Council Member Issues Call-to-Action
Valarie Leary asks the public to contact DelDOT, help her expand New Castle's options for the intersection of 6th and Delaware Streets.
New Castle city council member Valarie Windle Leary waded publicly into discussions about replacing the obsolete traffic light - the only one downtown - with a statement explaining her opposition to the limited options presented by DelDOT and urging city residents to contact the state agency.
The current stoplight has been targeted for replacement by DelDOT as soon as possible, and is on the agency’s “top 10 list” of priority intersection updates. It must be replaced. Council’s decision to revisit the possibility of four stop signs grew out of concern that the only replacement being offered would have a much larger footprint than what is currently there and mar the historic street corner.
Ms. Leary’s statement laments the “impact that DELDOT’s proposed replacement would have on the character of the area and the impact the new arrangement would have on local residents. The poles would be very large and have large solid arms and audible pedestrian signals would be added at each corner.”
Council members recently reviewed the potential impact after DelDOT drew out in chalk what the footprint of the proposed new set-up would be (see photo).
However, according to Ms. Leary, this being New Castle’s “only option” seems contradicted by examples of other, new, traffic lights in the area. “DelDOT insists the pole system they want to install is the smallest they have,” Leary wrote, “but it is certainly not IN SCALE with the intersection… Suspended lights should be possible.”
At this month’s city council meeting, many residents expressed alarm at the idea of replacing the current light with four stop signs. Council members have expressed concern that the public may not realize the limited options DelDOT has presented at this time - namely, just the new light set-up shown above. That is why Ms. Leary decided to speak out and issue a call to action.
In concluding her statement, the councilwoman urged citizens:
Help us help you. By reaching out to DelDOT and asking WHY the only replacement option they are offering us would indelibly obstruct our walkways, and overwhelm the intersection by its sheer size when better options exist. I am trying to push DelDOT to reassess the possibility of new suspended lights. The help of the citizens reaching out to the state could make a difference in improving our currently limited options. Thank you!
In addition to Ms. Leary’s action, Council President Mike Platt has offered that “if the citizens of New Castle would like more information on the subject I will make myself available on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock in front of the courthouse for a Q+A. I think we could have an open dialogue on the subject.” Those interested should Like his comment, here.
DelDOT can be contacted with public inquiries at dotpublic@delaware.gov, or by phone at (302) 760-2080 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm).