Projects in town of Laurel include infrastructure, commercial and residential

During the most recent Laurel Mayor and Council meeting, held Jan. 20, Town Manager Jamie Smith presented a management report outlining development activity along U.S. Route 13, continued efforts to advance the Ramble Walkway despite railroad access constraints, and ongoing coordination to reduce the cost impact of stormwater permitting requirements on small municipalities. Smith reported that town staff remain engaged with both commercial and residential developers on two properties along U.S. Route 13, with McDonald’s expected to present a preliminary plan within the next month and Wawa waiting on final permits before moving into construction. 

Smith added that the town continues working with a developer on residential property on Central Avenue, while that same developer is evaluating property on Discount Land Road for a mixed-use residential parcel. A separate concept was also referenced for potential development at U.S. Route 13 and Camp Road, tied to a conceptual drawing presented by local builder Bobby Horsey.

A major portion of the update focused on Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding awarded for the Ramble walkway and the steps being taken to keep progress moving. Smith said a project meeting with DelDOT reviewed status, but the planned start at Roger C. Fisher Park has been slowed by the need for a waiver and easement from the railroad to pass under the railroad bridge. Because the easement process is taking longer than expected, TAP representatives have asked the town to shift construction activity to another area of the Ramble so work can begin while negotiations continue. 

Smith noted that federal legislators have helped engage the railroad, and while the railroad has been supportive, that support is tied to meeting requirements for a “safety structure”—a standard the town has since determined is nearly impossible to meet under current limitations. In response, the Ramble committee has discussed an alternative approach: a boardwalk-style pathway under the bridge closer to the water that could better align with safety requirements, and Smith reported the town plans to consult an engineer with marine construction expertise.

Smith recommended moving forward with the segment from the railroad bridge to Janosik Park, where the walkway is in significant need of repair, while continuing to work with the railroad on the easement and bridge-area requirements. Smith explained that TAP funding is not sufficient to complete the level of study, design, and construction required for a compliant safety structure under the bridge, and the town is therefore preparing to apply for Reconnecting Communities Planning and Capital Construction grants to cover both design and construction for what will ultimately be required at the railroad bridge. Smith emphasized that this grant path requires matching funds, substantial groundwork before submission, and a five-year commitment. Smith projected that Phase II construction is most likely about 12 months away, but that Phase I work and design can be completed during Phase II construction, so Phase II is not delayed while the easement is pursued. Smith also reported the contractor has already staked the Phase II layout area and expects to begin construction in early January.

Smith also updated Council on Janosik Park shoreline stabilization, reporting the town has worked closely with the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance to secure grant funding for shoreline stabilization along the riverbanks in the park. With funding secured, the next steps are bidding and permitting, though Smith cautioned that permitting is currently taking more than 12 months and the grant has been extended to accommodate those delays. 

On MS4 stormwater requirements, Smith reported that DNREC contacted the town in early July to indicate the agency is moving forward with a draft MS4 permit and held a Zoom conference to review the program. Smith reminded Council that, anticipating these challenges, Laurel established a cost-sharing coalition agreement in 2016 with the city of Seaford and the Sussex Conservation District to serve as co-permittees and share program costs. As MS4 activity has resumed, the coalition met July 29 and again in September and December; Laurel has adopted the coalition agreement with Seaford and approved an agreement with Soil Conservation to oversee the project. 

Smith said grant funding opportunities are being pursued to help cover MS4 costs and that MS4 expenses are already included in the current budget. Smith also noted that Aqua Law has drafted comments on the latest permit draft and that the Town met with DNREC in August to raise concerns about the potential burden MS4 requirements could place on small municipalities like Laurel and Seaford; while there are no new updates at this time, Smith said the issue will remain a standing report item.

Smith concluded with community and planning updates, stating the “One Laurel Steering Committee” continues as a twice-monthly morning coffee meeting and that work continues with the Boys & Girls Club on a Teen Initiative. Smith confirmed Laurel Heritage Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the Laurel Historical Society opening Hitchens Homestead for youth games and offering the property for vendors if needed; the town plans to limit vendors this year to support vendor success and better align participation with the Heritage Day theme. 

Smith also reported progress on the Downtown Development District renewal, due by August noting work underway with Rossi Co. through required workshops, meetings, and interviews with developers, property owners, and town staff; a focus group meeting was held April 24, information was shared with Mayor and Council at the July meeting, and upcoming steps include Planning & Zoning review in September and a draft for Mayor and Council in October, with final approval pending at the State Planning Office.