DNREC UPDATES | 8.21.26
Below is the email we received from Delaware State Parks director Matthew Ritter in regard to the status updates we requested on a number of DNREC’s projects in and around Yorklyn.
Good afternoon Yorklyn Community, Senator Sturgeon and Representative Griffith,
We received requests for updates on current projects in Yorklyn, so am responding on those and adding other items as well.
Potential cell tower: State Parks has been working with a company that would provide the cell tower and manage the carriers associated with the tower. Multiple carriers on a single tower means better coverage and less demand for other towers in the area. The location selected after looking at all the options was where we originally were considering: up the hill across from the mansion. It is visible but I believe manageable. We have been negotiating with the cell tower company but this project will still need to go through the FCC permitting process. This will include a "Section 106" cultural resources review initiated by the FCC through the State Historic Preservation Office. Additionally, DNREC will provide an opportunity for community information and comment when the plans are more certain, so we are working through what a public comment process will look like, possibly to be held this fall.
Benge Road sewer hookup: The Benge Road sewer project is going well. This project allows for the connection of our Auburn property to the county sewer located at Gun Club Road. The force main work is nearly complete but there is electrical work and lead time for delivery of a generator that will determine thecompletion time frame. Most construction will be done this fall, and the project will hopefully be fully complete in the late winter/early spring 2027.
Traffic Impact Study: Our original expected timeframe studying the impact of added vehicle trips from the three residential developments has unfortunately slipped. The study is being done by RK&K, which has significant experience with traffic studies, but as requested has been adjusting the previous study area, as necessary. The report will now be completed in late October for submission to DelDOT for review and comment. As a reminder, this study is being done to provide information to the community, DelDOT and the developers, but the previously finalized development agreements do not contain any requirement with regards to it. That said, we hope it will be helpful.
Newly acquired parcels along Gun Club Road: State Parks will engage in a public planning process in the fall to evaluate future uses of the 28 acres – previously planned as the Chatham Bay development – that was instead purchased for $6 million through the Open Space program. This will include an initialpublic meeting to gather ideas and thoughts from community members for this addition to Auburn Valley State Park, with no specific plans being proposed. Until then, we are contracting out work to secure the vacant buildings to minimize safety issues until they can be addressed appropriately. This also includes hazardous material studies on the building materials.
Auburn Mansion work: Work continues on the interior and exterior of the mansion. This work addresses leaks and issues with the roof and skylight, porch repairs, painting, etc. A fix to the pond with the fountain is still being discussed and getting closer to a long-term solution.
Quarry Walk: The construction of the first model homes are underway on the Quarry Walk property. For building inspections, DNREC will be utilizing a third-party entity that administers building inspections for municipalities and in New Castle County. This way, we have experts in the building codes and constructionproviding oversight consistent with the County and other localities. Tree/vegetation plantings along Yorklyn Road are anticipated for this fall to take advantage of the ideal time of year for planting trees and shrubs.
We hope these are helpful updates, and will be back to the community with plans for public comment on the cell tower and park addition uses in the coming months.
D. Matthew Ritter
Director