Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Beach Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Henlopen Acres credits cameras and Beach Ambassadors as Block W trespassing subsides
Summary
At its June 14 annual meeting, the Henlopen Acres Property Owners Corporation reported that three solar motion-activated cameras and an expanded Beach Ambassador program have largely ended problems with trespassing, homeless encampments and nighttime underage drinking on Block W.
The Henlopen Acres Property Owners Corporation told members at its June 14 annual meeting that trespassing, homeless encampments and nighttime underage drinking that had troubled Block W in prior years largely ceased after installation of three solar-powered motion-activated cameras and continued Beach Ambassador patrols.
"Beach Ambassadors did a fall clean-up of the two places where homeless used to stay in the dunes. They collected 130 gallons of trash," Beach Ambassador Brian Diacont reported, summarizing off-season cleanup and monthly dune walkthroughs designed to spot re-occupations and deter violations.
The minutes note that the cameras' motion activation deterred underage drinkers and that proactive engagement by security and volunteers — specifically Johan Poulsen, George Dotzel and HA Security — helped prevent return occupancy of the dunes. The Board said 2024 was much quieter than 2023 and that, as of the meeting, the 2025 season had seen no similar problems.
Beach Ambassadors also monitor beach-pass usage, reminding renters to use the correct passes when owners' digital passes are used on their behalf, and check umbrella placements when owners complain about Lynam beach service positioning umbrellas near the path. Ambassadors enforce dog-waste rules at the entrance station and will remind dog owners to pick up after pets.
Board members described the combined approach — cameras, regular Ambassador presence, and early, direct engagement with individuals found in the dunes — as the principal reason for the decline in incidents. The board did not report any new enforcement ordinances or changes in assessment funding to expand enforcement at this meeting.
