LEWES, Del. – A public meeting held on April 2 focused on possible redevelopment plans for the former Delaware State Police Troop 7 site near Lewes. The 7-acre property, located on Route 1 near Five Points, has remained vacant since the troop relocated in 2019. During the meeting, nearly 40 attendees voiced their support for reopening a structured homeless encampment at the site. The camp, known as Camp Tharros, previously operated briefly last fall as a temporary solution for homeless individuals after the closure of nearby shelters. The former Troop 7 building, which housed emergency shelter services until its demolition in June 2024, was used by Code Purple at the Cape. The tent encampment was established on the property in late 2023 to provide a temporary space for homeless individuals, and many local volunteers are pushing for the facility to reopen. The state of Delaware is currently conducting a study on potential uses for the property. Initial ideas include selling, repurposing, or redeveloping the site. Local supporters of the camp, including several volunteers from Code Purple, argue that a structured tent community is a viable solution to address homelessness in the area. The findings of the study are expected to be submitted to the state legislature by May 1, which will help determine the future of the property.
