Clean Up and Then What?
The rain didn’t stop 18 people, mostly Knollwood residents, from coming together tonight over a home-cooked meal.
A huge thank you to JB’s Pop Up Kitchen for feeding everyone, and to the teen volunteers who led the younger kids through crafts and activities while the adults talked. They helped make it possible for parents and caregivers to fully participate in the conversation.
What stood out most was how deeply Knollwood residents care for one another. Around the table were centuries of combined experience living in the neighborhood, along with a shared hope that Knollwood will be a healthy, safe place for the next generation.
Sewers: A Problem Decades in the Making
Residents described aging sewer infrastructure and “conjoined laterals” that can contribute to sewage backing up into basements.
Councilman John Cartier said he has spoken with County sewer staff about a more comprehensive rehabilitation of Knollwood’s sewer system. One concern is that residents could be expected to shoulder much of the cost.
Another possible avenue is Community Development Block Grant funding, federal HUD funding administered locally.
The next step is getting the County to develop a project cost estimate. CC4EJ will follow up with the County and bring information about the estimate and possible grant funding back to residents at the next Knollwood Dinner on September 24.
Construction Next Door
Residents also raised serious concerns about redevelopment of the former Claymont Steel property.
1. Little opportunity for public input
Despite the size of the approximately 106,000-square-foot development, the project is being reviewed through the County’s redevelopment process without the Planning Board hearing that would normally accompany a Major Land Development Plan.
New Castle County created special redevelopment rules to encourage investment in brownfields and other previously developed properties. But residents questioned whether speeding redevelopment should mean losing opportunities for people living next door to participate before decisions are made.
2. Dust and possible exposure
Residents report significantly more dust since construction began. Because this is a former steel mill and brownfield property, residents want to know what measures are required to prevent exposure to potentially contaminated soil and dust.
3. Loss of trees and wildlife habitat
Hundreds of trees have been removed from the site. Residents are concerned about the loss of wildlife habitat, including possible bald eagle activity in the area, and about displaced animals increasingly entering the neighborhood.
One resident described repeated problems with raccoons breaking through window screens and getting into her home.
Honeywell Update
Residents also received an update on the effort to get radiological testing at the former Allied Chemical/Honeywell site.
Federal records show uranium-related work occurred there, but we have found no record of a modern radiological survey of the property.
CC4EJ has collected 214 petition signatures calling for testing and met with EPA and DNREC this summer.
The ask is simple: test the site so the community knows what is there.
What Happens Next?
Councilman Cartier agreed to work on legislation addressing how brownfield redevelopment can be more transparent and connected to surrounding communities.
When that proposal comes before County Council or a committee, strong resident turnout will matter.
CC4EJ will contact DNREC to better understand the environmental and public-health protections required during brownfield redevelopment, including controls on dust, contaminated soil, and impacts to wildlife.
Representative Larry Lambert, who attended the meeting, offered to look into additional signs around Knollwood warning drivers about deer and other wildlife.
Councilman Cartier also agreed to contact management of the Pepsi warehouse. Residents report that people are using its parking lot for late-night gatherings and that noise has become significantly worse since the trees separating the warehouse from nearby homes were removed.
Ideas Residents Raised
Residents also discussed:
An electronic message sign outside the Community Center to keep neighbors informed about meetings, events, and important notices.
Exploring a Neighborhood Improvement District, which could potentially provide shared neighborhood services such as trash collection and snow removal for a fee.
Next Meeting
Our next Knollwood community meeting is Thursday, September 24.
The cleanup was one day. Building the neighborhood Knollwood residents want takes longer.
Hope to see you there.
