NEWS AND UPDATES
Archived, September 2005
State Planning Office Releases A White Paper on Preserving the Value of Agricultural Lands
The Governor's Advisory Council on Planning Coordination received the results of State Planning Office research into preserving the value and equity inherent in Delaware's rural landscape at their September 20 meeting. The research, published as Equity in Agriculture: Preserving the Value of Delaware's Rural Lands, led to the drafting of the Delaware Sprawl Prevention Act, now under consideration by the Delaware General Assembly.
The research was undertaken by the Office of State Planning Coordination, with assistance from the University of Delaware and in collaboration with the Governors Office and several state agencies, notably the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
The white paper, and an accompanying powerpoint presentation (PDF), outline the threats to Delaware agriculture posed by sprawling forms of development and explains how the provisions of the proposed Sprawl Prevention Act will work to enhance the value of the states rural areas by protecting natural resources and the agricultural industry while directing development into areas where it has been planned for by municipal, county and the state governments. The white paper also reviews, and lays to rest, several myths that have arisen during discussion about the Act.
(9/20/05)
New Castle County To Kick-Off Comprehensive Plan Update
The New Castle County Department of Land Use will hold a public meeting on Monday, September 26, at 5:00 p.m., to begin the process of creating a 2007 Update of the County's 2002 Comprehensive Development Plan [PDF]. The meeting, at the Rockwood Visitors Center at Shipley Rd. and Washington St. in Wilmington, will start the process of reviewing growth and planning in the county and planning for the Plan update. The review will include four committees that will focus on Future Land Use, Infrastructure, Community Character and Design, and Development and Building Process Review.
(9/16/05)
Agenda Posted for September 20 Livable Delaware Advisory Council Meeting
A draft agenda [PDF] has been posted for the September 20 meeting of the Governor's Advisory Council on Planning Coordination. The Advisory Council will meet starting at 1:30 p.m. in the conference center of the Delaware Department of Agriculture at 2320 South DuPont Hwy., in Dover. Please note that the meeting time has changed, slightly, from earlier calendar postings.
(9/12/05)
Agendas Posted for September PLUS Meetings
Agendas have been posted for meetings on September 28 and October 5 to review the projects submitted for review in September under the Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS). Both meetings will start at 8:30 a.m. and will be held in Conference Room A, on the Third Floor of the Thomas Collins Building, at 540 S. DuPont Highway, in Dover.
(9/7/05)
Draft Meeting Summary Posted for August 31 DGDC Meeting
A draft Meeting Summary (PDF) of the August 31 meeting of the Delaware Geographic Data Committee (DGDC) has been posted. Please send all comments or corrections to Mike Mahaffie. The quarterly DGDC meetings are open to anyone interested in GIS, spatial data, and the use and sharing of spatially-enhanced data and information.
(9/2/05)
