As a current resident of Lewes and a longtime resident of Sussex County, I feel compelled to address the issues in our community as expressed in the title of this letter. This topic hits home for me especially, not only as an advocate for the environment and a simple way of living, but also as a descendent of the Prettyman family who settled approximately one mile from my current residence in 1697. One may recall a letter written by my father in 2017 pleading with the sellers to preserve Tower Hill Farm (located off New Road) rather than sell it to a developer.
Granted, a full-scale archeological study was allowed to take place which resulted in the discovery of Native American artifacts, among other historic treasures. Part of the battle involved preserving environmentally sensitive land nearly adjacent to the Great Marsh, which provides a wetland buffer and home to both native and migratory animals. Sadly, despite all the sensible and fair preservation efforts engaged in by many community members, this is yet another example of development interests conquering concerned citizens. History and habitat will be paved over along a road that will struggle to accommodate such an increase in occupancy.
From Lewes to Bethany and beyond, issues of overpopulation and overgrowth have become pervasive factors that are eroding the quality of life of current residents, clogging roadways, as well as causing environmental distress, increased littering and pollution. For example, according to the Delaware Coastal Cleanup results, trash collected from 2016-18 has risen from 110 pounds to 340 pounds on Lewes Beach.
Let’s also take a look at what is transpiring along the Junction Breakwater Trail in the areas across from the Lewes Public Library and Cape Henlopen High School.
One was once able to enjoy the views of vast, open land while walking or biking the trail. Now, as new developments rise, the serenity is obstructed and native animals are pushed out and into the roadways.
It is undeniable that the Delaware beach area is an essential environment full of various ecosystems that play a role in supporting native animals, providing pit stops for migratory animals, and facilitating the delicate balance of our beaches, bays, and watersheds. As more people are attracted to the allure of the area and more landowners and developers yearn to make a profit, the once semi-natural haven is becoming a concrete jungle.
It is imperative to address the effect of the combination of increased housing and increased tourism. During tourist season, it is a struggle for the people of the community to commute to and from work, go grocery shopping (or any kind of shopping), and enjoy the very reason why they live here: the beaches and small towns. Plopping more homes, and consequently more people into the mix, is only adding to the burgeoning problems.
Lewes and Rehoboth have been called “the best small towns” on the East Coast and within the state by many; however, with the oversaturation of people, developments, and traffic, this description of the area is becoming invalid. What is quaint, beautiful, and relaxing about significant vehicle traffic, pedestrian congestion, and absurd amounts of trash? By attempting to accommodate an unsustainable amount of people, these beach communities are being destroyed from within.
Failure to adjust our course will determine the outcome. The Delaware beach areas may become a place that people will not want to visit or be a part of, and if the overgrowth and overpopulation continue, so will continue the degradation and elimination of ecosystems and environmental quality. Attitudes of owners of large parcels, elected officials, state, county, and municipal planning and zoning laws have to change before it is too late. Is this what we want as our shared legacy? I would hope not.
Alyssa Prettyman
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 newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.
