New Castle DIGEST: Mid-Winter 2023
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I. January News Round-Up đ°
Sixteen-Year-Old Charged Following Firearm Discharge at WPHS
From Delaware Public Media: âDelaware State Police arrested the Wilmington teen and charged him with reckless endangering and related charges in the incident,â which caused a brief lockdown on Tuesday, January 10, and left WPHS closed for the remainder of that week. Read more of the details in the original story, here.
Following the arrest, a statement on the Colonial School District (CSD) website promised: âThe blatant disregard of school policies and the law will not be tolerated... WE will take the necessary steps to improve school climate throughout CSD and especially at William Penn where this unfortunate incident took place.â
Students were met with additional counseling and mental health services upon returning to school, and CSD has told the community to expect an additional State Police presence at WPHS for the time being.
Not an âOpen House:â Trustees Create Annual Resident Event
The Trustees of the New Castle Common voted this month to hold annual âopen houseâ style gatherings at Penn Farm. The idea was put forward by board president Pete Toner in the name of greater transparency. He suggested that the limited opportunities for interaction during meetings and the low chances of catching a Trustee during open hours did not really do much for residents with questions, and an informal annual gathering would present a better setting for dialogue.
As the body discussed a motion to authorize a committee to start the planning, Trustee Secretary Alfree objected to any such event after the first, last June, qualifying as an âopen house.â
âWeâve been open,â he said.
So the âeventâ - to be held again in the Spring - will not be an open house, but it will see the Penn Farm House opened once again to welcome residents for a nice spread and a few hours of rubbing elbows with their elected Trustees. The event may also feature presentations from TNCC grant recipients as a way of showing the bodyâs constituents âwhere the money goes.â
An election for a new Trustee will be held in May, for which state-provided voting machines will be used. This will mean that voting will go back to being a one-day affair, held at the Good Will Fire House on South Street.
Board treasurer Fred Gallagher noted during the meeting that the Trusteesâ most recent tax documents, including the organizationâs âForm 990â for 2021, are now on their website. There is also a useful summary of that form and a bit more info on the ProPublica Non-Profit Exolorerâs profile of TNCC.
DelDOT Procurement Limitations Questioned as 6th & Delaware Stop Signs Become Permanent
Although there was opposition to and little fanfare for the final report presented by DelDOT this month purporting to show only improvements resulting from the switch to a four-way stop at 6th and Delaware Streets, Councilâs options were very limited.
The old light is considered obsolete tech. And according to Peter Haag, who presented the report to Council, the state agency is unable to procure any alternatives to the one pole option it uses throughout the state. Council members have agreed that option is unacceptably obtrusive, as it would bring not just two larger light poles, but also four stop/walk signal poles and a large utility box to the tight intersection.
Members openly questioned the poor choices offered by DelDOT, pointing to other municipalities that must face like issues on similarly narrow streets. Haag said his hands were tied, however, pointing to alternate street infrastructure in Wilmington (brought up by Mr. Platt) as having been procured by the city itself.
Responding to a question of whether lights could be added to the stop signs to draw attention, Mr. Haag said there are reflective âspin alertsâ that can be added for increased visibility. Keeping the existing light indefinitely as a flashing stop did not seem to be an option.
Several members of the public also voiced concerns about losing the light, including city treasurer Janet Carlin, NCHS director Michael Connolly, and others. Ultimately, however, feeling their hands tied by the lack of options from DelDOT, Council voted unanimously to accept the report and keep the 4-Way Stop at 6th & Delaware (with âspin alertsâ to be installed).
Council Considers Mid-Year Budget Outlook, Uses for ARPA Funding
After learning that revised guidance on the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds received by the city have removed the deadline - and many of the strings - for their use, Council members went over their spending and savings priorities again.
Highlights of the mid-year Budget Review completed by City Council earlier this week, from Councilperson Souderâs unnoficial notes on the meeting, follow:
[City Administrator] Barthel⌠said that as of December 31, halfway through our fiscal year, we have received 77% of anticipated revenue and made 48% of projected expenditures. Mr. Platt asked for questions and comments from Council...
