Delaware, the true home state for corporations like Wal-Mart, which pay no corporate taxes here, is rarely in the news over big box sprawl issues. But the La Grange Development project, which includes 224 homes and 53,278 s.f of retail, has stirred up residents. The parking lot alone will cover over 3.5 acres of open space. A group called The Friends of Historic Glasgow has formed to fight this proposal. The developer has not been clear if one big box store bigger than a football field will be constructed, or several smaller stores. The project will require a rezoning from S (Suburban) to CR (Commercial Regional). In total, the project covers 236 acres. The New Castle County Planning Board will hear the proposal on February 7th, and residents plan to raise the following issues: 1) Traffic: Can our roads handle the additional 2,000 residential trips per day, not including the traffic going in/out of the proposed shopping center? 2) Schools: Can our public schools absorb at least another 74 students? 3) Historic Resources: Will the site be developed without endangering the 1815 manor house and granary, and the American Revolutionary War historic and Native American prehistoric features on the site? Who will take care of and protect these historic resources that are included in the 130.21 acres of private open space? 4) Environmentally Sensitive Resources: Federally threatened species may exist on the site, which attests to the unique environmental sensitivity. Can the site be developed without endangering these resources? Can storm water run off be effectively managed? Can the fresh water wetlands on the site be protected from pollution? Can the Glasgow aquifer recharge area, which supplies our drinking water, be protected from pollution? How much of the private open space is actually useable for recreation? Who will take care of the 130.21 acres of private open space?
There are 9 members of the NCC Planning Board. They are charged with reviewing the proposed comprehensive development or comp plan updates, reviewing proposed zoning plan changes, proposed subdivision regulations and amendments; and making recommendations to New Castle County Council on these items. Anyone with written comments on the La Grange project can email them to: [email protected] and [email protected]. For further information please contact the Friends of Historic Glasgow at e-mail: [email protected]
