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Ardentown advances ARPA/MSA path and rain‑garden work; Candlelight Theatre launches capital campaign
Summary
The village reported progress on three ARPA/MSA‑funded projects—a stormwater orchard improvement, a completed swale on Swiss Lane, and a rain garden on Henry George Green—plus a trustees’ update on the Candlelight Theatre capital campaign seeking $321,000.
The Village of Ardentown’s Public Works & Safety committee and trustees reported progress on several infrastructure and cultural‑facility projects during the Nov. 11 meeting.
Oliver Gutsche outlined three projects previously approved to use ARPA and Municipal Street Aid funds: work at the Orchard to improve water flow into a rain garden (work to start in December), completion of a swale on Swiss Lane (work completed by Ed Smith, with Belgian blocks to be addressed separately), and a rain garden on Henry George Green with Advanced Ecology expected to start soon.
Elaine Schmerling described Paths & Restoration activity: the committee plans to hire Aquareal to regrade two spots to reduce flooding on a public path between named leaseholds; tree planting was discussed after New Castle County provided 35 native trees from the state TEDI program (town volunteers will water and store seedlings until planting); and a larger tree‑saving effort will address English ivy in Sunnyside.
Trustees chair Annie Gutsche reported the Candlelight Theatre is conducting a capital campaign to raise $321,000 for structural repairs, restroom upgrades and replacement of two exterior exit stairs; the trustees have committed to replace both exterior stairs (one this year, one next year) and expect additional renovation work in spring and summer 2025. Lisa Wilson Riblett added that Cropper, Inc. completed new Glen steps and bridges and that trustees are coordinating with New Castle County on a proposed permanent access path for county sewer machinery (approvals and communication remain pending).
The minutes record project timelines (Orchard work to begin in December; rain garden work expected to be complete by 2024 or soon thereafter) and expense reporting for Memorial Garden upkeep. Several calls for volunteers and signups for tree‑planting and mulch projects were recorded.