Mr. Day noted that delinquent tax payments are up. He wondered if this was due to a conservative projection or was the City doing something different. Mr. Barthel said some of bothâŚ
Mr. Day noted that receipt of code violation penalties is down. He asked if this was a lingering COVID issue or an indication that the City is doing a better job enforcing our building codes. Mr. Barthel said that often the fines and fees for violations arenât paid until foreclosure is complete and this takes many months. Ms Walls added that the word is out that weâre being stricter, so people are cleaning up their propertyâŚ
Finally, Mr. Day noted that contract services (such as for the City Solicitor and City Engineer) were up. Mr. Barthel said this is due to several large pending building projects. Ms Walls added that much of this cost will be billed to the property owners so it will eventually appear in the revenue section of the budget.
Ms. Leary and I agreed that Mr. Day had covered the important issuesâŚ
Mr. Barthel said we received a total of $2,911,042 from [ARPA]. So far, we have spent $11,253 in legal fees (to be certain that we spend the money as set forth in the Act) and committed $50,000 for the promotion of tourism in New CastleâŚ
Ms Leary observed that we have to get moving as there is a deadline for spending these funds. Mr. Barthel and Ms. Carlin said the deadline was dropped. Those receiving less than $10,000,000 can âlook backâ and use it to cover police and other expenses. The limits to what it can be spent on have also been loosened.
Mr. Barthel said we recently ordered a new trash truck at a cost of $270,000. We have 5 leased police cars for $350,000 over [a] 5-year period⌠We also ordered a trash compactor for $20,000 which will help us get more in the trash trucks. The police station needs new security cameras at a cost of $65,000. This leaves a balance of $2,144,692.
I said that I had feared we couldnât use these funds for flood protection⌠Now that the deadline has been removed, we can use the funds for this purpose if needed. The grant request pending with the National Resources Conservation Service could cover all engineering costs and 90-100% of construction if we are approved. Since the total cost of improving our flood protection was estimated at $12-15 million, 10% would be $1.2-1.5 million. I would like to see us preserve most of the ARPA funds for this. If we are approved and the grant does cover 100% of the costs, we can always find uses for the funds in the future. Meanwhile, we will collect the interest on it.
Ms. Leary said even if we preserve $1.5 million for flood protection, that still leaves funds for other immediate projects. I pointed out that the estimate of $12-15 million was several years old and has probably increased so I would like to preserve $2 million.
Ms. Leary said there are several small infrastructure projects such as improving the drainage at 4th & Harmony Streets, where there is no catch basin⌠(My note: Flooding in the lower sections of VanDyke Village along the wetlands is due to sea level rise so should be addressed by that projectâŚ)
Mr. Platt asked about street paving projects. Mr. Barthel said that Delmarva Power will complete the paving of The Strand, 2nd Street, and others dug up for their gas line replacement projectâŚ
Ms. Leary asked about the status of information on the new bandshell and the bathroom at the wharf. Mr. Barthel said construction costs for a bathroom at the wharf are estimated at $250,000-300,000... The cost for a full design proposal is $47,300 and for a preliminary design is $12,400.
As previously reported, a basic portable bandshell will cost $50,000-60,000. With additional amenities we would probably want, the cost would be about $75,000âŚ
Mr. Barthel also provided information about the cost for a redesign of the current city office building. The design cost for a proposal to make the front bullet-proof is $20,800. The design cost for a complete retrofitting of the building is $46,100.
Mr. Day said he thinks we should see what infrastructure costs the State would cover. We also need to look at the proposed dog park and childrenâs park.
Mr. Platt thinks we need the dog park as many residents have dogs and would like a place to take them to run off-leash. He would also like to see the City clean up Bull Hill and establish a veteransâ garden with flags for each branch of service. He also said the triangle at Chestnut St. where the recycle bins used to sit is wasted space. He would like to see it cleaned up so it could be used as overflow [parking] for big eventsâŚ
You can view the financial statements reviewed during the meeting here.
Thanks to Ms. Souder for making her unofficial notes available to the public. Full, approved Minutes from Council Meetings can be found on the city website.
NCCP Faces 2023 Full of Ideas but - Like other Orgs - Short on People
Among the board of New Castle Community Partnership (NCCP), planning has already begun for the big events that will dominate New Castleâs 2023 event calendar: Restaurant Week, A Day in Old New Castle, the âYour City & Youâ speaker series, and others. The non-profit group also continues to update and produce the New Castle Visitorâs Guides that debuted last year, arrange sponsorships for other local events, and a host of other activities to promote the city and its businesses.
