Maybe Progress Isn't Always the Best Thing

When someone says progress, I'm usually the first in line, especially if it means an improvement in local resources and added value to current markets. However, sometimes progress is not the best avenue when it aggressively effects niche areas. Lewes Delaware is good example. Lewes is a quaint town nestled in the coastal area of Sussex County. As with all tourist areas, there has been growth, but the majority of it has been out from the town center towards the main highway several miles away. This growth has not seemingly affected the attractiveness of Lewes, especially its historic seafaring downtown. Currently, there is a proposal to build a 300,000 square foot shopping mall and a 20,000 square foot office complex, just steps away from the downtown section of Lewes. Expectantly, the local residents are not pleased with this proposed development as they feel, as do I, this would heavily taint the historic charm of Lewes. What gives Lewes residents a real salt-in-the wound rub, is the proposed development is just outside the reach of the town limits, leaving area residents with little say in the matter. As a local myself, I see plenty of opportunity where this shopping mall could be built, off the coastal highway. Its location would then be with other like-in-kind commercial properties leaving the downtown section of Lewes with its idyllic charm.