Residents voice casino concerns – Bethany Beach Wave
INDIAN RIVER INLET — The proposed casino to be built at the Indian River Inlet has sparked controversy and concern among residents and environmentalists who say the now recreational area is no place for large-scale commercial structures.
“It is incredibly immoral to even think to ask the state for this land that belongs to the people of Delaware who use it to fish, look at nature and walk the beach,” said Kit Zak of Lewes. “I can’t get over the boldness in thinking this is an appropriate request.”
The 384,000-square-foot Delaware Seashore Resort and Casino was proposed by Clinton Bunting of Coastal Property Investment, who claims there will be no negative environmental or recreational impacts resulting from the project.
“I’m a third-generation Sussex Countian and I’ve been surfing in that area since I was 9 years old,” said Bunting, the son of Sen. George H. Bunting Jr. “I would not be involved in this project if I thought we were going to change that.”
According to Clark Evans of Old Inlet Bait and Tackle, the recreational fishing community is worried about losing a “prime area for fishing.”
“We’re also wondering if this is the best way to utilize state land,” he said. “Maybe they should keep it as a fishing and parking area.”
Evans, whose father, Butch, owns Old Inlet Bait and Tackle, added he is worried the casino will hurt his business.
“From a business perspective, this is one of the best spots to fish … it’s all about location,” he said. “We definitely think this will hurt us.”
Bunting insists the casino will only benefit fishermen, since waterside recreational areas will be expanded and the proposed 167,000-square-foot parking lot will more than double the number of spaces now available to those who visit the inlet.
“We want to attract more fishermen,” Bunting said. “My great-grandfather ran a fishing boat out of that marina during the Great Depression. This project will not conflict with that.”
Alan Muller, director of Green Delaware, a Dover-based environmental group, said the park is subject to special ecological sensitivity and the state should focus on avoiding development in the area.
“This could affect water quality, air quality and aquatic populations, and it could also result in the destruction of wetlands,” he said. “The casino, because it’s not a water-dependent activity, doesn’t belong there.”
Since the area is currently being used as a staging zone for construction of the new bridge, Bunting said the casino cannot further environmentally harm the inlet.
By rules and regulations under the Sussex County Conservation District, he said all stormwater will be treated before its runs into the bay.
“Currently, stormwater runs out without being cleaned because the only thing there is a parking lot,” he said. “We will improve the environmental impact of the site by filtering the water into ponds.”
Traffic concerns
Traffic is also a major concern, not only among residents but county officials as well.
More than 20,000 cars pass over the Indian River Inlet Bridge during the summer months and County Councilman George Cole is concerned a casino would cause congestion.
“Imagine additional traffic generated over and above current traffic problems,” he said. “The addition of a casino will draw more people and more cars.”
Bunting said the new bridge, currently being constructed at the site, can readily handle more traffic.
“Since it’s a four-lane road, I don’t see a problem,” he said. “The new bridge fits perfectly into the scheme of everything.”
More revenue, more jobs
In his proposal, Bunting pointed out that failing to expand gaming will cost the state $125 million in annual revenue and 1,200 new jobs by 2013.
“We predict there will be an increased revenue of a minimum of 25 percent or more to the Delaware Seashore Park and its present concessions,” Bunting said. “Through this project, we will see more usage of the marina and its charter boats, more people on the beach and in campgrounds and an increase in state cottage rentals.”
The expected fiscal 2011 Delaware budget shortfall is $377 million, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Web site.
Bunting said the project is prepared to provide the state with 62.25 percent of its revenue, compared to the 43.5 percent offered by competing proposals.
“This is the perfect scenario that can improve revenue for the state across the board,” he said.
Bill Patterson of Dagsboro supports the construction of the casino and said there are more pros than cons surrounding the issue.
“The casino will attract more people, which means there will be more construction of homes,” he said. “The (real estate market) needs a good kick. Property values will increase, which will pump up the economy.”
The Delaware Department of Labor reported a 9.8 percent unemployment rate in Sussex County in December 2009.
Bunting expects the casino will provide roughly 600 to 800 full-time jobs, not including jobs that would be created for construction purposes.
“People can agree or disagree,” he said. “As long as we can start an open, transparent process, where we can discuss options and everyone has a free communication avenue, we’re at a great starting point.”
