A Land Use Committee discussion of ordinance 25-1-01 focused on noise and light standards, setback options, removal of formal agency coordination and the decision not to include retroactivity; dozens of residents urged applying the ordinance to projects already in the pipeline and raised concerns about water, generator emissions and electric-grid impacts.

Land Use General Manager Dave Culver told New Castle County Council that the department is operating under a $42 million structural deficit, has deferred several positions and will use technology and the county’s SPUR planning initiative to keep permitting and redevelopment moving while protecting core services.

Council members discuss administrative burdens and transparency in land use approval process.

Council approves revised impact fee ordinance to address inflation and exempt affordable housing.

Council discusses 108-lot plan for Canal Overlook with focus on traffic and landscaping.