The New Castle County Land Use Committee convened on October 7, 2025, to discuss several significant matters, including a major subdivision plan and amendments to local ordinances.
The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the previous session. The committee then moved on to a key agenda item: the Hokesson Station subdivision plan. This proposal aims to subdivide land into 143 lots, located on the east side of Valley Road, south of Evanston Road. The plan utilizes an open space development option and seeks to remove existing deed restrictions on certain tax parcels. Council members noted that this project has been in development for several years, with ongoing community engagement through working groups. Mark Blake, president of the Greater Hokessen Area Development Association, expressed strong support for the project, highlighting the developer's transparency and collaboration with the community. The committee plans to vote on this proposal at their next meeting.
In addition to the subdivision discussion, the committee addressed scheduling changes due to Veterans Day falling on a council meeting day. The committee agreed to reschedule the meeting originally set for November 11 to November 18.
The committee also reviewed an ordinance aimed at amending the Unified Development Code regarding daycare facilities. This amendment seeks to eliminate a 500-foot restriction preventing daycare centers from being located near gas stations, while also regulating their proximity to marijuana retail outlets. The proposed changes aim to correct existing inconsistencies in the code and provide more flexibility for daycare locations.
The meeting concluded with further discussions on property maintenance codes, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance community standards and regulations. The committee's actions reflect a commitment to addressing local development needs while considering community input and safety regulations.