Councilman Bob Weiner

Stoltz Management under fire for tree-trimming mistake - Community News

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By Adam Zewe
Community News www.communitypub.com
Posted Jan 26, 2010 @ 09:42 AM
Last update Jan 26, 2010 @ 12:17 PM
Greenville, Del. —

The issue:

Stoltz Management damaged five trees in the DelDOT Right of Way in mid-December by “topping” them, a process in which large branches or trunks are removed from the top of a tree’s canopy, according to a letter from DelDOT obtained by the Community News.

The trees, in front of Greenville Center, cost $2,500 and were installed by the Kennett Pike Association as a beautification project, said John R. Danzeisen, KPA president. The KPA was paying for the trees’ maintenance, he said.

All five trees have

Process puts us on path to 'Stoltzville' - Community News - Letter to the Editor from Gina Pike

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Community News
Posted Jan 25, 2010 @ 08:33 AM
Wilmington, Del. —

I attended the New Castle County Planning Board Hearing on Tuesday night, 1/5/10, regarding the Stoltz organization’s proposed development project at Greenville Center. I was extremely hopeful that the Stoltz people would consider and recognize the many concerns that our community has been voicing for months regarding their plan for Greenville Center. I was, in fact, energized by the numerous thoughtful, rational and articulate presentations that were made by citizens and agencies in opposition of the Stoltz project. It is clear that the residents of Greenville are not against development; however, they are against development that is neither reasonable nor responsible – they are against

New Castle County to try once more to launch Resident Curatorship program; Councilman Weiner suggested Resident Curatorship concept in 2002 - Delaforum

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

“Curator program will be tried again”

www.Delaforum.com Jan 20, 2010

County government will again attempt to resuscitate its resident curator program, but the Department of Special Services was warned that, if it swings and misses for a third strike, it will be called out.

Mike Svaby, the department's acting general manager, told a County Council committee on Jan. 19 that it will use "more aggressive marketing" to interest folks in agreeing to restore vacant county-owned houses -- mostly those with historic pedigrees -- and live in them rent- and tax-free. Robert Merrill, of the department, identified five that will be included in the initial offering: Ivyside in Bechtel Park off Naamans Road; the farmh

Opponents line up against Stoltz development plans; Councilman Weiner recommends litigation. - Community News

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Opponents line up against Stoltz development plans
Murmurs of litigation abound

By Jesse Chadderdon, Community News
Posted Jan 07, 2010 @ 03:07 PM www.communitypub.com
Greenville, Del. —

The pitched battle between a Bala Cynwyd, Pa., developer and residents of Greenville and Brandywine Hundred raged on in its latest installment.

Two weeks ago Stoltz Real Estate Partners formally filed a massive 2.8-million-square-foot town center-style redevelopment plan at Barley Mill Plaza, which has sparked talk among opponents of legal action.

Then Tuesday, a plan to add a 12-story residential tower at Kennett Pike's Greenville Center was pitched to the New Castle County Planning Board, and more than 1

Columbia Place at Garden of Eden Road/Pilot School site development's foes find an opening/ Planning board erred in vote that OK'd project - News Journal

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Delaware towns: Talleyville development's foes find an opening
Planning board erred in vote that OK'd project
BY ANGIE BASIOUNY • THE NEWS JOURNAL • JANUARY 1, 2010

Residents determined not to see a high-density development built near their Talleyville neighborhoods aren't going down without a fight.

Poring over land-use laws like a team of eagle-eye attorneys, the residents discovered the New Castle County Planning Board did not follow its own bylaws when members voted in November to recommend the project go forward.

The bylaws call for a majority vote of five of the nine members. But the board voted 4-3 to affirm the 15-acre property belonging to the Pilot School could be rezoned to accommodate the 149 dwell

Stoltz Barley Mill Plaza plan filing riles residents; Despite objections, developer forges ahead & project is unchanged - News Journal

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Delaware business: Barley Mill Plaza riles residents
Despite objections, developer forges ahead and project is unchanged

By ANGIE BASIOUNY • The News Journal • December 30, 2009

A Pennsylvania-based developer is moving ahead with plans to rebuild the former DuPont Co. Barley Mill Plaza complex despite residents' objections that the project is too large and out of scale with the area. Members of Citizens for Responsible Growth in New Castle County, a coalition of residents and civic groups, said they felt misled by Stoltz Real Estate Partners after working with the company for about a year to reach a compromise. The plan calls for razing the offices, 1 million square feet of space, currently on the site at Del. 141 a

Barley Mill development plan filed - Delaforum

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

“Barley Mill development plan filed”
Article posted December 29, 2009 in Delaforum [www.Delaforum.com]
MEMOS AT RANDOM

