Against fracking of the Delaware River basin?
Visit http://savethedelaware.wordpress.com/ for suggestions on how to help fight a proposed plan to implement hydraulic fracking - a method of gas extraction that puts the drinking water of the Philadelphia and NYC regions in jeopardy.
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Jobs for environmental executive types:
In other news, the Delaware Nature Society is looking for a new executive director. Details here: http://www.nature.org/aboutus/careers/index.htm
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New online guide to native plants is launched:
The Mt. Cuba Center has just announced the unveiling of Mt. Cuba Connects, which is an interactive website that teaches residents about native Delaware plants. Find out more here: http://www.mtcubacenter.org/education/distance-learning/
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Excellent news for residents of Wilmington's southwest suburbs
Proposed condo development on the site of the old Pike Creek Golf Course, which surrounds several existing townhouse, condo, and apartment communities between Limestone and Polly Drummond roads, has been largely blocked by New Castle County courts this week. The ruling allows for 28 acres to be developed as the current ownership sees fit (and not operated as a golf course, as some had hoped), but that still leaves 177 acres of designated open space. An appeal to Delaware's Supreme Court is expected, but for now, most of the old golf course will remain open.
Here's hoping the county manages to buy the land - Carousel Park West, perhaps?
Full story from the News Journal here.
Here's hoping the county manages to buy the land - Carousel Park West, perhaps?
Full story from the News Journal here.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Two items for bicyclists, from the Bike Delaware blog:
1) UD police are looking for the public's help in identifying this man, wanted for questioning in the recent disappearance of several bikes from the campus:
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He is suspected of taking at least 6 bikes, and in one video is seen slowly cruising downtown Newark on a bike, apparently looking for suitable wheels to steal. "He is described as 30 to 40 years old, heavy set, with tan skin, dark hair and facial hair." http://bikedel.blogspot.com/2011/06/ud-police-seek-help-in-identifying-bike.html
2) The Delaware general assembly has just passed a bill earmarking 5 million dollars for bicycling. This will mean more bike lanes, and generally making the state a better place to take your Schwinn for a spin.
What I'd like to see, actually, is a crackdown on adolescent boys who purposefully dart into traffic on their bikes or razor scooters. I know kids always did risky things at that age, but I don't remember seeing this particular behavior much until the past couple of years. Now I see it at least once a week: a group of 3 to 5 boys, 11-14 years old, who ride in circles from one side of the street to the other, darting into the street repeatedly; not to get from point A to point B, but to show off their bravado. The last time I saw it happen was at a busy Kirkwood highway intersection, at rush hour. 4 boys were taking turns literally dodging cars to get to the thin median strip, and back. A few times a year we hear that a kid was killed on a bike at a busy intersection, and there's a public outcry about the safety of those intersections. Maybe the cases are unrelated, but I am not surprised it happens when I see kids more and more often doing these daredevil moves. If there is any law enforcement reading this and wondering where this is happening frequently, watch the intersection of Kirkwood Highway and Milltown Rd in the afternoon.
That said, am I complaining about this out of a deep sense of concern for the adolescent boys of Delaware? Not at all. Not to be cold-hearted, but such behavior is how most species rid their gene pools of overly-risky rogue members. But when it puts other people at risk of an accident, and possibly means some poor shmo having to live with a child's death on his conscience when he was just trying to get home from his 9-5, then yes, I wish a cop would drive by and talk to these kids when this is going on. /old person rant.
http://bikedel.blogspot.com/2011/07/delaware-general-assembly-votes.html
He is suspected of taking at least 6 bikes, and in one video is seen slowly cruising downtown Newark on a bike, apparently looking for suitable wheels to steal. "He is described as 30 to 40 years old, heavy set, with tan skin, dark hair and facial hair." http://bikedel.blogspot.com/2011/06/ud-police-seek-help-in-identifying-bike.html
2) The Delaware general assembly has just passed a bill earmarking 5 million dollars for bicycling. This will mean more bike lanes, and generally making the state a better place to take your Schwinn for a spin.
