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Many reasons to deny RV park

April 4, 2013

I am writing to express my opposition to and concern about the proposed Love Creek RV Resort and Campground, a large transient recreational development that would be bounded by Mulberry Knoll Road, Cedar Grove Road, and Ward Road, now a quiet residential area adjacent to my home.

The proposed project is out of character with the surrounding area.  The campground with 628 proposed camp sites is a commercial venture that has no broad based support, no economic benefit to the local community, and is inconsistent with uses provided in the county’s AR-1 zoning.

This is a uniquely sensitive area with wetlands that are home to two rare species.  Land disturbing activities, such as this proposal, will have a significant environmental and natural impact.  According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) the Eastern tiger salamander and the barking tree frog live on the site.

Jason Beale of the Delaware Nature Society said that there are only five places in the state that the eastern tiger salamander can be found and this site is one of them  If this site is developed, that uniqueness will be lost.

An increase in this intensity of use will destroy the unique qualities of the area, specifically the wildlife that is intolerant of humans.  Because of its proximity to Love Creek and wetlands, DNREC officials call the parcel an environmentally sensitive area that should be preserved and not developed.

The 516 RV sites, 82 cabins, an amphitheater, welcome center, fitness center, laundry, clubhouse, general store, several pavilions, swimming pool and tiki bar, plus paved roads would create an extraordinary amount of impervious surface, in turn creating a hazardous potential of flooding and runoff into Love Creek, a tributary of Rehoboth Bay.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has recommended that Rehoboth Bay and its tributaries as critical areas.  Ecologically important wetlands help absorb flood water and provide extensive habitat for flora and fauna, and has great impact on water quality and upon natural habitats.  Very careful control of stormwater runoff is an especially important concern to keep sediment and other pollutants out of the bay.

The bay has suffered significant loss of its marsh fringe through development.  The ecological health and productivity of the bay and its tributaries must be conserved.  The surrounding wetlands represent an essential link in the life cycle of the fish in the marshes, estuaries, and offshore waters of Delaware.  Wetlands contribute to better water quality and coastal stabilization.  It is important that public and private wetlands are preserved and protected to prevent despoliation and destruction.

The position of DNREC is that the whole parcel should be permanently protected from development because of its proximity to Love Creek.
I am also concerned about the lack of infrastructural demand. There is no talk of noise abatement, police patrols, emergency response, sewer capacity, sub-leasing restrictions, and most important, the narrow roads approaching from the west.

Ed Hughes
Lewes


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