McDaniel Civic Assn.

Minutes 1/12/06

January 12, 2006

McDaniel Civic Association
P.O. Box 7075 Wilmington, Delaware 19803
web site: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com

The McDaniel/Concord Manor Civic Association special meeting opened at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 12, 2006 at Aldersgate Church by RJ Miles, Vice President. Debby Waxman, Secretary, and the soon-to-be elected Treasurer, Mike Lauser were present. The purpose of this meeting was to give those not able to attend the December 12, 2005 special meeting a chance to have some additional thought and input before voting on the ballot regarding the Shellpot Park renovation.

The floor was given to Corporal Amy M. Kevis, New Castle County Community Police Officer, who reported on the step-up in ticketing in our neighborhood for speeding and stop sign running, particularly in the area of Windley & Navarro, as well as Windley and Shellpot. They have also been tagging abandoned vehicles.

When asked what to do about suspected drug dealing, she advised calling her office, as well as advising us of the website for the tip line to report suspicious activity: www.nccpdde.org

Additional questions from those present were responded to: portable basketball hoops in the road are to be referred to DelDot, not New Castle County. Mini-bikes must be tagged to be on the road. The number to call if there is a crowd congregating after dark is 573-2800.

Amy also spoke a bit to someone’s concern about the renovated park becoming a hang-out for sexual predators. While not able to give assurance that it wouldn’t happen, she made it clear that it was quite unlikely as an open area is not generally what a sexual predator is looking for, nor is a stationary location. Lights were further suggested to ease those concerns, but it was pointed out that this would be the financial responsibility of the private community.

County Councilman Robert Weiner introduced Mike Bennett of Land Use and Paul Johnson of Special Services. He spoke briefly of his support of the community’s decision and apologized that he had a commitment to another meeting.

RJ Miles then recapped the December 12, 2005 meeting and took us through the three proposals. There is County money already available for the heart of the plans with the possibility of additional funding down the road. Note that the BBQ idea has been eliminated.

The letter from Jennifer Gochenaur of the Delaware Nature Society was passed out and discussed. As the park already exists, restoration and upgrade of the area will have little or no impact, as it would not increase the total paved/impervious surface. It was strongly suggested that trails not be paved, and limited to mulch/wood chips. Paul Johnson noted that crushed rock “married” to dirt also leaves little impact. Bryan would work with DNS on points of interest.

There continued to be disagreement about the need for this park and the addition of a pavilion with the suggestion that it be returned to a completely natural state. A big concern seems to be graffiti and vandalism and the lack of caring. Neighbors Mike and Lee made a presentation of other parks in the area. Lee also submitted a petition of 25 signatures all against the pavilion. It was explained that only those present had the right to have their votes counted. The voting was carried out and the count for the three proposals was done before adjourning: 19 yes votes for Plan #1, 3 yes votes for Plan #2, and 12 yes votes for Plan #3. RJ tallied the additional items and submitted the attachment for inclusion.

Respectfully submitted, Debby Waxman