What I'd like to see, actually, is a crackdown on adolescent boys who purposefully dart into traffic on their bikes or razor scooters. I know kids always did risky things at that age, but I don't remember seeing this particular behavior much until the past couple of years. Now I see it at least once a week: a group of 3 to 5 boys, 11-14 years old, who ride in circles from one side of the street to the other, darting into the street repeatedly; not to get from point A to point B, but to show off their bravado. The last time I saw it happen was at a busy Kirkwood highway intersection, at rush hour. 4 boys were taking turns literally dodging cars to get to the thin median strip, and back. A few times a year we hear that a kid was killed on a bike at a busy intersection, and there's a public outcry about the safety of those intersections. Maybe the cases are unrelated, but I am not surprised it happens when I see kids more and more often doing these daredevil moves. If there is any law enforcement reading this and wondering where this is happening frequently, watch the intersection of Kirkwood Highway and Milltown Rd in the afternoon.
That said, am I complaining about this out of a deep sense of concern for the adolescent boys of Delaware? Not at all. Not to be cold-hearted, but such behavior is how most species rid their gene pools of overly-risky rogue members. But when it puts other people at risk of an accident, and possibly means some poor shmo having to live with a child's death on his conscience when he was just trying to get home from his 9-5, then yes, I wish a cop would drive by and talk to these kids when this is going on. /old person rant.
http://bikedel.blogspot.com/2011/07/delaware-general-assembly-votes.html
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Logan House publishes picture of namesake.
According to their social media page, Trolley Square's Logan House is named for the man on the right, who ran for vice president in 1884 (104 years before our current vice president would make his first presidential bid).
No word on why it says the guy was from Illinois. Or whether that gigantic flavor saver helped or hurt his run.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
For the oenophiles: Delaware considers bill to lift ban on wine shipments.
Currently, it is unlawful to have a case of wine shipped to your house in Delaware. If you're a serious wine-lover, you're stuck buying what's available at local wine stores, or what you transport over state lines yourself (and if you're in PA, you can't even legally do that). You cannot go on the internet, find a boutique vineyard in California that you remember from your honeymoon, and order a case of pinot.
Now, for the 2nd year in a row, State Representative Deborah Hudson (R-Fairthorne) has introduced a bill that would make it legal for of-age residents to have up to 12 cases of wine shipped to them per year. The same bill was struck down in committee last year, felled by heavy opposition from liquor retailers and liquor-transport teamsters who say it would cost them income. It's expected to face the same opposition this year.
Delawarefirst.org has the complete story:
http://www.delawarefirst.org/1_government_and_politics/bill-seeks-uncork-wine-delivery-delaware/
Now, for the 2nd year in a row, State Representative Deborah Hudson (R-Fairthorne) has introduced a bill that would make it legal for of-age residents to have up to 12 cases of wine shipped to them per year. The same bill was struck down in committee last year, felled by heavy opposition from liquor retailers and liquor-transport teamsters who say it would cost them income. It's expected to face the same opposition this year.
Delawarefirst.org has the complete story:
http://www.delawarefirst.org/1_government_and_politics/bill-seeks-uncork-wine-delivery-delaware/
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
FYI for those interested in local politics or public education: school board election day is today.
Don't want some complete joke of a budding politician deciding Delaware education policy and possibly getting the idea of running for mayor in a few years? Vote in your school board elections.
The Appoquinimink, Brandywine, Colonial, Red Clay, and Christina School Districts will be holding elections. You have to be at least 18, a DE/US resident, and living within one of these school districts to vote. Voting will take place at several schools within each district (most likely, the school where you always vote will be a polling place). Visit the official page and click on the district you're interested in to get a list of polling places: http://electionsncc.delaware.gov/pubsch.shtml#schoolelec
The Appoquinimink, Brandywine, Colonial, Red Clay, and Christina School Districts will be holding elections. You have to be at least 18, a DE/US resident, and living within one of these school districts to vote. Voting will take place at several schools within each district (most likely, the school where you always vote will be a polling place). Visit the official page and click on the district you're interested in to get a list of polling places: http://electionsncc.delaware.gov/pubsch.shtml#schoolelec
Monday, May 9, 2011
Rainbow Chorale to sing at the Civil Union bill signing ceremony this Wednesday.
Equality Delaware is hosting the ceremony and party at The Queen Theatre. Festivities will take place this Wednesday night, with doors opening at 6:30pm. There will be a cash bar, a 'thank you' toast to Governor Markell and legislators, the signing of the bill itself, a performance by the Rainbow Chorale (Delaware's LGBT and LGBT-friendly chorus), and a dessert reception.
Incidentally, former members of the chorale are encouraged to join in, but they must let the chorale leadership know by late tonight.
