Council to consider code change requiring public review step when redevelopment advisory committees are inactive

Councilwoman Durham introduced an ordinance (24112) to amend New Castle County Code Chapter 40, section 40.26.430 to require that, when a community redevelopment advisory committee (DRAC) is inactive, proposed community redevelopment plans go to an intermediary public review step — either the Historic Review Board or the Planning Board — so the proposal receives public vetting.

Why it matters: Durham said the proposal was drafted after the county’s handling of a Centerville plan revealed a procedural gap in which a plan moved forward without the public planning board review because the DRAC was inactive. The ordinance aims to ensure broader public review for redevelopment proposals when the DRAC process is not operational.

Details from the sponsor

Durham said the code change was drafted by the land use department to address the Centerville situation and applies to any DRAC that is inactive, not just the Centerville example. The ordinance would add an intermediary review requirement so proposals receive public scrutiny at a recognized review board.

Procedure and public comment

Council staff confirmed the ordinance was supported by county staff (Durham referenced that it was "supported by Lee") and that no public commenters were present on the item. No formal vote was taken at the meeting.

Next steps

Ordinance 24112 remains on the council agenda for formal consideration at a future meeting.