The Kent County Regional Planning Commission on Jan. 15 deferred action on SLV-25-40, a proposed 36.3‑acre National Guard readiness center near Fast Landing Road and Route 1, after applicants and engineers presented concept plans and environmental findings. The commission voted unanimously to request a refined (non‑concept) design clarifying impacts to woodlands, wetlands and key wildlife habitat and to table the application for approximately 30 days.

Project overview and environmental issues: Mark Orndorff, representing the Delaware Army National Guard, said the project entered federal planning in 2019, was included in the future‑years defense plan and that NEPA and environmental condition‑of‑property analyses are underway. Orndorff apologized that a Kent County wetland regulation had been overlooked earlier in the planning sequence and said the team has engaged DNREC, DelDOT and Century Engineering to assess wetlands, habitat and the entranceway. The project is planned in three phases: a 42,000‑square‑foot readiness center with soldier and military vehicle parking (phase 1), an ~18,000‑square‑foot maintenance facility (phase 2), and a ~32,000‑square‑foot addition (phase 3). Orndorff estimated total project construction at roughly $100 million in today’s dollars and said a FY‑2028 construction start had been targeted.

Wetlands, habitat and stormwater: The team reported two categories of wetlands on the site: medium‑quality wooded wetlands and lower‑quality agricultural wetlands. DNREC’s quality analysis and habitat mapping also identified key wildlife habitat in areas that overlap medium wetlands. Applicants proposed avoiding the higher‑quality wetlands, shifting a proposed stormwater detention pond outside the most sensitive areas and committing to replanting and other mitigation. They warned relocating stormwater infrastructure to avoid wetlands could add an incremental cost (Orndorff estimated roughly $100,000) and noted federal scheduling pressures tied to National Guard funding processes.

Engineer testimony and commission concern: Frank Miller of Century Engineering (sworn) confirmed that submitted concept drawings show wooded wetlands that the team intends not to disturb and that lower‑quality agricultural wetlands would be those most affected by construction. Commissioners repeatedly said the materials before them were concept level and lacked the detailed, site‑specific engineering, forestry and agency coordination documents they require to recommend approval. Commissioner Davis said he would not support action on concept materials alone; others urged that the applicant return with a refined plan showing exactly what will be removed, retained and replanted.

Motion and outcome: Commissioner Garvey moved that the applicant return with a refined design (not a concept) clarifying impacts to woodlands and wetland areas identified as key wildlife habitat and secondary wetland areas. The motion, seconded by Denise, passed by unanimous roll call. Applicants were directed to provide additional documentation and return to the commission, approximately 30 days later, to continue review.

What’s next: The National Guard team and Century Engineering will revise the submittal to clarify limits of disturbance, stormwater siting alternatives, reforestation strategy and coordination with DNREC and county forestry/agriculture units before the commission reconvenes on the item.