Incidentally, former members of the chorale are encouraged to join in, but they must let the chorale leadership know by late tonight.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The age-old question of where to put a national park in Delaware has made some progress.
Delaware is the only state without a national park, and since 2003, senator Tom Carper has been trying to change that. In 2008, the National Park Service ended a study of potential sites with the conclusion that a National Historical Park would be the most appropriate type of national park in Delaware, given our early settlements and our role in the birth of the nation. Finally, in 2011, a bill has been introduced to DE legislature with a select few recommended sites.
The good news is that this issue may finally be making progress, and Delaware could end up with our first National Park within the next few years. It's not going to be the whole-blocks-of-New-Castle or whole-blocks-of-Lewes park that I would have liked to see, but the 'park' will be a series of small, individual sites throughout the state. On first read I thought that only one of the proposed sites would be the park, but I've been informed that, if this goes through, all of the following sites will be part of a system of national historical sites in Delaware, making it similar to the "Freedom Trail" in Boston:
New Castle County-
The Old Sheriff’s House
Fort Christina National Historic Landmark
Old Swedes Church National Historic Landmark
Old New Castle Courthouse
Kent County-
John Dickinson Plantation National Historic Landmark
Dover Green
Sussex County-
Ryves Holt House (Lewes)
It probably makes the most sense for Delaware to arrange it this way, rather than picking one location and making a big production out of it. These are already established as historical sites in Delaware, so not much will need to be changed beyond some signage, and personnel. Another plus is that these sites will probably never be in danger of being shuttered due to lack of ticket sales, since they will now be covered under the broad umbrella of the National Park Service.
The bill hasn't passed yet, but kudos to Senator Carper for keeping this issue alive all these years.
The good news is that this issue may finally be making progress, and Delaware could end up with our first National Park within the next few years. It's not going to be the whole-blocks-of-New-Castle or whole-blocks-of-Lewes park that I would have liked to see, but the 'park' will be a series of small, individual sites throughout the state. On first read I thought that only one of the proposed sites would be the park, but I've been informed that, if this goes through, all of the following sites will be part of a system of national historical sites in Delaware, making it similar to the "Freedom Trail" in Boston:
New Castle County-
The Old Sheriff’s House
Fort Christina National Historic Landmark
Old Swedes Church National Historic Landmark
Old New Castle Courthouse
Kent County-
John Dickinson Plantation National Historic Landmark
Dover Green
Sussex County-
Ryves Holt House (Lewes)
It probably makes the most sense for Delaware to arrange it this way, rather than picking one location and making a big production out of it. These are already established as historical sites in Delaware, so not much will need to be changed beyond some signage, and personnel. Another plus is that these sites will probably never be in danger of being shuttered due to lack of ticket sales, since they will now be covered under the broad umbrella of the National Park Service.
The bill hasn't passed yet, but kudos to Senator Carper for keeping this issue alive all these years.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
National Prescription Drug Take-Back day is April 30th.
Delaware will be taking part in this national campaign by holding a state-wide medicine drop off. A medicine drop off is a recycling effort that encourages consumers to dispose of old medications safely, rather than flush them or toss them in the garbage, where they could eventually make their way into the water system. Tap water has been found to be full of trace amounts of common drugs, and the idea is to curb this trend.
The event will last from 10am-2pm on Saturday, at 29 drop-off locations throughout the state. For info on locations:
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110416/NEWS01/104160356/Delaware-sponsors-medicine-drop-off
The event will last from 10am-2pm on Saturday, at 29 drop-off locations throughout the state. For info on locations:
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110416/NEWS01/104160356/Delaware-sponsors-medicine-drop-off
Saturday, April 16, 2011
State of DE unveils new 150th Civil War anniversary website
The site is being called "A Sesquicentennial Commemmoration of the Great State of Delaware in the Civil War", and will highlight a series of lectures and exhibits from April 30th to June 4th. Also featured on the site are several multi-media, interactive pages on Delaware's role in the Civil War, regiments of DE, etc.
The state obviously put a lot of time into this. To have a look: http://civilwar.delaware.gov/
The state obviously put a lot of time into this. To have a look: http://civilwar.delaware.gov/
Friday, April 15, 2011
This weekend, 4/15 - 4/18:
UPDATE: Any outdoor event on my weekend lists will probably have been rescheduled due to the rain. But there's still plenty to do.
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