Seaford council approves Phase 1 green‑infrastructure designs for High Street

Seaford council members on Tuesday unanimously approved design concepts for phase 1 stormwater management and streetscape renovations along High Street from Market to Pond Street.

The designs, presented by Brett Jett, P.E., of GMB Engineering and Lisa Wool of the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, would add engineered tree pits and curb cuts intended to capture and treat stormwater before it reaches the Nanticoke River.

Those measures, proponents said, would reduce ponding at the High and Pine Street corner, slow stormwater flow, decrease erosion on streets that drain to the river and add tree canopy to the business district. “They’ll capture storm runoff and soak it into the ground,” Lisa Wool said, describing the installations as “low maintenance” features that resemble traditional landscape beds but provide stormwater treatment. Jett said the team surveyed the first two blocks, identified four locations that would not impact parking, and sized the planting areas based on drainage patterns.

The council’s approval was a design‑concept endorsement; funding and construction still require additional steps. Councilman Quillen moved to approve the concept designs; Councilman Bradley seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Jett told the council that, if funding applications are successful, construction would likely begin in about a year to 18 months.

Council members asked about conflicts with nearby construction. Jett said crews would work from the street and avoid interfering with building entrances or ongoing townhouse and restaurant projects. Councilman Cohen asked about the project timeframe; Jett replied that securing construction funds typically takes six months to a year, with a year to 18 months from approval to work on the ground if fundraising is successful.

The presenters said native, low‑canopy trees would be selected to maximize pollutant removal and survive local storm exposure. Wool and Jett also noted the project would position the city to receive continued Bay‑program funding and help meet future stormwater regulatory expectations. The council did not add conditions to the design‑concept approval; staff will proceed with funding applications and return with implementation details as those steps progress.

Less critical details: council members thanked the presenters and noted the design images included a six‑year example in Laurel where similar features were thriving. The project remains dependent on successful fundraising and any required permits.