church. I am a resident of Henlopen Landing and wanted to learn more about this matter that potentially could affect my community. First, I listened to the attorney representing the church explain that the homeless situation in Sussex County was dire and needed to be addressed. I listened to him say that "any change to that property would be an improvement," and that there would no significant increase in pedestrian or vehicle traffic in this already-congested area.
I listened to an appraiser tell me that he didn't think my property value would be affected, but could not provide proof as there are no comparable properties to reference. I listened to the director of the shelter say that this facility would house people who would arrive "emotionally traumatized and in the midst of a crisis" and would be able to reside at the shelter until they got "back on their feet." But I shouldn't be concerned because each person would be vetted by Troop 7 to ensure they have no outstanding warrants.
I listened to members of my community voice their concerns. I listened and I listened. I never heard why this property was chosen. A narrow piece of land at a dangerous intersection that would have to be rezoned to allow this project to move forward. A location on which stands a church built in the 1800s that would need an infinite budget to become habitable. I never heard if any skills or trades would be taught to the residents or if any connections would be made with local businesses to help provide employment.
I listened but never heard why a homeless shelter that could only help a maximum of 24 people would be placed 100 yards from a subdivision of 275 established homes and growing families, and a mere 50 yards from the first school bus stop for some of our youngest residents. I never heard if local law enforcement and the shelter would work together to ensure my community's safety and protect our quality of life.
I listened. Many of my taxpaying and voting neighbors did, too. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone heard us.
Cristina Lenz
Lewes
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
