Balancing historic preservation with environmental conservation
The state of Delaware struck a deal with developer CCS Investors in November over the former site of Yorklyn’s NVF Plant. The plan calls for a state park on about half of the 87-acre site, with some mixed-use redevelopment planned for the abandoned mill buildings as well as easements to limit residential development on the remaining land. But nothing will be certain until the environmental cleanup of the property is complete – a project that could take years to finish. The state is seeking FEMA grants to fund the industrial site cleanup.
Old Lancaster Pike and Centreville streetscape projects underway
Christmas came early for Hockessin community leaders who spent years pushing for the street and drainage improvement plan dubbed the Old Lancaster Pike Streetscape – DelDOT broke ground on the project in September. It will take 10 months to finish the project, which includes new sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting and landscaping along a half-mile stretch of Old Lancaster Pike. Funded through the economic stimulus package, the streetscape project was expected to create or save 60 jobs, but weeks of road closures have begun to have a serious impact on business at Old Lancaster Pike retailers.
Centreville's long-anticipated streetscape project got underway in December and the construction, which will last through most of 2010, includes sidewalk improvements, upgrades to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, improvements to pedestrian safety, traffic calming features, crosswalk delineation, and landscaping improvements from Centre Meeting Road to Snuff Mill Road. The project was also funded through the economic stimulus package.
Fresh produce makes a comeback in Hockessin
Trinity Community Church bought the former site of Tomm’s Produce and Francine’s Market on Route 41 in July and opened The Well Coffeehouse and Marketplace, now home to Greg’s Produce and Bishop’s Coffee. The church keeps offices in the upstairs of the iconic, green-roofed barn, while Hockessin resident Greg Terinoni runs the produce store and North Star resident Bob Bishop runs the coffeeshop. The church opened The Well as a form of outreach in the community, said Pastor Steve Trader, and the marketplace has helped Trinity expand its membership.
Plans unveiled for history museum in Hockessin
The Hockessin Historical Society unveiled plans in November for a $500,000 history museum behind Tweed’s Tavern. Construction of the 1,732-square-foot museum is set to begin this spring and the building will resemble the Hockessin train station, a landmark on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad before it was torn down in the 1950s. It will be home to rotating exhibits and the first will likely be Depression-era art from Hockessin Historical Society President Joe Lake’s personal collection. Museum-goers will also be able to tour Tweed’s Tavern, which is in its final phase of restoration now that workers are finishing the kitchen.