County Councilman Robert Weiner accused Stoltz Reality of reneging on a commitment to work with community interests and "scale down" the scope of its plan to replace the former Du Pont Co. Barley Mill Plaza office complex with a mixed commercial and residential development. Weiner said that the Bala Cynwyd, Pa.-based firm submitted an unrevised major subdivision plan on Dec. 18, the day before its previously approved exploratory plan was to have expired. The county Department of Land Use did not announce the filing but, according to a posting on its website, the plan calls for removal of just over 1 million square feet of office sp

Stoltz files Barley Mill Plaza Major Plan for 2.8 million square feet of mixed use development

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Councilman Bob Weiner

Taking advantage of a vaguely drafted County redevelopment ordinance, the Stoltz organization, on December 18, 2009, filed a plan for 2.8 million-square-foot development at Barley Mill Plaza featuring an auto-dominated retail, residential and office buildings. The filing on December 18, 2009 was one day before the legal deadl

Stoltz highrise tower @ Greenville Center scheduled for Tuesday January 5, 2010 Planning Board Hearing [Major Land Development Plan Review of Greenville Center]

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The New Castle County Land Use Department and TAC Planning Board joint scheduled public hearing review of the Major Land Development Plan for Greenville Center is scheduled for Tuesday January 5, 2010 at 7 PM. This plan, Application 2008 -0272-S, is for the east side of Kennett Pike (Route 52) north side of Buck Road. The Stoltz organization is seeking approval to add a 78,189 square feet

Neighbors air concerns over Devon/Devonshire community park - Community News

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Jesse Chadderdon
Community News
Posted Dec 21, 2009 @ 09:20 AM www.communitypub.com

Brandywine Hundred, Del. —

At first glance, the park that bisects the Brandywine Hundred communities of Devon and Devonshire is little more than a small stand of trees split by a meandering creek and walking path.

For neighbors however, it's become something of a headache. Flooding, signage, littering and loitering were just some of the topics residents discussed with county officials at a meeting at the park Monday afternoon.

It wasn't an angry bunch, just a group of newly engaged citizens grateful for a chance to get face time with park workers and police officers who pledged to help them make the park into

Brandywine Hundred homeowners will be required to disconnect illegal sewer links; inspectors, provided by outside contractor, would inspect every house

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners will be required to disconnect illegal sewer links
www.delaforum.com

All 24,000 houses in Brandywine Hundred would be inspected and homeowners would be required to eliminate illegal connections to the sanitary sewer network under a tentative plan presented to a County Council committee.

The plan calls for county government to share the cost of the disconnects, which in most cases could range up to $4,000, with homeowners. Those who fail to make them or refuse to admit inspectors to monitor what is done would be fined. Continued existence of offending connections could ultimately block sale of such properties.

Illegal connections include sump pumps, punctured floor drains, so-called French drains and roof drains.<

Backyard chicken ordinance fails. Councilman Weiner proposes compromise to protect civic association deed restricted communities - News Journal

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Delaware law: Backyard chicken fight not a scratch
Hockessin woman vows to fight on despite County Council vote
BY ANGIE BASIOUNY • THE NEWS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 26, 2009

Kathleen Hildebrand, the Hockessin woman who tried to get New Castle County to change its laws to allow small flocks of backyard chickens, is ready to ruffle more feathers.

County Council ended months of back and forth on the issue with a 10-3 vote Tuesday against an ordinance that would have permitted up to six chickens on a half-acre to one acre of residential land. The law currently outlaws farm animals on less than an acre.

Hildebrand, who keeps four hens in a tidy coop in the corner of her backyard, said she's not giving up.

She admonished council for failing to be pro

Lou Hinkle: Behind every councilman, there's a good aide - Community News

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Community News, Jessie Chadderdon

They do most of their work behind the scenes, but they're vital to making New Castle County's legislative branch tick. Council members are part-time officials, so no matter how hard they may try, it's impossible for them to personally handle the thousands of constituent inquiries their offices receive every year. That's where legislative aides, like Lou Hinkle, come in. For 11 years, he's loyally manned Councilman Robert Weiner's offices, taking phone calls, answering e-mails, even attending meetings in his stead. This week, Hinkle reflects on his job in public service with the Community News.

Q What is your favorite part about being a legislative aide?
A Helping people. I really enjoy being able to help people w

Cumbersome Foulk and Wilson Road intersection to get facelift - Community News

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Jesse Chadderdon
Community News

Brandywine Hundred, Del. —

Anyone who's ever darted through oncoming traffic to grab a cup of coffee at the Wawa or fill up at the Exxon there knows first hand just how tricky the intersection at Foulk and Wilson roads can be.