302-537-1881, ext. 204
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INDIAN RIVER INLET — The proposed casino to be built at the Indian River Inlet has sparked controversy and concern among residents and environmentalists who say the now recreational area is no place for large-scale commercial structures.
“It is incredibly immoral to even think to ask the state for this land that belongs to the people of Delaware who use it to fish, look at nature and walk the beach,” said Kit Zak of Lewes. “I can’t get over the boldness in thinking this is an appropriate request.”
The 384,000-square-foot Delaware Seashore Resort and Casino was proposed by Clinton Bunting of Coastal Property Investment, who claims there will be no negative environmental or recreational impacts resulting from the project.
“I’m a third-generation Sussex Countian and I’ve been surfing in that area since I was 9 years old,” said Bunting, the son of Sen. George H. Bunting Jr. “I would not be involved in this project if I thought we were going to change that.”
According to Clark Evans of Old Inlet Bait and Tackle, the recreational fishing community is worried about losing a “prime area for fishing.”
“We’re also wondering if this is the best way to utilize state land,” he said. “Maybe they should keep it as a fishing and parking area.”
Evans, whose father, Butch, owns Old Inlet Bait and Tackle, added he is worried the casino will hurt his business.
“From a business perspective, this is one of the best spots to fish … it’s all about location,” he said. “We definitely think this will hurt us.”
Bunting insists the casino will only benefit fishermen, since waterside recreational areas will be expanded and the proposed 167,000-square-foot parking lot will more than double the number of spaces now available to those who visit the inlet.
“We want to attract more fishermen,” Bunting said. “My great-grandfather ran a fishing boat out of that marina during the Great Depression. This project will not conflict with that.”
Alan Muller, director of Green Delaware, a Dover-based environmental group, said the park is subject to special ecological sensitivity and the state should focus on avoiding development in the area.
“This could affect water quality, air quality and aquatic populations, and it could also result in the destruction of wetlands,” he said. “The casino, because it’s not a water-dependent activity, doesn’t belong there.”
Since the area is currently being used as a staging zone for construction of the new bridge, Bunting said the casino cannot further environmentally harm the inlet.
By rules and regulations under the Sussex County Conservation District, he said all stormwater will be treated before its runs into the bay.
“Currently, stormwater runs out without being cleaned because the only thing there is a parking lot,” he said. “We will improve the environmental impact of the site by filtering the water into ponds.”
Traffic concerns
Traffic is also a major concern, not only among residents but county officials as well.
More than 20,000 cars pass over the Indian River Inlet Bridge during the summer months and County Councilman George Cole is concerned a casino would cause congestion.
“Imagine additional traffic generated over and above current traffic problems,” he said. “The addition of a casino will draw more people and more cars.”
Bunting said the new bridge, currently being constructed at the site, can readily handle more traffic.
“Since it’s a four-lane road, I don’t see a problem,” he said. “The new bridge fits perfectly into the scheme of everything.”
More revenue, more jobs
In his proposal, Bunting pointed out that failing to expand gaming will cost the state $125 million in annual revenue and 1,200 new jobs by 2013.
“We predict there will be an increased revenue of a minimum of 25 percent or more to the Delaware Seashore Park and its present concessions,” Bunting said. “Through this project, we will see more usage of the marina and its charter boats, more people on the beach and in campgrounds and an increase in state cottage rentals.”
The expected fiscal 2011 Delaware budget shortfall is $377 million, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Web site.
Bunting said the project is prepared to provide the state with 62.25 percent of its revenue, compared to the 43.5 percent offered by competing proposals.
“This is the perfect scenario that can improve revenue for the state across the board,” he said.
Bill Patterson of Dagsboro supports the construction of the casino and said there are more pros than cons surrounding the issue.
“The casino will attract more people, which means there will be more construction of homes,” he said. “The (real estate market) needs a good kick. Property values will increase, which will pump up the economy.”
The Delaware Department of Labor reported a 9.8 percent unemployment rate in Sussex County in December 2009.
Bunting expects the casino will provide roughly 600 to 800 full-time jobs, not including jobs that would be created for construction purposes.
“People can agree or disagree,” he said. “As long as we can start an open, transparent process, where we can discuss options and everyone has a free communication avenue, we’re at a great starting point.”
302-537-1881, ext. 204
Five Filters featured article: Chilcot Inquiry. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.
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