The Seaford City Council received a presentation for funding the Martin Farms Sewer and Water Relocation Phase II and the Nylon Well Improvement projects last Tuesday. Director of Public Works Berley Mears presented the financing and funding information in the first public hearing. Mears will return Dec. 9 for the second hearing and council vote.
The Martin Farms project will replace the Dulaney and Nylon wells that are no longer operational. The city has been using three of five wells since 2021 and Mears pointed out that at times it has been worrisome because of deficiencies during peak demand periods. The project includes two production wells in confined aquifer, meaning there are layers of material above and below trapping the water but also under pressure so when a well penetrates it, the water will rise to the top. The submersible well pump configuration, raw water main piping, treatment station building, and emergency power generator are part of the project.
The Nylon Boulevard building will fit in to the landscape of the surrounding area. The Nylon well improvements project loan is $2,700,000 with the entire amount under principal forgiveness. Additionally, Mears noted the wells are in the ground and quiet while there is some treatment equipment inside the building the wells are usually run during the day,
The other major improvement is the Martin Farms sewer and water relocation phase 2 project. The project includes the relocation of the water main and sewer on West Locust, Read, and McKean Streets. The project total costs for Martin Farms sewer relocation phase 2 is receiving a 20 year $2,090,000 loan with zero percent interest during construction. The second loan is for the Martin Farms Water relocation phase 2 in the amount of $1,250,00 with $388,902 with principal forgiveness. The project will be in the FY 2027 budget, and the state is granting the loans for 2027 budget.
Director Mears answered Councilman Alan Quillen’s question on necessity of the project saying, “If we have a major water main break or anything like that, it will be very tough to get equipment back there.”
The homes in the area were built in the 1950’s and 1960’s without the consideration of growth and access to the sewer and water. The project provides the homes with new sewer and water lines.
City Manager Charles Anderson provided the council with an agreement for the repaving of parking lot at Hoopers Landing golf course. The monies will be provided through the Community Transportation Funding that was through the help of State Representative Danny Short. The money will repave and add parking to the area located near the old tennis courts. Additionally, parking is needed during swim meets and for the golf course. The funding includes the requirement of making the lots a dedicated to public use of which the council voted in support of the project and funding.
The Seaford Christmas Parade will take place this Saturday night. Lineup is at 6 p.m. and the parade begins at 7 p.m.