[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6185180,"mediaKeyId","5083065-bd3ef854c2ae34cc23e1ad477a39138d","parentId",5083065,"title","Georgetown unveils bicycle and pedestrian plan; residents press for tougher enforcement of risky cyclist behavior","audioSeconds",2979,"startMs",1582000,"endMs",4561000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083065-bd3ef854c2ae34cc23e1ad477a39138d&start=1582&end=4561","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083065-bd3ef854c2ae34cc23e1ad477a39138d/thumbnail_1582000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6185180/Georgetown/Sussex-County/Delaware/Georgetown-unveils-bicycle-and-pedestrian-plan-residents-press-for-tougher-enforcement-of-risky-cyclist-behavior","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185180-bd00fbaae7d2144f39a96a5c8ef2b02b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776014429&Signature=WOxK~CqMgiSB2pQGg0-~Vbn~JLBb9CiU6jOAu5w5l8z3rIu6zlo4jW-7YLTqygs3p08q5Hni13HNb~Lo9h0cgfJ2MlPMIYjGi9wxQv2eWXwAHwI7no-sSd74j6NzzYsIQxSgMMCi~1nPTXWPpBirvnouioJ-WxogRrjsY3k6ThlrcJcRvSdG03qrQsR9ph1LRPIRGLeyJSll225Ch-~WNjCHHQgpkrlYEnvhSw0WWl-nASmIAqqEvs3au9-CWzWyvmas~DNG94X02cKuFRXCH1F-1KjFf3CHN3Gy2zz2-rrO9aBdpc4aJBBp~xI6XyCK1hVkNbnP7gmJFCdKrUr9pQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Georgetown DE","date","2025-06-24T12:15:28Z","article","Delaware Department of Transportation and consultant Rossi Group presented the Georgetown Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan to the Georgetown Town Council on June 23, 2025, outlining short‑, medium‑ and long‑term recommendations to improve walking and bicycling safety in the town. Residents at the meeting urged the council and police to pursue immediate enforcement and outreach aimed at dangerous bicycling behaviors they say are occurring downtown.

The plan, led by Austin Gray of DelDOT and planners from Rossi Group, documents existing sidewalk gaps, proposes curb extensions, pedestrian refuge islands, raised crosswalks and rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs), and recommends shared‑use paths and sidewalks in key corridors including Parsons Lane and portions of North Bedford and East Market streets. “This project actually started, maybe a little over 2 and a half years ago,” Austin Gray said, noting DelDOT’s adoption of a “safe system approach” to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.

Why it matters: DelDOT and Rossi Group said the town’s study segments—compiled from field visits and crash data—recorded 490 crashes between November 2021 and November 2024, with 69 crashes at the Circle and no fatalities during that period. Gray also said Delaware has about “44 fatalities on Delaware’s transportation network, year to date,” and that pedestrian safety remains a statewide priority. The report seeks to reduce crashes through engineering, education and funding strategies.

Major recommendations and funding: Rossi Group recommended near‑term solutions such as additional signage and striping, and medium‑ and long‑term construction of sidewalks and shared use paths. Specific project concepts presented to council included curb extensions and RRFBs at multiple North Bedford Street intersections; a raised crosswalk and shared‑use path connection from the Georgetown Lewis Trail to a proposed Parsons Lane trailhead parking area; and potential study of making New Street one‑way between Race Street and North Bedford. The consultants identified capital funding sources including DelDOT’s Capital Transportation Program, the Transportation Alternatives Program, the Community Transportation Fund, the Outdoor Recreation Trails Program, private grants such as AARP, and grant writing assistance through the University of Delaware.

Public reaction and enforcement questions: Several residents who addressed the council said infrastructure alone would not solve the problem of cyclists they described as riding unpredictably, without lights or helmets and sometimes appearing intoxicated. \"They're not going to follow those rules,\" resident Maria Hammond said during public comment, arguing that some cyclists repeatedly dart into traffic. Another speaker, Adam Butchkowski, described finding a discarded bottle of methadone on his property and urged stronger enforcement of laws and occupancy rules. A Georgetown police representative told the council, “We have 2 newly appointed sergeants who are gonna get put in touch with miss Hammond to come up with a comprehensive plan to address this bicycle issue,” and said officers had been monitoring the problem.

Next steps: Rossi Group said the final report and concept sheets will be posted on the project website and that the town will pursue phased work based on available funding. “I'm also going to be putting them on the project website first thing tomorrow morning,” a Rossi Group presenter said. Council members and DelDOT staff noted signage and striping can be implemented quickly while sidewalks and shared‑use paths will need phased funding and design work.

