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Arden backs ORPT grant application to repair Milky Way Path; funding source and design raise questions
Summary
The Town Assembly approved a resolution supporting the Civic Committee’s DNREC ORPT grant application to repair the Milky Way Path and fund stormwater mitigation; the motion was amended to authorize use of 'approved funding sources' and concerns were raised about using the Vacant Housing Fund and an on-path property marker.
The Town Assembly approved a resolution supporting the Civic Committee’s application to the Delaware DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Trails (ORPT) grant program to repair the Milky Way Path and address stormwater mitigation. The resolution assigned the Civic Committee to manage the project, authorized the committee to identify approved funding sources as the local match, and committed the Village to maintain the path and vegetated filter strips.
The Civic Committee described a proposed project costing an estimated $34,000: a $17,000 ORPT grant request matched by a $17,000 local contribution (Community Planning provisionally voted to allocate up to $18,000 from the Vacant Housing Fund as the match and asked officers to approve the release of funds). The project scope presented included removal of existing asphalt, site engineering for ADA-compliant grade, installation of geotextile and modular grid (Easy Pave Grid) filled with washed gravel, and planting selected native vegetation. Construction was targeted for Spring 2027 if DNREC invites a full application after preliminary screening.
Residents raised concerns about using the Vacant Housing Fund for the match and questioned whether the Civic Committee had sufficiently explored funding alternatives. One resident also noted a property marker located in the middle of the existing path and asked whether leaseholders would be compensated if markers had to be relocated; Civic said the issue might fall under property assessment and that committees would review the matter before construction.
The motion to support the ORPT application was amended (removing an explicit reference to the Vacant Housing Fund and replacing it with authority to use "approved funding sources") and carried by majority vote. The resolution directs the Civic Committee to pursue the full DNREC application, assign a project manager, identify local match funds, and ensure a maintenance commitment if funded.
Next procedural steps: if DNREC extends an invitation to apply, the Civic Committee will prepare a full application by the September 15, 2026 deadline and would seek final confirmation of Villal funding sources from Town Officers before submitting the application.
Vote and funding note: Community Planning previously voted to authorize up to $18,000 in matching funds from the Vacant Housing Fund pending Town Officer approval; the assembly approved the ORPT application resolution with amended funding language allowing for approved funding sources.
