NEWS AND UPDATES
Archived, December 2005
Delaware Was the Ninth Fastest-Growing State Last Year
Delaware's population grew at the ninth fastest rate among the 50 states between July 1, 2004, and July 1, 2005, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. According to the Census Bureau estimates, Delaware's population grew by 1.6 percent over the period; rising from just over 830,000 persons in 2004 to just over 843,500 in 2005. Nevada, which grew by 3.5 percent, was the fastest-growing state for the 19th consecutive year.
The Census Bureau estimates (EXCEL) are generally in line with the population projections released in the fall of 2005 by the Delaware Population Consortium. The Consortium, which uses Census Bureau data to benchmark its annual population projection series, plans to meet in January to review the new estimates and begin preparations for the 2006 series.
Studies by the Delaware Population Consortium have found that Delaware generally grows by between 12,000 and 13,000 persons each year. The 2004 to 2005 growth estimate by the Census Bureau is slightly higher, at 13,455. The Consortium has found that "natural increase" (births minus deaths) makes up only about a third of Delaware's growth and has been declining as a factor in growth in the First State in recent years. The balance of Delaware's growth is as a result of migration into the state. The Consortium estimates that about 80% of that migration is from within the United States.
(12/22/05)
Schedule of 2006 PLUS Meetings Released
The Office of State Planning Coordination has released the 2006 schedule of application deadlines and meetings for the Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS). Applications for review of land use change proposals under the PLUS process during a particular month are due on the first state government working day of that month. PLUS meetings are scheduled to bring state agency planners and resource managers together with applicants to discuss proposals, look for potential problem areas, and jointly explore solutions. The PLUS process provides input to developers to improve their proposals and to local government leaders to help them make decisions on land use change proposals.
(12/20/05)
Ellendale to Assume Its Own Zoning Authority
The Town of Ellendale will assume control over its own zoning, following a vote by Sussex County Council on December 13, 2005. The County had enforced zoning in the Town -- as it does for some other Sussex Municipalities -- since the late 1960s. Ellendale leaders requested zoning authority from the County following certification of the Town's Comprehensive Plan (PDF) in 2004 and the recent completion of town zoning ordinances. Work on the Comprehensive Plan and ordinances was supported, in part, by funding from Delaware Coastal Programs and the Office of State Planning Coordination. Sussex County will provide technical support to town leaders during a transition period. (Related News Journal story: Sussex gives Ellendale local zoning authority)
(12/14/05)
Agendas Posted for December PLUS Meetings
Agendas have been posted for the December 28 (PDF) and January 4 (PDF) meetings of the state agency planners to review land use change proposals submitted for review under the Primary Land Use Service (PLUS). Both PLUS 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, on Route 13 in Dover. The PLUS meetings, and written PLUS review comments, serve to help both developers and local government leaders make informed choices regarding growth and development in Delaware.
(12/6/05)
Town of Bellefonte Comprehensive Plan Available For Public Comment
The Town of Bellefonte Planning Commission is accepting public comment on the draft Town Comprehensive Plan (PDF) through December 27, 2005. Comments can be emailed to townofbellefonte@hotmail.com, mailed to the Planning Commission at 901A Rosedale Ave, Wilmington, DE 19809, or delivered personally at the Public Hearing to be held on December 14, at 7:00 p.m. in Bellefonte's Town Hall. For more information, contact Terry Thompson at 302-588-4115 or by email at terrynde@aol.com.
(12/2/05)
