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DELAWARE GREENWAYS
2020 WINTER NEWSLETTER
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The Delaware Bayshore as viewed from Reedy Point Bridge on the Delawware Bayshore Byway
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DELAWARE BAYSHORE BYWAY MASTER PLAN EXTENSION
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Delaware Greenways, UD Center for Historic & Architectural Design (CHAD), DelDOT, DNREC Fish & Wildlife
and local community stakeholders are nearing completion of the
Delaware Bayshore Byway Extension Corridor Management Plan
. “A CMP is a written plan developed by the communities along a scenic byway that outlines how to protect and enhance the byway’s intrinsic qualities and character that define their byway corridor (Scenic America).” The Extension from Little Creek to Lewes has been in the works for sometime. Upon successful completion, there will be a completed CMP for the entire length of the Delaware Bayshore Byway stretching approximately 100 miles from Historic New Castle, though the Bayshore Region, all the way to the Historic Lewes Byway. With many new amenities and activities popping up along the byway, now is a great time to share the love for the Delaware Bayshore with everyone.
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BRANDYWINE VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
Byways Protection Overlay District Update
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In our
Fall Newsletter
, we reported that after a 5-year process, the preliminary draft of protection and preservation guidelines for the
Scenic Viewshed
Protection Overlay District
was completed. Councilwoman Dee Durham, who is leading the project, has asked that a
new feature, Historic
Preservation
, be added to the overlay.
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Although this new feature has delayed the implementation of the Overlay ordinance, it holds significant importance to these byways, and will be worth the wait! Until then, the momentum continues to see this ordinance passed. We'll update you when we have news.
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(Kings Highway near Gills Neck Road showing what the roadway would look like if the recommended improvements were implemented. (Page 33, Kings Highway Gills Neck
Road Master Plan). Source: Lardner-Klein Landscape Architects
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As growth brings changes to many of the six roads that make up the Historic Lewes Byway, the
Byway Committee
remains vigilant in its vision to preserve the byways intrinsic historical quality and natural resources.
The need to address safety, mobility and accessibility while maintaining the character defining features of Byway travel routes is a goal stated in the Corridor Management Plan.
The Committee and its partners continue to work to ensure context sensitive mitigation techniques are implemented to maintain the character and context of each Byway road. (See photo example above)
The Byway Committee, in cooperation with DelDOT developed a
master plan for Kings Highway and Gills Neck Road Corridors
. The Master Plan was developed with significant public input and was accepted by DelDOT as a policy document in September 2016.
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The Mike Castle Trail along the C & D Canal
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GOVERNOR PRINTZ BOULEVARD UPDATE
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Another part of the process has begun for the Governor Printz Corridor! At the end of January,
Wilmington Area Planning Council
held its first public workshop to gain feedback from the community. Held at Brandywine Fire Co. in Bellefonte, multiple maps were on display highlighting different details of the project area, and the planners,
Whitman, Requardt & Associates,
gave an overview on the corridor. Those who attended were invited to share how they travel Governor Printz Boulevard, driving, walking, bicycling or transit, and what safety improvements and trail connections they feel are important in future plans. There were many who want to see the
Northern Delaware Greenway Trail
extended from
Cauffiel House to Fox Point State Park
, along with the
East Coast Greenway
, providing safer passage for all trail users.
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MILLCREEK NEIGHBORS FOR SAFER PATHWAYS
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A community working group called "Millcreek Neighbors for Safer Pathways"
aims to create a more connected and safe network of trails, pathways, and sidewalks in the Millcreek area of New Castle County
, along the RT 41 and 48 corridors. MNSP represents cyclists, joggers, strollers, walkers, swimmers, skateboarders - citizens of all ages who enjoy the outdoors.
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They’re working with government stakeholders to find “the path of least resistance” by leveraging existing sidewalks, park trails, golf-cart paths, and by creating new pathways through open spaces belonging to the county, state, non-profit and private corporations, and homeowners associations to “free us from our islands”. Working with Delaware Greenways to create a map of multimodal transportation ideas, MNSP identified numerous opportunities to connect the surrounding communities with local pools, churches, schools, and parks. They’ve been successful in working with DelDOT to make plans for a crosswalk across RT 41 at Millcreek Road. In pursuit of their mission to create safer pathways for all, they'll continue to meet with civic associations, state legislators, such as Senator Anthony Delcollo and Rep. Kim Williams, and others neighborhood representatives to gain support.
Passionate about their mission, we’re happy to have MNSP as one of
the Future Trails of Northern Delaware Coalition members.
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Thank you to everyone who donated during Delaware Greenways' year end Annual Appeal campaign
. We are grateful for your support! Knowing you feel a part of our efforts with your contribution, is important to us. Donations can be made year 'round online or by mail. Can't donate, but want to help our efforts in some way? Sign up to
volunteer
with DGI.
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DEPARTURE FROM HISTORIC PENN FARM
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As part of our Strategic Plan,
Delaware Greenways officially stepped away from its involvement with Historic Penn Farm at the end of 2019
. We are happy to have been a part of the farm's recovery, growth and importance to the community. It's a special place, helping young mind's grow in addition to the numerous crops.
Thank you to the Trustees of New Castle Common
for their unyielding support. Wishing our farm partners; Colonial School District, Against the Grain Farm, Hunter Marie Farms and Wheelys Farmstand Cafe continued success in all of their plantings and pursuits!
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Historic Penn Farm, New Castle, DE
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Delaware Greenways is a member supported non-profit organization.
Please lend your support through membership!
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