NCCo prepping for federal stimulus plans
One of Barack Obama’s first priorities as president is expected to be an $825 billion stimulus package that helps states and local governments get to work on important capital projects.
In preparation of that funding becoming available, New Castle County is working to put together its list of “shovel-ready” projects for submission to the federal government as soon as the stimulus passes in Congress.
Tracy Surles, general manager of the county’s Special Services Department, said retrofitting several county buildings with solar technology would be a priority, as would fast-tracking several sewer and septic-elimination projects.
Adding solar to the county’s government center, the Louis L. Redding City/County Building, the Sweeney Public Safety building and others would greatly help the county reduce its annual energy costs, Surles said, while the sewer work would speed-up compliance with EPA standards.
Surles said most of the projects are ready to go out to bid, while a few others could be quickly engineered and ready to go by June.
NCCo urges multi-jurisdictional task force to address crime
New Castle County Council President Paul Clark sent a Jan. 20 letter to Gov. Jack Markell urging him to convene a Joint Emergency Task Force to address gun violence and the drug trade in Wilmington and surrounding communities.
The letter comes as a result of a motion passed by council on Jan. 13 at the request of Councilman Jea Street (D-Wilmington South), whose district includes the troubled Rt. 9 and Rt. 13 corridor, has been ravaged by violent crimes last year.
The letter also mentions a Jan. 8 shooting at William Penn High School after a basketball game against Christiana.
“There needs to be an immediate and unified strategy to confront the increase in crime in both the corporated [sic] and unincorporated areas of New Castle County,” Clark wrote. “I am writing on behalf of Council urging you and your administration to convene a…Task Force under your leadership for the purpose of attacking the problem of gun violence, school safety and open air drug dealing.”
Eminent Domain bill makes a comeback
Legislation vetoed by former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner that would curb eminent domain that benefits private developers is headed back to the Senate, and this time sponsor Sen. Robert Venables (D-Laurel) thinks the bill will become law.
“I think I’ve got the votes,” said Venables. “And the new governor [Jack Markell] told me personally, and I think has said it other places, that he will sign the bill.”
Senate Bill 7, which is scheduled to get a hearing next week, would require that before government can use its power of eminent domain to take private residential or business properties, with the intent of turning it over to private developers for economic development purposes, it would have to show the property was blighted or a hazard to public safety and health. If the move were challenged by property owners, the burden of proving the conditions would fall on the government.
Government would still keep its traditional broad power to seize property for uses such as schools or highway construction, and Venables said the bill allows eminent domain to be used for obtaining easements for utilities, including sewer and water lines.
Minner vetoed the same bill last year – a veto that was narrowly upheld in the Senate.
The bill has been opposed by local governments – especially the city of Wilmington – which claim the law would hamper their ability to amass land for projects that could create significant jobs.
Lawmaker seeks to ban hand-held cell phones for drivers
Rep. Joe Miro (R-Foxfire) is renewing his fight to prohibit the use of handheld mobile phones while driving.
House Bill 40 would fine motorists who talk on hand-held cell phones when they’re behind the wheel. The bill would also fine drivers who engage in e-mailing or text messaging.
The proposal is an amalgam of two House bills introduced during the last General Assembly session. One was defeated by a two-to-one margin, and the other died in committee.
“I brought this back because it is very close to my heart and I really think we need to address the issue,” Rep. Miro said. “When you’re driving and texting or using a hand-held cell phone, you’re putting yourself at-risk, as well as the people driving next to you.”
According to data provided by the Delaware State Police, cell phones were a factor in 252 traffic accidents last year. In 2007, cell phones were cited as contributing to 214 accidents. Authorities in the First State have only recently begun tracking the relationship. According to Rep. Miro, the number of Delaware traffic mishaps involving cell phones has trended upward annually since 2005.
House Bill 40 would create a “primary offense,” allowing police to stop and ticket motorists solely for that infraction. Those breaking the law would face a civil penalty of $50, although no points would be assessed on their driving records.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, at least five states prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Additionally, Alaska, Connecticut, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington have banned text-messaging while operating a vehicle.
House Bill 40 is pending action in the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.
