Letter to the Editor: Letter outlines opposition to now-nixed Cape Henlopen restaurant

In a letter directed to local officials regarding a proposed restaurant in Cape Henlopen, I implored the powers that be not to proceed with this plan. With the hard work of preserveourpark.org to create awareness and the many voices of the local community expressing their opposition and the advocacy of the sanctity of the park, it has been decided to halt the proposal for now. Thank you, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, for listening to the community. I hope you continue to hear these voices.

My letter follows:

“I am an out-of-stater who has been visiting Delaware beaches for 20-plus years — spring, summer, fall and winter. Our primary area to visit and stay is Lewes. We love the small-town charm, history and beauty of the first town in the first state. Over the last years, development has been rampant, to the point of shock and concern. The one area that remains seemingly untouched from development and congestion and has the innate ability to hold the peace and serenity of nature, as well as the history of the town, is Cape Henlopen State Park. I am writing to implore you, please do not allow Big Chill/La Vida Hospitality to build a full-functioning restaurant. I do feel the physical trash, light and noise pollution will detract from the natural state of the park. I understand, in a recent survey, it showed park users “wanted a higher level of food service and improvements to visitor amenities” (according to a DNREC press release). As a frequent park user, I must politely disagree on this point and context. Yes, improvements to the restrooms and some slight modernizations would be nice but not at the expense of the natural state of the park. To take away anymore wildlife habitat, to have human infringement further defined on the face of this beautiful park is taking a step in a direction from which I fear we cannot come back — only serving to propel continued development of these prized resources forward.

“I ask those of you in positions of power, those with the direct ability to yay or nay this proposal, to please listen to the community and divert this proposal. I truly believe there is a common ground that can be found to meet needs without transforming the face of Cape Henlopen.

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Katie Roseman

Coopersburg, Pennsylvania