However, like many other local non-profits, NCCP finds itself frequently trying to do more with less - less time, a smaller share of peopleâs attention in this media-saturated world, and most crucially, fewer people to ensure that âmany hands make light work.â
Another local group, Bull Hill Boat Club, has all but folded in the absence of new members to keep it going as older ones âage out.â The same phenomenon is happening - albeit less severely - in all kinds of community institutions.
This is not just a local issue, either. A major 2019 report from the U.S. Congressâs Joint Economic Committee explores the issue of fading civic engagement. It puts forward the last 30 yearsâ technological changes as being at the heart of the problem, suggesting that it is essential for âlegacyâ organizations to find ways to appeal to younger people who tend more toward direct, online engagement.
At its meeting, NCCP members expressed the need to refocus on outreach to bring ânew bloodâ into the organization, efforts echoed in groups like the Library Friends, Arasapha Garden Club, the volunteer corps at the Hermitage, and others.
Check out the Community Page on the City of New Castle website for local groups you can get involved with!
II. ICYMI: Media Highlights & Spotlights đ¸
âIn case you missed it,â January was fairly quiet, but beautiful⌠City Topics took a bit of a hiatus in early January to recharge for the New Year, but couldnât help noticing and sharing a few great local media stories this month.
Local Writer Seeks Resources for Indie Film Set in New Castle
Appearing at this monthâs meeting of the New Castle Community Partnership, Anthony Catino pitched The Sin-Eater Chronicles, a âsupernatural thrillerâ he wrote based on the âsin eatersâ of the 18th and 19th centuries. These macabre figures ârisked their souls to soak up the misdeeds of the dead,â according to Atlas Obscura.
Based in 1700s New Castle, the story focuses on the family of a disabled boy - Jonah - who âmust fight to save his motherâs life when his father transforms into a murderous psychopath after becoming the townâs sin eater,â according to the âpitch deckâ Catino presented. The script has already won two writing awards and placed as a semi-finalist at the 2023 L.A. Sci-Fi and Horror Festival.
The project has been âoptionedâ by Aaronde Entertainment producer Mike Stahl, who also joined the NCCP meeting via Zoom. Catino wants to shoot the film âon locationâ in New Castle. To that end, he and Stahl are working with local groups like the Partnership and New Castle Historical Society to source shooting locations, period-appropriate props, and even local investors in the project.
For example, the Dutch House will serve as the familyâs home, and scenes are also planned in the Amstel House and Jessopâs Tavern.
If you or someone you know would like to contribute to the project - whether with locations or props, as a backer/producer, or just with good ideas - Mr. Catino encouraged fellow New Castle residents to reach out to him directly.
Meanwhile, on Local Social Media FeedsâŚ
Project/Site manager Jim Sidlowski has been busy at the Hermitage Natural Area, keeping its Facebook and Insta feeds scrolling along with beautiful views of this mild winter around New Castleâs own local preserve. Check out the scroll below, which also includes a few of our shots from the Hermitageâs first Community Nature Day on Saturday, January 21.
On @CityTopicsNCDE socials - quiet as they were - the big story this month was our âFirst Lookâ at the proposal for âThe Battery,â what would be a 152-residence, mixed-use development on 7th Street. Residents had a lot to say about the idea, although many commenters seemed more concerned with the idea of development in general than to the particulars of âThe Battery.â
January also brought a stop at Bellanca Air Museum and NC Little League, where the Trustees this month agreed to some costly but much-needed drainage improvements, and a stunning sunset over Washington ParkâŚ
Lastly⌠or firstly⌠At the very end of December, days after our last Digest, we enjoyed Historic New Castle looking positively luminous in the New Yearâs Eve Fog. One photo from that set is below, and you can see the rest of the album here.
III. Catching Up with (Retiring) Councilperson Valarie Windle Leary đŹ
After six years on New Castle City Council, Valarie Leary announced this month that she will not run again for her seat in April. We reached out to Mrs. Leary to chat about her time in office, what she sees in her future, and what she hopes for the cityâs.
