Site could house artists, gallery near airport site
By Rick Marts, Staff Writer, The Times
NEW GARDEN — The Board of Supervisors gave support Monday to a concept plan for an artists’ facility — and potentially a beer garden — near the airport, but it was unclear whether current zoning would allow for the use.
A proposal by Thomas Von Koch, a glass artist and owner of WGK Glass Art, Inc., in Newark, Delaware was unanimously supported by all members of the board.
Von Koch proposed developing a vacant farm site within the New Garden Airport Development Zone at the intersection of Newark Road and Airport Way.
“Within existing structures, I would create several different but complementary activities, including an art studio for artists to work and study, a gallery, and a space for craft and art shows,” Von Koch said. He also suggested a beer garden would, in time, cap off his development.
The supervisors expressed their general support for this proposal. However, Board Chairman Stephan Allaband quoted a portion of the ordinance governing development within the Airport Development Zone dealing with approved uses of the land. Von Koch’s proposed uses were not listed in the law.
Supervisor Bob Norris said, “It does not sound like the uses proposed by Mr. Von Koch are allowed in the ordinance, and the board needs to know the specific changes that would be needed to allow this proposal to go forward.”
Supervisor Robert Perrotti voiced concern with amending an ordinance for one applicant in the development zone. After discussion, he concluded that Mr. Von Koch’s proposal should be reviewed by the township’s Zoning Board. With that, Norris offered a motion saying, “The New Garden Board of Supervisors supports the development concept proposed by Mr. Von Koch.”
In other township news, Jon Martin, manager of the New Garden Airport, reported to the board on his recent meeting with the State Bureau of Aviation to discuss the airport’s 12-year plan. Martin said, “As the supervisors know, we are in the early phases of a ‘rip up and redo’ runway rehab project for our 3,700-ft major runway.”
Martin said that in addition to rehabbing the entire runway, the project also includes creating a 100-foot-wide buffer on either side of the runway for planes that might veer off the macadam. One of those buffers will also need a retaining wall that will add $1.5 million to the cost.
As shown below, this project’s schedule goes out through 2016 and its estimated cost is nearly $6 million.
2012- Acquire easement for runway reconstruction project
2012- Runway Phase I (design)
2012- Develop multi-municipal zoning ordinance
2012/2013- Runway Phase II (site prep)
2013- 2016-Runway Phase III (construction)
Martin added, however, that “90 percent of that amount is eligible for federal funding from the Airport Improvement Program” (a program funded nationally by a 10 percent ticket tax on all airfares) managed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Also, the township’s Parks and Recreation Manager, Barbara Underwood, updated the board with news of recent fundraisers and a sneak peek into future events.
New Garden Township’s “History Night” will occur Friday, Nov. 8, and feature two talks on the area’s railroads: the Wilmington and Western Railroad by Mary H. Simon and the Pomeroy and Newark Railroad by Ben Mardsen.
Underwood also noted that Santa Claus will take time from making toys to visit the township for a tree-lighting ceremony from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Dec. 6 in New Garden Park. She also noted that, “Park bathrooms will be closed from now until March.” For more information, Underwood asked the supervisors and residents to contact her at bunderwood@newgarden.org or go to the township’s website at www.newgarden.org.
In addition, the board agreed to renew several agreements with local public safety organizations that will continue fire protection, emergency medical, and animal control activities.
