Temporary salt barn may be coming to former Troop 7 site

Discussions are ongoing, but the former Delaware State Police Troop 7 property on Route 1 outside Lewes could be the site of a temporary salt barn for the Delaware Department of Transportation.

Located on the southbound side of Route 1 outside Lewes, near the traffic signal at the intersection with Wescoats Road, the 7.1-acre piece of property included a 6,000-square-foot, two-story, modular building and a detached garage. The building and garage were demolished in early June.

The state police agency was contacted about the future use of the property, but officials directed the question to the state’s Office of Management and Budget.

OMB Deputy Director Courtney Stewart said her office has been having discussions with DelDOT for a temporary salt barn to be installed until long-term plans for the state-owned site are determined.

Charles McLeod, DelDOT spokesperson, confirmed the ongoing discussions with OMB on the temporary salt barn.

The building opened in early 1983 and served as home to Troop 7 until a new facility opened off Mulberry Knoll Road in December 2019. After the state police moved to the new facility, the building briefly served as a Code Purple homeless shelter, but otherwise it’s been vacant for nearly five years.

To the north of the property is Tokyo Steakhouse. To the south is Savannah West Apartments. The property is surrounded by what’s left of the woods where the Ebenezer Branch of Canary Creek and Pot Hook Creek meet.