City Topics: When you first ran for Council in 2017, you listed the following prioritiesâŚ
âimproved communication between the Council and the Trust, as well as other city organizations.â
âCity Council members should be held to a higher standard [of] professionalism and civility⌠develop of a code of ethics as well as a number of amendments to the charter.â
âwork on our infrastructure throughout the city for residents first, and then our visitors.â
Reflecting on these planks of your platform six years later, how have you been able to deliver, and where does the city still have work to do in these areas?Â
Valarie Leary: The city will always have work to do in all of these areas. Dotting the âiâsâ and crossing the âtâsâ and pronouncing everything complete means stagnation. The bar should rise and we should strive to meet it. It would be wonderful if all of our infrastructure was âshiny and newâ but the reality is it takes MONEY; it all cannot be accomplished at the same time, and by the time you finish, it's time to start it all over again due to wear and tear. This applies to city vehicles, police, roads, city buildings, and more.Â
A Code of Ethics was developed and adopted, however, we learned it is not enforceable and cannot include any punitive measures. Council itself can only choose to âcensureâ someone which, as we have experienced, is ineffective.Â
As for improved communication between the Council and the Trust, as well as other city organizations, we've made progress but there is room for improvement.Â
You also wrote during your first campaign, âI believe that âpeople who are equally informed seldom disagree.ââ Do you still believe this? What have you learned about people during your time in office?
Unfortunately, I have come to learn that âpeople who are equally informed seldom disagreeâ isn't true. Facts matter to some; but not at all to others. Those that want to know will listen; those that want to promote their own agenda will not listen, no matter the facts.Â
Whatâs the most important thing you believe you do or have done as a member of the City Council? On the other hand, what task or responsibility was the most tedious or annoying?
The vacant property ordinance was one of the more important things that I pushed forward. Investors would buy properties at auction and let them sit so as to be able to âtake a lossâ on them. The simple explanation of this ordinance now requires that the investor renovate the property within a reasonable period of time. This ordinance also increased vacant property fines. There are more details to this but that's the very simple answer.
As for the most tedious or annoying? People who misrepresent, distort, or just purely fabricate issues and quite frankly, try to make issues where none exist.
How have your professional life, other aspects of civic life, or your home life as a wife and mom, informed or impacted your service to the city?Â
I am going to take liberty with this question and spin it a bit. When I decided to run for council, it was basically for a âselfishâ reason, which was to help protect my property values. I was first a renter for 5 years living in Bull Hill, and in 2012, Mark and I purchased our own home. Subsequently, if I am protecting my property values, I am protecting all property values, be they resident or business, whether you live in the historic area or one of the many other neighborhoods. Upholding city services (we are blessed to have our own trash services, police department, water, and electric facility, etc.), improved infrastructure, quality of life, and safety are important to me.Â
As a paramedic, I work in a variety of counties and their communities and have a very good basis for comparison. While there is always room for improvement, we have great city services, infrastructure is improved as funds are available and this city's quality of life and safety are well above average. The City is grateful for the assistance of the Trustees, and our state government for the grants that are provided. We have not raised taxes since 2008 and these grants are a large reason why. Â
Given the Trustâs long-stated goal of staying removed from city politics, and the non-partisan nature of local elections, can you share your reasoning in using (whether intentional or not) the platform of your city office to endorse candidates for Trustee? What should the relationship between the two bodies be like? Â
The Trust and the City are two separate bodies with two separate missions. We should work together on common goals that benefit the city overall, although on occasion there may be a special need. But in the end, the organizations themselves are night and day since the City is a governing body and the Trust is not.Â
As to âusing ⌠the platform of your city office to endorse candidates for Trusteeâ: Before I was on council I promoted my choices for candidates (city or trust) by placing campaign signs in front of my house. I try to meet with candidates and ask questions. If someone asked me, I told them of my choices and the reasons why. I didn't stop this practice while on the council, and it will continue after I am no longer on the council.
Whether a councilperson or not, I am a resident with a vested interest in who is on our local organizations, governing or not. All residents should be doing the same and most importantly by coming out to vote in ALL elections.Â
Who â on Council, in the city administration, or wherever â has (or have) been your favorite person (or people) to work with as a city leader over the last six years?
