New Castle County committee reviews rezoning for 124-unit Limestone Road development with veterans housing

The New Castle County Land Use Committee reviewed Ordinance No. 25153 on Monday, a rezoning request to redesignate roughly 20 acres on Limestone Road (Mill Creek Hundred) to permit a 124-unit mixed residential development including a 14-unit, one‑bedroom building intended for veterans.

Councilman Sheldon, sponsor of the item, told the committee the project “is really a true affordable housing project” and described unit counts and affordability targets: 14 moderately priced one‑bedroom apartments for veterans, multiple three‑bedroom townhouse units for families, and a portion of units supported by ARPA funding to reduce rents. He said the concept was reduced from an earlier 138‑unit plan to 124 units after community meetings.

Developer Steve Davies, identified himself to the committee and said he and his wife have owned the property for 18 years. He described the site as infill adjacent to Carousel Park and existing townhouse and apartment communities, and outlined design changes made after neighborhood meetings (eliminating an entrance on Ascension Drive, pulling units away from Limestone Road, and preserving mature trees). “We reduced the units from 138 to 124,” Davies said, and said the design would retain about 80% of mature woods while reforesting about 2.5 acres.

Pam Scott, speaking on behalf of the applicant, told the committee the rezoning must meet standards in section 40‑31.4.10 of the Unified Development Code, including consistency with the county’s 2050 comprehensive plan and compatibility with nearby zoning and uses. Scott said the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning, citing a mix of unit types, compliance with MPDU expectations, and protections for natural and historic resources.

Councilmembers pressed for details. Councilmember Durham asked whether the site lies inside the Pike Creek master‑plan area (staff and the sponsor said it is just outside that master‑planned boundary), requested more detailed sidewalk and pathway plans, and queried how the proposed addition to the historic house would be measured against the county’s 50% adaptive‑reuse allowance. Davies said the applicant would return to the Historic Review Board with a preservation plan and noted county rules can count basements and attic space in square‑footage calculations.

Several councilmembers expressed support for the project’s affordable‑housing and veterans components. Councilman Hollins praised the effort as “walking the talk” on affordability, and Councilman Toole highlighted coordination with veterans‑services efforts. Rachel Stucker, chair of the New Castle County Housing Advisory Board, spoke during public comment in support and said the advisory board had submitted a letter to the Planning Board.

The committee did not take a final vote on the rezoning Monday. Councilman Cartier said the matter “will be brought to a vote next Tuesday.” Earlier in the meeting the committee approved the prior meeting minutes by voice vote (individual tallies were not recorded). The committee then adjourned.

The record shows the Planning Board recommended approval; the committee’s recommendation and any formal vote will be recorded when the rezoning returns to the council for a formal vote.