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Protect community from homeless shelter

May 25, 2017

I thought you might be interested in a follow-up to your story in the Cape Gazette regarding the homeless shelter at the former John Wesley United Methodist Church in Belltown. I am a resident of Henlopen Landing who attended the board meeting May 15.

Immanuel Shelter had an attorney who presented a false and weak narrative in favor of the homeless shelter. He totally disregarded the concerns of the local community. Those in favor of the shelter were staff, contributors and volunteers of Immanuel Shelter, none of whom live in the community they want to negatively impact.

The board received 34 letters of opposition, and 30 residents from Henlopen Landing were present and opposed the establishment of a homeless shelter at this location. Approximately 15 residents gave testimony as to why they believe this would negatively affect the character of the community. Those concerns focused on the issues of traffic congestion, community safety, loss of property value, increase in crime, inability to properly screen their guests and unsuitability of this site for their shelter. This is an issue that not only affects Henlopen Landing but will also adversely impact the 1,000-plus new homes recently built in communities adjacent to Plantation and Beaver Dam roads.

Our community is not opposed to homeless shelters, but we are opposed to this shelter being forced on our community by outsiders who are more concerned about a few individuals, but totally disregard the welfare and wishes of the majority of residents in our local community. People in our community have donated our funds and time in support of local charities through church and community programs for those in need.

We are opposed to this shelter because it will have a significantly negative impact on the quality, character and safety of our community and neighborhood.

Unfortunately this issue remains unresolved because the board postponed a decision until the next meeting June 5. If local residents want to preserve the quality of their community they need to get involved now. This shelter is not just a problem for Henlopen Landing; it will cause irreparable damage to the desirability of living in this area.

Craig Lello
Lewes

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