The presentation and public comment left the council with two near‑term tasks: consider enforcement and outreach options in partnership with the police department and seek funding for prioritized capital projects identified in the plan. The consultants and DelDOT indicated they will return to council as funding or grant opportunities are pursued.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Delaware Department of Transportation and consultant Rossi Group presented the Georgetown Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan to the Georgetown Town Council on June 23, 2025, outlining short‑, medium‑ and long‑term recommendations to improve walking and bicycling safety in the town.","taxTitle","Georgetown, Sussex County, Delaware","taxId",68855,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185165,"Georgetown council ratifies new FOP contract covering May 2025–April 2028",1989,2721000,4710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083065-bd3ef854c2ae34cc23e1ad477a39138d&start=2721&end=4710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083065-bd3ef854c2ae34cc23e1ad477a39138d/thumbnail_2721000.jpg","/articles/6185165/Georgetown/Sussex-County/Delaware/Georgetown-council-ratifies-new-FOP-contract-covering-May-2025April-2028","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185165-0a58e45ab9032174c99a90430d3160d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776014429&Signature=T-dOAjb6Tu8mX~caIzs2CdXhLdHh-sVZnKnwRcbtvMgW1Pn-LbDYdrHM6yNQOwxjCW~6XE6c5oTlsNIqfIxSuufesqiLBGyqJgVsZQjcUY6v439492pDd0QD9Pywo6sWx4YP86pxR-aZwobDhCzgHoqO9GOkKVWa0QJpkh3~1TWLly8rMshpbWpJE6FyzygQNT6REQEwbCPJQL8MObDELd13d5FOfDyZ9R2wH0XdZyV47bCEAIPKayhZxRoBmeE7beHA34c2kHivFiAq7T5-O16hJUspP8depOba-wfIZr5Yh-jtgPGVc~qO4X46JKR8yZm71HS-6Sm1W-b-rRIROA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgetown Town Council ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the Georgetown Fraternal Order of Police on June 23, 2025, covering May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2028. Town staff described changes to pay scales, grievance procedures and pensionable pay definitions, and the union president thanked the council for support.

Town Manager Gene summarized contract provisions to council: the starting salary for patrolman is $74,000 effective May 1, 2025; there is a 5% increase between successive ranks (patrolman to patrolman first class, corporal, master corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain); and a 2% pay‑grade increase across all pay grades each year on an employee’s anniversary date. Effective May 1, 2026, the starting salary for patrolmen will increase by 3.5% plus $1,000, and a further 3.5% plus $1,000 increase will take effect May 1, 2027. The detective clothing allowance was raised to $800, and the contract includes a schedule clarifying which items are pensionable pay under Delaware code.

Council moved, seconded and ratified the agreement by roll call. Georgetown FOP president Kristen Repass told the council the contract “is more than just a document to us. It represents your recognition and of the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of the officers who serve this community every day,” and said the agreement should aid recruitment and retention.

Why it matters: The contract changes affect town payroll and the police department’s ability to recruit officers and maintain staffing. Town officials and police union leaders said the agreement responds to recruitment challenges and aligns pay across ranks and anniversaries.

Next steps: Staff will finalize and execute the contract language and implement the pay changes according to the schedule specified in the agreement.","The Town Council ratified a new Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) contract on June 23, 2025, that updates salaries, grievance procedures and pensionable pay definitions; union leaders thanked the council for improving recruitment and retention tools.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185170,"Council awards downtown development‑district revision contract to Wallace Montgomery for $34,750",86,2622000,2708000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083065-bd3ef854c2ae34cc23e1ad477a39138d&start=2622&end=2708","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083065-bd3ef854c2ae34cc23e1ad477a39138d/thumbnail_2622000.jpg","/articles/6185170/Georgetown/Sussex-County/Delaware/Council-awards-downtown-developmentdistrict-revision-contract-to-Wallace-Montgomery-for-34750","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185170-44f7dc0897991a382f61d55eb1f90861/orig.mp4?Expires=1776014430&Signature=NBytmj5I8qae8ev8tD-APhdCk~~Yf~53lDIJbqbTB5Nw7n3i2~fWAn4LRQMrMDnINwcrZChS3NGKz9bEMSwNgjgtgjwoRibOj9yrccxws9YX7p119uiR0B9OuH6Ptyr2lGaFh44qKpfDMPNHt6nKW9DUWQfPUOjqVpDLB8TH8E-HZXOymhmUvN6Qbfgx6ImoSkbEmexOU0e889fWRk1r7UZkUTGMdR8z9rd8vboIN70H77OJcB5hNmBDQfBUjiKug~jUpdJ34GFilDvQFJ0bZVqUOWrPG58ikbGHSUO9iBG2DeXBGwmJGbdcCR-ljgion~78F-GTo21CGMXvBIhGRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgetown Town Council voted June 23, 2025, to award the Downtown Development District plan revision contract to Wallace Montgomery with a contract amount not to exceed $34,750.

