Ordinance 25-025 — a proposal to change the countys record-plan notice period from seven days to 28 days so council members would have more time to review plans before a vote — failed on a roll call at the New Castle County Council meeting Oct. 14 by a tally of 3 yes, 9 no, 1 not voting.

Councilman Koneko introduced the ordinance and urged council to adopt the change, saying it was a modest, reasonable step to allow more time for review and public input on complex land-use proposals. "I'm asking for 21 days," Koneko said during debate, adding that he planned to revise and reintroduce the measure if it failed.

Supporters on the dais, including Councilman Carter, told colleagues they had encountered projects that required additional review after the initial seven-day window and said an extended period could surface transportation, infrastructure or other issues before final action. "There are reasons to have a second set of eyes," Carter said.

Opponents included several council members and the countys land-use staff, who raised concerns that the change could delay development and create uneven notice practices. Council members opposing the ordinance argued that existing toolsincluding referring plans back to staff and tablingalready provide means to obtain more review when needed. Councilman Cartier said he had substantive concerns and would not support the measure as written.

Members of the public offered competing views during the public-comment period. Resident Desiree Miller supported the ordinance but asked council to add language preventing a DelDOT "letter of non-objection" from being treated as sufficient for recording a plan; Miller said that practice had allowed a project to move forward before related agency approvals were finalized, creating downstream consequences for neighbors. Resident Dale Swain said he would want more time if he were deciding on complex developments. Jerome Heisler, identifying himself as a manager for the Raybould Group, opposed the proposal and said requiring longer review periods could impose costs and uncertainty on applicants; Heisler also warned that referrals back to staff had required reposting and additional hearings in past cases. Online commenter Shannon Tiberi urged council to allow more time for town halls and constituent engagement on large projects.

After public comment and council debate, the clerk called the roll on Ordinance 25-025. The roll-call record on the transcript shows Councilman Koneko, Councilman Carter and Councilwoman Durham voting yes; Councilman Cartier, Councilwoman George, Councilman Hollins, Councilwoman Kilpatrick, Councilman Sheldon, Councilman Smiley, Councilman Street, Councilman Tackett and Councilman Toole voting no; Council President Monique Williams Johns not voting. The chair declared the ordinance failed.

Kaneko said he would take input and bring revised language back to the council at a later meeting.

Votes on the meeting agenda included numerous other items that were approved, tabled or introduced; those are summarized separately in "Votes at a glance."