With two major Brandywine Hundred arteries criss-crossing at a sharp diagonal, popular business straddling the intersection and heavy residential traffic as well, it's a busy – and sometimes dangerous – place.

The Delaware Department of Transportation took notice of some of the problems there back in 2003, adding the intersection to its list of Highway Safety Improvement Projects. Six years later, it's finally in the queue for a makeover.

"There are a lot of c

Councilman Weiner has been pushing for a County resident curatorship program since 2002; Revamped Curatorship Program to be introduced soon - Community News

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Jesse Chadderdon
Community News

Brandywine Hundred, Del. —

On Nov. 11, 2004, two long-vacant Brandywine Hundred farmhouses were abuzz with activity as the curious explored them with an eye toward calling them home.

The county was soliciting potential curators, those interested in living in one of the historic locales in exchange for restoring them.

At the end of the day, however, the doors and windows were once again shuttered. They've stayed that way ever since.

Despite more than 100 applications back in 2004, New Castle County's Resident Curatorship Program never got off the ground.

"We had it ready to go, but after a final review it had some deficiencies," said Councilman Robert Weiner (R-Chatham), who lobbied hard

Report from Councilman Bob Weiner: Pilot School site status report and path forward

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dear civic leaders and residents,

The New Castle County Board of Adjustment granted the requested 6 ½ foot height variance to the Reybold Group at last night’s Board of Adjustment Hearing. The Board approved variance # 2009-0523 by a vote of 4-0.

As per my standard practice, I have posted extensive documentation regarding the Pilot School application at http://www.bobweiner.com/dev_PilotSchool_GardenOfEdenRd.asp . You will also find more detailed explanation of the applicable procedural and substantive law.

The New Castle County Planning Board/Land Use Department Business Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday November 17 at 9 AM at the County Government Center in the main conference room on the 1st floor. 8

Councilman Weiner spearheads formation of new graffiti brigades in Centreville, Hockessin & Southern NCC. - Community News

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New graffiti brigade forms in southern NCCo
Community News

Posted Nov 05, 2009 @ 12:13 PM
Middletown, Del. —

The number of volunteers committed to cleaning up graffiti seems to be proliferating as quickly as the vandalism itself.

A new anti-graffiti brigade has been established in the southern portion of the New Castle County, just a month after a brigade was started in Hockessin and Greenville.

Mike Ansul will lead the new team, which will focus on areas south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. The Delaware Department of Transportation will arm Ansul and others with paint, surface cleaners and brushes, so that they can take up their own battle in the graffiti war started in 2007, when Councilman Robert Weiner (R-Chatham) and several volunte

NCC GOP out to rebuild: Weiner supports County GOP's collaborative approach to work for new solutions - News Journal

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dem. County Party Schramm questioned where the two Republican council members -- Robert Weiner and Bill Tansey -- fall in GOP County Party Chairman Fleming's call for increased transparency.

Weiner, who maintains his own Web site filled with news about his district, said Monday he would be open to the idea of streaming council meetings live on the Web. But it has not been brought up by anyone in council for discussion or a vote, he said.

Weiner praised the re-emergence of the county Republicans, saying he's glad to see them take a collaborative approach.

"I'm pleased to see the New Castle County Republican Committee has morphed into an organ that is more reflective of my personal philosophy, which is to come together in a

Bank of America to open its first Delaware retail branches in Brandywine Hundred & Greenville; Councilman Weiner works with community leaders to integrate new branches - News Journal

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bank of America to expand retail presence
BY ERIC RUTH • THE NEWS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 1, 2009
Bank of America is certainly a big part of Delaware. It just hasn't been a very visible one.
That's slowly beginning to change.
After years of being known locally mostly for its downtown Wilmington credit card headquarters, the North Carolina-based giant has begun the anticipated expansion of its retail centers in the state, which currently has just two of the 6,000-odd Bank of America branches nationwide.
The first is set to open in spring 2010 on the southeast corner of Concord Pike (U.S. 202) and Naamans Road in Brandywine Hundred, next to the Tally Ho Shopping Center, the bank said Friday. New Castle County Councilman Robert We

Talleyville community fights development plans; Councilman Weiner supports community - News Journal

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Talleyville community fights development plans
Tavistock concerned about proposed high-density neighborhood behind U.S. 202
BY ANGIE BASIOUNY • THE NEWS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 29, 2009
Meg Campbell has the perfect neighbors.
The backyard of her home in the Talleyville community of Tavistock borders the Pilot School's athletic field. She occasionally sees students running laps on the other side of her post-and-rail fence, but all is quiet on nights and weekends.
That could change with a developer's proposal to buy the site from the school and convert it into a high-density, age-restricted neighborhood with a mix of 150 single-family homes, condominiums and two-story carriage homes.
Her soon-to-be-spoiled view isn't the