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The New Castle City’s Planning Commission Meeting took place on October 25, 2004 at 6 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.
Members Present: James Steele Member Absent: Tommy Wilson Chairman James Steele called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and roll call was taken. Approval of Minutes – A motion was made by Mr. Mendelsohn to approve the minutes of the September meeting. Ms. Miller seconded the motion, which was then approved. Correspondence – Chairman Steele received a letter from Mrs. Alice Durant, a historic archaeologist with the State Preservation Office informing that the publication “Future or Past, Historical Preservation Planning in Delaware 2001-2005” is now available. We will get a couple of copies for the Planning Commission to use. All Commission members also received a copy of “Delaware by Design, Livable Delaware”. Chairman Steele reported that Human Resources Benefits Coordinator David E. Skupien sent him information on “Better Models for Developing Delaware”, which details alternative ways of installing telephone access towers, store frontages and so on. Ms. Seneschal pointed out that many of the designs that are promoted in this publication are exactly what the Planning Commission is trying to achieve through the ordinance that you just adopted. She said there would be a workshop presented by the University of Delaware on Wednesday, 11/15/04, in Dover. The cost is $35 per person. Chairman Steele will approach the City about paying for this should any Commission member wish to attend. Old Business 32 West 3rd Street – A letter was submitted to the City Solicitor; there is no answer to date. It is tentatively approved until we get approval from the City Solicitor. Bull Hill Park Association Zoning Change from HR to OS&R – At our last meeting I asked Commission members to look at both HR and OS&R and be prepared to discuss what is most suitable for that property. Chairman Steele read section 230.14 from the New Castle Handbook and said we need to make a recommendation to the Council for their consideration. The property is owned by the City and under HR structures would be permitted to be built on the property. Residents of East 2nd Street and Chestnut Street signed a petition to have the property rezoned to parkland. One resident felt that rezoning to OS&R would devalue the property should the City ever decide to sell it, which would also require approval by the Trustees. A great deal of concern was expressed about preventing a marina from being built on the property. Currently it is a day-use facility. Marinas have to be located along the waterfront and in New Castle most of the waterfront is zoned OS&R. Mr. Freebery asked if we changed the zoning for this group would other groups who have property adjacent to open space have the opportunity to be able to request rezoning? Are we going to extend to them the same choice so they can change the zoning so they can’t go there? Ms. Seneschal stressed that whatever the Planning Commission decides to do, everything must be clearly defined. One of the things I think you would take into consideration is what the comprehensive plan said is the long-term use of that property. The comprehensive plan shows this property and the one next to it as open space. Some residents expressed concern over losing their river view if structures were built. The property is almost all in the 100-year flood plan and building on it would require the structure to be elevated. Chairman Steele wants to make sure that all residents’ concerns are addressed. Ms. Davis moved that we change the area to OS&R with the Attachment 5 minus #4 and eliminating #2, marinas including access buildings. It then gives what we currently have in other areas of the City. Ms. Miller seconded the motion. Ms. Seneschal said she would prepare a transmission to the Council. Ms. Seneschal then defined the motion to read Ordinance #1-rezone property that is on pax parcel #21-015.00-210 from HR to OS&R. Ordinance #2-Amend text of New Castle Zoning Ordinance by adding definition for boating facilities and marinas consistent with attachment #5 as well as amending the definition for institutions, groups and lodges. Nominations for Chairperson & Co-Chairperson – Chairman Steele announced we would be taking nominations for Planning Commission Chairperson and a Co-Chairperson. The comprehensive plan recommends we have an election yearly. I would like to see a Co-Chairperson this year because of the volume of work involved. We will have nominations this month with the election to be held next month. Ms. Miller nominated Jim Steele as Chairperson; Ms. Petty seconded the motion. Chairman Steele accepted the nomination. Chairman Steele nominated Teel Petty for Co-Chairperson; Ms. Petty respectfully declined the nomination. Ms. Petty nominated Jane Miller who agreed to consider the nomination. WILMAPCO – Ms. Seneschal reported that the WILMAPCO Planning Council has a program designed to make your community more “walkable”. The people involved are national experts. I asked WILMAPCO to send me information. We need a local coordinator and I would like to see someone from the Planning Commission work with her to complete the application process. Ms. Davis said she would be happy to assist Ms. Seneschal. Zoning Ordinance -- Chairman Steele asked Councilman DiAngelo where we stand with the zoning ordinance. He said they are on the second reading and he has been involved with the process and feels it will pass. Tree Ordinance – The tree ordinance has been introduced. The first reading was on 10/12/04. A questions was asked if a public hearing had been set for November. Councilman DiAngelo said they are trying to set up a special meeting. It is quite thick and was handed to the Council the night of the meeting. There has to be more done to it and there should be some type of appeal process. Ms. Miller suggested that someone from the Planning Commission be a part of this. Ms. Davis expressed concern that recently it was stated that all the different commissions in the City need to work with one another and coordinate activities. This did not happen. Someone from the floor asked what the purpose of this ordinance was. Councilman DiAngelo stated there are concerns of some residents about roots in sewer lines and wanting the City to address the problem. He does not know where the draft for the ordinance came from. Chairman Steele said there is a law in New Castle that the sidewalks are owned by the City, but are maintained by the residents. A resident from the floor felt the City should not be responsible for trees that have been there for years. Taxpayers should not be made to bear the cost of removal of trees on other people’s property. The Councilman said there are some good points in the ordinance but it needs to be reviewed. He is not going to take any action on this until he understands it fully. Ms. Miller suggested that this is something we should talk about at our next meeting. Ms. Seneschal suggested that someone from the Tree Commission also be in attendance to provide a briefing. Adjournment – Ms. Miller made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mendelsohn and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
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