Council approves Newcastle Self Storage site plan despite stormwater and impervious-area concerns

Council approved Resolution 2026-34 to authorize a site-plan for Newcastle Self Storage at the property referenced in the packet. City staff confirmed the conservation-district standard-plan approval had been received and that DelDOT had provided a letter allowing continued use of the existing entrance. The approval was characterized as a ministerial action — the project had already passed planning commission and the board of adjustment with conditions — but council members discussed whether the proposal improved the site or worsened impervious coverage.

Council members raised stormwater and neighborhood parking concerns, noting the proposal adds roughly 6,000 square feet of building area and does not reduce impervious surface. Staff and the applicant said the standard-plan evaluation shows no increase in discharge volume and that stormwater will continue to flow to the existing drainage paths; the applicant agreed no new water connections are required. Council also discussed whether special exceptions previously granted had explicit expiration dates and directed staff to ensure future special-exception approvals include time limits where appropriate. The resolution passed by voice vote and was adopted.