Town Manager Gene told council the town received three bids in response to an RFP: Davis, Bowen & Friedel at $35,000; Rossi Group at $44,676; and Wallace Montgomery at $34,705.49. Gene recommended awarding the contract to Wallace Montgomery “at a price not to exceed $34,750 and also to have the contract approved by the town solicitor.”

The council moved, seconded and approved the award by roll call, recorded as a 4‑0 vote. Council members said they valued the revision as part of seeking a five‑year renewal of the downtown development district designation and asked staff to proceed with contract review by the town solicitor.

Next steps: Town staff will finalize the contract with Wallace Montgomery and return executed documents after solicitor review. The scope of work will revise the downtown development district plan to support the town’s five‑year renewal application and implement any technical updates requested by the state program.","The Georgetown Town Council approved a contract award to Wallace Montgomery on June 23, 2025, to update the downtown development district plan; three firms submitted bids and Wallace Montgomery's $34,705.49 proposal was accepted at a not‑to‑exceed amount of $34,750 and approved by roll call.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185175,"Georgetown council tables planning‑commission appointments after conflict concerns",219,1306000,1525000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083065-bd3ef854c2ae34cc23e1ad477a39138d&start=1306&end=1525","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083065-bd3ef854c2ae34cc23e1ad477a39138d/thumbnail_1306000.jpg","/articles/6185175/Georgetown/Sussex-County/Delaware/Georgetown-council-tables-planningcommission-appointments-after-conflict-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185175-a0efdb6b87cbeeff2caee83d6c820530/orig.mp4?Expires=1776014429&Signature=EBVnv-ICISQDIErwNy-jJZY42mVyXka3RyZzhJpZTRGdtK98cEV7nN0dw7-v7pt9J3KTsKuS11eiDwm6RH5bVEgspC1W8NIY9at3RRsX9XQWZktJAs1fZwdlCHM1J9rx9WbV-X0DWJEYNKVkY4h7d3MR7r9h7MfNgWEztCFupLGrrYFQBZdcEvrvevUEsPkYdgAYVjsF4p1hCaBTK1PC7I0aLSr5AbfyLldvatP8rOXaFwiBsRAjyHe24OwbSn61vrNfBpDu-8RcdqjIP6S54bYWQp5tM14ymo8Zfd0rY1kTe4LcGvvuVPTlk0xMN2iyc29NllC3-~xK7kkBg3SU6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgetown Town Council on June 23, 2025, declined to appoint two candidates to the town Planning Commission and tabled the item to solicit additional applicants and documentation after questions arose about a potential conflict of interest involving one applicant.

Councilmember Malone moved to appoint R. Roach to the planning commission; the motion received a second but did not secure the required three votes for confirmation. Councilmember Christine said she was conflicted and \"so I'm abstaining,\" and the mayor noted that without three affirmative votes no appointment could be made. The council agreed to reopen the application period and to return the item at a later meeting with any requested documentation regarding Lance Meares.

Why it matters: Planning‑commission appointments affect local land‑use review and project approvals. Several council members said it was difficult to choose between experience and local tenure and asked staff to produce records requested by colleagues before any appointment is finalized.

Key points from discussion: Council members said they had received phone calls about Meares' development activities and asked staff for supporting documentation; town staff said they did not yet have those phone‑call records. A council member suggested reopening the process to encourage more applicants and requested that documentation on Meares be provided at the next meeting.

Outcome and next steps: The council tabled the appointments and asked staff to reopen the application period and to provide any relevant documentation on Lance Meares at the next meeting. No appointments were made at the June 23 meeting.","Two applicants for the Georgetown Planning Commission — R. Roach and Lance Meares — were not appointed June 23 after council members raised conflict‑of‑interest concerns about Meares and asked staff for documentation; the item was tabled to reopen applications.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Georgetown unveils bicycle and pedestrian plan; residents press for tougher enforcement of risky cyclist behavior

Georgetown council ratifies new FOP contract covering May 2025–April 2028

Council awards downtown development‑district revision contract to Wallace Montgomery for $34,750

Georgetown council tables planning‑commission appointments after conflict concerns