DNREC Bond Bill Response | 6.19.25
Below is the response that we received from Secretary Greg Patterson regarding our continued efforts to amend the annual Bond Bill language that governs the Auburn Valley Master Plan.
Yorklyn neighbors, Rep. Griffith, Sen. Sturgeon and adding Rep. Smith and Councilwoman Kilpatrick –
After discussion with Rep. Griffith and Sen. Sturgeon, below is language I am submitting to the Bond Bill committee for them to consider adding to the current Auburn Valley epilogue. This language would respond to requests to limit expansion of the AVMP provision beyond the properties we have discussed, and to create a process for ending the land use exemption. Below the proposed language (new text is underlined) is a list of the specified parcel numbers and which property they are associated with.
As we discussed Monday, while I understand your position, I do not support adding language that would halt progress on parcels where there is already a development agreement signed by DNREC, or prevent redevelopment agreements on the parcels that have been under consideration. However, I certainly intend to continue conversations with you as we move forward, and will reiterate the commitment we have made in email and in the town hall that any proposed redevelopment agreements will be publicly shared and aired with the community before they are signed.
Also, I have shared your questions about the Cockeysville provisions with our Water Division and we will be back to you to discuss.
Thanks, and look forward to continued conversations,
Greg
Epilogue text
Auburn Valley Project. The implementation of the transportation, stormwater management, demolition, remediation, redevelopment and parks and recreation element of the Auburn Valley Master Plan shall not be subject to the zoning, subdivision, land use or building code ordinances or regulations of New Castle County. The Auburn Valley Master Plan shall be limited to: any parcels owned by the State of Delaware as part of Auburn Valley State Park; and the following privately owned parcels as identified in the New Castle County property records if there is an approved redevelopment agreement with DNREC: 08-004.00-267; 08-004.00-273; 08-004.00-274; 08-004.00-275; 08-001.00-025; 08-001.00-027; 08-001.00-023; 08-004.00-272; 08-004.00-270; 08-004.00-309 through 08-004.00-351; 08-004.00-291 through 08-004.00-307; 08-008.10-068 through 08-008.10-136; and 08-001.00-026. DNREC shall develop a transition plan and timeline for land use decisions of Auburn Valley Master Plan properties to return to New Castle County, and deliver a report to the members of the Joint Committee on Capital Improvement by April 1, 2026.
Property/parcel listing
200 Gun Club: 08-004.00-267
29B: 08-004.00-273
Mill One: 08-004.00-274, 08-004.00-275, 08-001.00-025, 08-001.00-027
Building 15-18/parking lot: 08-001.00-023, 08-004.00-272, 08-004.00-270
Mill 6 Parcels: 08-004.00-309 through 08-004.00-351
Mills Edge Parcels: 08-004.00-291 through 08-004.00-307
Quarry Walk Parcels: 08-008.10-068 through 08-008.10-136
Three subdivided lots: 08-001.00-026