DNREC weighs in on concerns for proposed restaurants on Cape Henlopen State Park grounds

LEWES, Del. We have an update on a story we’ve been following.  DNREC now responding to concerns on the proposal of a 6,000 square foot restaurant on Cape Henlopen State Park grounds.

DNREC tells us there’s a need for more bathroom facilities and improved food concessions to better serve park goers.

Activists recently protested the project, citing concerns for the environment and the additional traffic it could bring.

We’re told the project is still in the proposal stage and the other focus is on the required permitting needed to complete it.

Preserve Our Park Coalition says the proposal could potentially violate state law, as park uses are protected under the Warner Grant. The grant specifies that uses for the park that include public recreation, conservation, and nature education.

Here’s DNREC’s response. “The accessible crossing and bathroom would 100% would be a great fit for that. The restaurant and service are an expansion of the concession stands and what we do regularly within the park,” Parks & Recs Environmental Program Administrator Matthew Ritter said.

“This is our process. It’s to really evaluate our ideas for merit and to see if there are positive and negative impacts and make a decision based off what is best for our park.”

There’s currently a deadline of January 1st for the state and La Vida Hospitality to make a decision.