The protest about overdevelopment in Georgetown last week was more than a protest. It was a great chance to measure what issues were represented from what parts of Sussex County. We found many who attended were with their associated organizations. Many came alone or with friends. They were from anywhere between Seaford and Rehoboth Beach, and between Fenwick Island and Milton.
Our special thanks goes to the friendly officials of Georgetown and its police department for accommodating us from planning to the end. Thank you, Ms. Zelo and Officer Holm. We apologize that the noise level was much higher than expected, due to the crowd engaging with vehicles passing by.
Thanks goes to the Sussex2030 crew for taking part in organizing the protest and to the many who created signs at two different sign-making events.
Thanks go to the many participants who came, despite our short notice, even by rescheduling their day’s calendar. Some came even though they had to be sitting down most of the time. Some drove by with signs. It was great to see young faces — and a young farmer!
We thank those who cheered us with their messages of encouragement because they couldn’t attend due to physical impairments, doctor’s appointments, work schedules, last-minute scheduling upsets, etc. A high school student made many signs but regretted that he and his friends could not join due to school. We had to ask immunosuppressed residents to avoid the crowd due to the news of the overwhelmed local hospitals. Several people could not find parking spaces close enough for them to walk. One person took a stranger’s offer of a ride because her car was parked very far away.
In all, 126 names were on the sign-in sheets. We know of several dozen attendees who were there but did not sign in, including me and my husband. Some media coverage underestimated the numbers, but we still thank them all for covering the event.
We thank council members John L. Rieley, Douglas B. Hudson and Cynthia Green, as well as County Administrator Todd Lawson, for meeting with us. We thank Planning & Zoning Commissioner Kim Hoey Stevenson for coming by to observe the event.
Our goal is not to kill the economy and jobs because that will also kill the county. Our mission is to flourish together — natives and immigrants, farmers and business owners — while preserving the quaint gem that is Sussex County.
Eul Lee
Lewes