Linda Ratchford, Joe Day, Suzanne Souder and Russ Smith for their knowledge base and professionalism. They each brought (or bring) significant experience to their positions. For example, Mr. Smith ran national parks significantly larger than our city and our city's budget. His experience was an asset to our city. Mr. Day brings his experience with the county government and land management, as well as his experience and leadership in Delaware's Fire Service.
Mrs. Ratchford brought not only her experience with Delmarva Power but her ability to lead discussions and work toward consensus. She was also very much on top of everything in all aspects. Ms. Souder brings not only her government experience but her calm and thoughtful demeanor and her desire for compromise. I also have to commend Mayor Quaranta for bringing new awareness to the office of the Mayor. All of these good folks bring professionalism to the table and represent the city well.Â
What is your biggest priority during your remaining months in office?
Moving forward with thoughtful and efficient use of the ARPA funds. Council was under the impression that there was a deadline for usage and we just learned on Tuesday night, there is no longer a deadline. The notes from that meeting will mention that topic more in detail.Â
What do you think New Castle's upcoming challenges and opportunities will be in the next few years? What would you like to see new or improved on in the next ten?Â
My list is long but I'll just mention a few highlights. The City has a Comprehensive Plan where quite a bit of time and money was spent, and we have not really followed through on many suggestions. I would like to see more follow through.Â
Sea rise is a concern and kudos to Suzanne Souder and [the Sea Level Rise Committeee] for their work and quite frankly, ACTION. Â
I would like to see more to-the-point discussion, decisions and action. In my humble opinion, we take too long to discuss and make decisions, and then see those decisions turned into action. I am frustrated by continual âstudiesâ ... whether needed or not. Unfortunately, it has taken time for me to learn this and I now realize that council should create a monthly punch list for timeliness and execution. No insult at all to our City Administrator, who has quite a bit on his plate and is essentially available 24/7, but perhaps a part-time Assistant Administrator would be helpful. Â
What comes next for Valarie Leary, private citizen?Â
I have been involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) since 2016. The DAR's mission is Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism.Â
In 2022 I was asked to organize a new chapter in this area and so the Battell and Read Chapter was organized on October 15, 2022. As Organizing Regent of the new chapter (i.e. President), there has been and continues to be quite a bit to organize in getting a new chapter off the ground in terms of establishing our goals, service and events. I am also involved at the state and national levels.
By the way, our chapter welcomes those interested in membership! For more information, please email info@battellandreaddar.org.
Lastly⌠In a few words, what would you like to define your time on City Council, or how would you like it to be remembered?Â
In these last 6 years we have dealt with many substantive issues and have worked towards a foundation for the future. There is so much to learn when taking a seat on the council and it takes time to do so. One has to learn to read between lines, listen to what is not said and ask A LOT of questions. Â
Hindsight is always 20/20, so knowing what I know now, my experience would be good for the future if I was running for re-election. As I mentioned earlier, âthe city will always have work to do in all of these areas... The bar should rise and we should strive to meet it.â Get out and VOTE!
Thanks to Valarie Leary for taking the time to chat as she wraps up her term in office.
IV. Community Event Calendar đ
There are some great events coming up in Historic New Castle to help keep us warm and connected for the rest of WinterâŚ
Coming up in FEBRUARY:
2/4 - Trail Maintenance Party at the Hermitage Natural Area, 9am-12pm.
Roll up your sleeves and help out with keeping the beautiful trails at New Castleâs local preserve discernable and obstacle-free. Bring gloves & water. Pizza provided for lunch.2/7 - Colonial District School Board Meeting at William Penn HS, 7pm.
2/7 - Which Craft: Layered Valentineâs Day Designs, at NC Public Library, 6pm.
Create layered designs for unique Valentine's cards or decorations. All project materials and tools are provided. No cost to attend; registration is required.2/9 - Amstel Live: Letters of Love at the Amstel House Museum, 6:30pm.
Explore expressions of love from the past with New Castle Historical Society... Write a proper 18th century love letter, cut your own paper valentine, learn how to lock letters⌠and learn the vocabulary of love used in the 1770s. Guests will also see how chocolate was made in the 18th century and sample some historically inspired food and cocktails. Registration required, tickets $25 (or $20 for NCHS members).2/14 - Regular City Council Meeting at the NC Senior Center, 7pm.
