Laurel approves final phase of Transite waterline replacement

The Laurel Mayor and Council closed out the year at their Dec. 15 meeting by approving the final phase of the town’s long-running Transite waterline replacement project while also reflecting on community achievements and future initiatives.

Council unanimously approved the low bid for Phase 4 of the Transite waterline replacement, which will complete the removal of aging Transite pipe along West Eighth Street, from West Street to the town’s water tower. Town Manager Jamie Smith reported that four bids were received, with the lowest totaling $808,628. After review by the town’s engineering firm, GMB, the contract was recommended for award to R.A. Pearson, a recommendation council accepted without opposition

The project will be funded through the State Revolving Fund, with nearly $1.3 million in principal forgiveness, meaning the town will only be responsible for interest costs during construction. Officials noted that this final phase completes a major infrastructure effort to modernize Laurel’s water system and improve reliability for residents.

Public Works staff confirmed the project scope during departmental updates, noting that the line is already encased beneath the railroad tracks and will be tied in on either side, allowing construction to proceed efficiently. Council members asked clarifying questions about the project area before voting unanimously to move forward.

Beyond infrastructure, the meeting also served as a moment of reflection on the year’s accomplishments. During closing remarks, the mayor and council praised town staff, public works crews, police officers, and volunteers for their efforts throughout the year, particularly highlighting the success of the Christmas parade, holiday decorations, and seasonal community events.

Special recognition was given to the Laurel Public Library for its holiday coat and toy drives, which helped provide essential items to families in need. Council members also acknowledged the library’s continued role in community outreach and education.

The mayor highlighted recent town hall meetings held at apartment complexes, part of an ongoing effort to improve communication and engagement with residents. Officials also discussed new state assistance programs, including energy relief and workforce housing initiatives, that are expected to benefit low- and moderate-income households in the coming year.

Council members expressed appreciation for continued public participation and encouraged residents to remain engaged as Laurel moves into the new year. The meeting concluded with holiday well-wishes and a unanimous vote to adjourn, marking both the completion of a key infrastructure milestone and a year defined by community collaboration and progress.

Housing group seeks to help Laurel gain ‘workforce housing’

A representative of Workforce Housing Private Enterprise briefed the Laurel Mayor and Council on Dec. 15 about potential partnerships to expand workforce housing in the town.

Toro Luby, speaking on behalf of the company, said workforce housing is intended for residents earning between 80 and 125 percent of the area’s median income.

“These are people who are working full time, often in essential jobs, but who don’t qualify for subsidized housing and still struggle to find attainable options,” Luby said.

Luby said workforce housing differs from low-income or subsidized housing programs because it relies on market-based solutions rather than government subsidies. He said his company focuses on rehabilitating existing single-family homes, particularly vacant or underused properties, rather than building large developments.

“Our goal is to bring existing homes back into productive use,” Luby said. “We’re not proposing high-density projects or new subdivisions.”

The presentation comes as Delaware expands statewide efforts to address housing affordability for middle-income workers. The state allocated $5 million in its most recent Bond Bill to launch a Workforce Housing Program created by legislation passed in 2024. The state concludes that the program is intended to increase affordable housing options across all three counties and is expected to become operational by the end of the year.

Housing affordability challenges have grown statewide as rental costs continue to rise. According to “NeighborGood Partners,” the average rent in Delaware increased from $950 in 2018 to $1,482 last year, a trend that accelerated following the COVID-19 pandemic.

State and local officials have said the lack of attainable housing affects a wide range of workers, including teachers, health care employees, and service-industry workers.

Delaware State Housing Authority official Matt Heckles has said placing housing closer to jobs and amenities can help reduce traffic congestion and support local schools and services. Sponsors of the workforce housing legislation have hope the program would mirror the success of the state’s Downtown Development District initiative, which leveraged $40 million to $50 million in state funding to attract more than $500 million in private investment.

At the local level, Luby introduced a workforce housing guide developed for Sussex County that compiles information on rental assistance, homebuyer programs and financial resources offered by state, county, nonprofit and private entities. The guide is available online at no cost and by mail upon request.

Luby asked town officials to assist with outreach efforts by sharing information with property owners and residents, saying communication from the town would help establish credibility when contacting owners of vacant or distressed properties.

“When information comes from the town, people are more likely to pay attention,” Luby said. “That’s something we haven’t been able to achieve on our own.”

Luby also outlined alternative ownership models, including arrangements that separate land ownership from ownership of the home, which he said could help reduce costs for buyers. He added that rehabilitating vacant properties could strengthen neighborhoods and expand the town’s tax base.

Following the presentation, council members asked questions about zoning, tax responsibility and how the proposal would align with existing housing programs in Sussex County.

A member of the council said the discussion was informational and emphasized the importance of understanding how any potential partnership would affect the town.

“This was a good opportunity to learn more about what workforce housing could look like in Laurel,” he said. “We’re still in the early stages, and there are a lot of questions that would need to be answered before moving forward.”

Luby said the company is prepared to work with town officials and property owners on a case-by-case basis.

The council took no formal action on Monday evening.