Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Relations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge action on racism, Confederate flag and housing; calls for streamlined permitting
Summary
Several residents used the public-comment period to press the council on racism and the Confederate flag, to congratulate new officials, and to urge action on housing affordability, permitting reform and community engagement.
Public commenters at the May 11 Georgetown Town Council meeting pressed elected officials for concrete action on race relations and housing while also congratulating newly elected council members.
A number of speakers recounted personal experiences and expressed concern about social-media activity and a group named "Make Georgetown Great Again." Jane Huffington told the council she has experienced racial harassment and urged the council to hold itself accountable, to confront displays of the Confederate flag and to ensure that elected officials protect all residents. "Make Georgetown Great Again ... may not remember the racism suffered because of the color of my skin," she said, adding she will "hold council accountable for the things that are happening in our community."
John Peterson asked the council to affirm Delaware's Union loyalty and "repudiate Confederate mythology," recommending the town make a statement that the Confederate flag "holds no civic standing and no place within the authority or mission of this town." Others, including Tammy Hardy Kesler, said posts and symbols on social media deter prospective residents and may have contributed to a decline in the proportion of Black residents in recent years as observed in local statistics.
Speakers also urged action on housing and permitting. Sunonny Gani urged the council to streamline permitting by examining neighboring jurisdictions' practices to make Georgetown more business-friendly and expand the tax base. Several speakers thanked outgoing Mayor West for his service and encouraged newly elected members to prioritize community outreach and committee volunteer recruitment.
Why it matters: Public-comment testimony reflected deep community concern about racial inclusion, the town's image on social media, and housing affordability. Those topics intersect with potential town policy decisions, civic engagement efforts and coordination with state partners.
What's next: These comments were delivered during the public-comment period; the council did not take immediate formal action in response during this meeting but heard repeated calls for clearer steps on the Confederate flag, accountability for social-media practices and permitting reforms.
