New Castle County land use panel reviews plan for new John G. Leech special‑needs school; no vote taken

The New Castle County Land Use Committee on June 2 reviewed a major land development plan for a new special‑needs facility listed in the agenda as the John G Leech School, proposed at the northwest corner of Wrangle Hill Road (DE‑72) and South DuPont Highway. Presenters described a roughly 63,000–64,000 square‑foot building with a 468‑square‑foot greenhouse and dedicated covered bus drop‑off; no committee vote occurred on the plan.

Brian Morgan of SITE Studios, the project representative, walked committee members through renderings and site details, saying the triangular parcel is largely open agricultural land and that "all the development will remain to the north with, you know, limited amount of clearing" to avoid sensitive areas. Morgan said a sanitary sewer extension will reach the Wrangle Hill pump station and that the project has worked through DelDOT on access improvements that will accommodate right‑in/right‑out operations and a shifted median crossover for left turns. He also described two stormwater facilities, interior courtyards and a covered bus area intended to improve student loading in inclement weather.

The presenters confirmed operational details sought by members: Morgan said the school currently serves 94 enrolled students (ages 3–21) and that 14 buses will transport most students; architect Paul Guggenberger of Studio Jade Architects said the kitchens will include dishwashers and multiple teaching‑kitchen units. Morgan also stated that the school is funded entirely by the state rather than by local referendum.

Committee members pressed on cost, capacity and equity. A committee member asked whether the project would exceed $55 million; Morgan said the project is "upwards of $50,000,000." Another member cited district estimates that project labor agreements could raise construction costs by about 22% and said that would be borne by state appropriations rather than local taxpayers; the committee discussed studies from other states but did not reach a policy determination. A committee member raised concerns about moving the school’s location from the north to the south of the county and said the change raised equity questions; Morgan replied that multiple parcels were evaluated, the chosen site best met site criteria and that those with concern should work with the school district for details on site selection.

No formal motion was carried on the John G Leech plan during the meeting. The chair solicited public comment; none was offered either in person or online. The committee later approved routine minutes and then adjourned.

The presentation materials were distributed to members by email, and presenters said they will continue coordination with the district and DelDOT. The Land Use Committee did not set a follow‑up vote or next date for action on the zoning application during this session.