Within the Cape Cod National Seashore lies the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District, home to a number of dune shacks cherished by artists, writers, and thinkers. Among them, a shack occupied by 95-year-old painter Salvatore Del Deo and his family for nearly 80 years. Despite a recent threat of eviction, negotiations with federal officials have led to a five-year reprieve for the family.
As detailed by NBC Boston, the Del Deos were served an eviction notice over the summer when the National Park Service opted to institute a bidding process, offering up to 10-year leases on eight of the shacks. Although their shack was not among the eight, the potential for inclusion in future bidding was real.
Romolo Del Deo, Salvatore's son, commented to NBC Boston, "He’s painted at this location to 77 years. His connection to the place is profound." Despite the eviction notice, the family decided not to remove their possessions from the shack. They were able to enlist the aid of pro-bono lawyers, who, with the assistance of the Interior Department, managed to negotiate an annual lease for the Del Deos for the next five years.
Detailed reports on Boston.com document the family’s efforts to finalize the agreement before a potential government shutdown, thus allowing the family to return and celebrate the birthday of Salvatore's late wife, Josephine, who played a role in the making of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
For the Del Deo family, this five-year relief is more than just retaining their residence.
