By Benjamin Rothstein

DOVER — Residents of the Verona Woods 55+ community have been feuding with the Delaware Recreation Education Athletic and Mentoring Association over the Field of Dreams next to the neighborhood.

It all began in January, when a zoning oversight by Kent County Levy Court caused the introduction of a conditional use application for the county-owned plot of land, so it could be officially used for sports. At that meeting, commissioners were surprised that several Verona Woods residents brought up concerns regarding loud music at the field, as well as trash and parking issues.

A workshop in February then addressed the topic, with commissioners discussing a series of regulations that could be imposed on the field, including limiting hours of operation, restricting noise and the installation of trash receptacles.

Now, La Mar Gunn, founder and president of the association, has responded to Levy Court in a letter sent earlier this week.

“While I understand the need to hear the concerns of our new neighbors, I want to highlight the significant impact defaulting on the lease and imposing new restrictions after nearly twenty years will have on the opportunities available to at-risk youth in our community to recreate safely and positively,” wrote Mr. Gunn. The field was in use before Verona Woods was constructed.

Mr. Gunn also made it clear that his group believes that the proposed rules would be detrimental.

“If you were to enforce the proposed restrictions, which are not outlined in the existing lease agreement, you would significantly limit the opportunities for these youth to participate in positive and constructive activities,” he wrote.

Also in the letter, Mr. Gunn addressed some of the concerns brought forth by residents.

“By scheduling games and activities at appropriate times and implementing traffic management measures, we’ve already minimized disruptions to our neighbors,” he noted. “For instance, (Field of Dreams) limits activities during the Fall and Winter, keeping training activities indoors for more than four months.”

Mr. Gunn also stated that he had a meeting scheduled with Verona Woods residents for Wednesday, but it was canceled by them.

County administrator Ken Decker responded to the emailed letter, confirming its receipt and noting that it will be included in the packet for the next discussion of the application, which has not been set.