2/16 - Municipal Services Commission Meeting, at MSC Offices, 8am.
2/18 - Woody Plant Propagation workshop at the Hermitage, 10:30am.
Learn how to prepare woody plants to be propagated from live stakes. There will be an opportunity to take a cutting home, with information about how to care for them!2/20 - Presidentâs Day (City and Schools closed, no trash pickup)
2/22 to 2/26 - 2nd Annual Historic New Castle Restaurant Week
Organized by New Castle Community Partnership. Reservations highly recommended!Featuring $30 3-course meals available for dinner at:
Jessopâs Colonial Tavern
Nora Leeâs French Quarter Bistro,
Port-Fino Pizzeria
Zollieâs Jazz Cucina
Mercury Cafe and Teahouse
And new this year, $15 âcompleteâ lunch specials at select New Castle Farmerâs Market locations (on the days it is open):
Alex's Seafood
Los Jarritos
Mama Gina's PizzaÂ
Masala Kitchen
Stoltzfus Sausage Sandwiches (Fri/Sat only)
Byler's BBQ (Fri/Sat only)
2/25 - âThe Letter of the Lawâ at New Castle Court House Museum, 12pm.
A presentation on how bias and racism were written into the laws of Delaware and enforced, from the Revolution to Reconstruction.2/26 - âWhaling on the High Seas: Thar She Blows!â at NC Court House, 1:30pm.
With a focus on the industry in this region, DE Humanities Speaker Steve Renzi âtells the story of whaling and the whalesâ subsequent slow recovery from the brink of extinction.â
And in Early MARCH:
3/1 - Last Day of the Easter Egg Sale by the Good Will Ladiesâ Auxiliary.
3/1 - On the Same Page: Your City & You (I) at NC Public Library, 6:30pm.
Following its successful first iteration last year, NCCPâs get-to-know-your-city event will return Wednesdays in March. Featuring short presentations by local institutions and non-profits, with wine, snacks and time to meet & greet! Times and other details TBA.3/4 - Trail Maintenance Party at the Hermitage Natural Area, 9am-12pm.
Bring water, gloves and the will to work outdoors for a few hours... Pizza for lunch.3/4 - St. Patrickâs Day Party at the New Castle Senior Center, 6:30 to 10pm.
A fundraiser featuring live music by Seven Rings. Enjoy a night of Irish music, drinks (cash bar) and dancing to support the Senior Center. (Bring your own food.) $25 in advance; $30 at the door (cash/check).3/8 - On the Same Page: Your City & You (II) at NC Public Library, 6:30pm.
3/15 - Mad Hatters and White Elephants at NC Public Library, 6pm.
Part of New Castle Library Friendsâ annual membership meeting (those wishing to attend can join or renew at the door). The talk on the âSurprising Origins of Common Phrasesâ includes light dinner and refreshments, as well as brief NCLF updates and business.3/18 - March Into Spring with the Bees, a Community Nature Day at the Hermitage, 10:30am.
Witness the introduction of Mason Bees to the Native Bee Hotels with Fort Casimir Honey Company and learn about the importance of native bees, how to care for them, and what you can do at home to support native bee populations!
MONTHLY/ONGOING EVENTS:
NEW Second Saturday Bird Walks at the Hermitage with Delaware Birders:
Regular Historic Tours at:
New Castle Court House Museum (Weds-Sunday)
Read House & Gardens (Thurs-Sunday)
Second Tuesday Mix & Mingle at Zollieâs Jazz Cucina, 4 to 7pm.
Meet neighbors to enjoy beer, wine and spirit tastings and a Tapas-style food buffet.Fourth Friday Art Loop at participating shops and galleries around downtown, including the Opera House, MoâzArt Gallery, Cobblestone Antiques, Landmark Antiques, and more!
Due to changes to the Facebook âPages Experience,â our Events tab on that site will no longer be able to aggregate events from throughout New Castle. We are exploring other options to keep providing the service of a continuous, online, aggregated community calendar. Have ideas for that? Just reach out to City Topics!
And because Facebook simply does not serve posts with Substack links to content creatorsâ followers there, if you find the Digest useful, please Subscribe to stay in the loop, and Forward this post to help others find it.
Thanks for reading!