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Cape state park restaurant sets precedent

October 7, 2022

Where do the commercialization and building in Sussex County stop?

The answer is nowhere, not even in our most protected areas.  A recent article in the Cape Gazette outlined the project by DNREC to build a commercial structure next to the Hawk Watch in Cape Henlopen State Park. It will be open until 10 p.m., serve alcohol and permit live music year-round. Construction is to begin this spring. How could all of this happen without the public knowing about it? This is an environmentally sensitive area where annual bird counts are conducted by local and regional bird clubs. The recreational activity in the park should promote biking, hiking, bird watching and quiet days on the beach, not drinking and driving. 

How many more police patrols will be needed? How much more will be built? Once the camel’s nose is under the tent, there is no end to it. It sets a dangerous precedent for other types of commercial structures in the park. What's next, an amusement park? Delaware's treasure is being challenged by capitalistic concerns. Once we cross this line, it is irreversible. This is public land being used for private enterprise. This is not in keeping with DNREC's mission statement, and we can only hope they will reconsider. I join with many of my friends in strong opposition to this dangerous precedent.

Jan Fisher
Lewes

 

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