Dear Councilman Weiner:


As my Councilman, I wanted to let you know that I applaud your stand with respect to the proposed development of the corner of Route 202 and Route 92, and ask you to continue to stand firm with respect to the proposal to over-develop that parcel and to change traffic configurations at that intersection.

 

As State Representative for this area, I pledge to continue to work with you, Representative Greg Lavelle, Senator Charlie Copeland and CCOBH to ensure that any proposal for that area meets the needs of the broader community, and will not negatively impact the quality of life of the residents in Brandywine Hundred.

 

Thank you again for your leadership in representing the interests of the vast majority of residents not only of the 10th Representative District, but throughout Brandywine Hundred.

 

Sincerely,

Robert J. Valihura, Jr.

State Representative

10th Representative District
 

 
Dear Councilman Weiner,

For the record, as our councilman, Ruth and I would like to let you know that we oppose this rezoning.   As a resident of this area, we feel that the road plan that is connected with this development plan is nothing short of ridiculous.  As a state representative in the area, but not for the area in question, the vast and overwhelming comments I have received concerning this rezoning have been negative with a focus on the road plan and the questions about the "need" for another grocery store.


Thank you.

Greg Lavelle

State Representative

11th Representativ District



Letter to the Editor (unpublished)

For Ron Williams (Campaign Contributions, Jan. 27) to characterize Delaware Supermarkets as County Councilman Bob Weiner's "sugar daddy" for campaign contributions totaling $850 over two years is laughable and hyperbole beyond belief.

 

As he has in the past, Councilman Weiner continues to be a leading proponent of responsible development in northern New Castle County.  His opposition to a Whole Foods-anchored strip mall at Concord Pike and Beaver Valley Road is based on all that the community would lose and little that would be gained, especially when the supermarket is known to be scouting a nearby alternate location just over the PA line should the shopping center be nixed at the proposed Woodlawn Trustees site.

 

Traffic studies conclude that even with the necessary addition of Jersey-style jug handles to accommodate left hand turns at the intersection, at peak traffic times a 10-15 minute delay in travel time would be expected as the tradeoff for this shopping "opportunity".  Combine this commuting nightmare with the stated intention of at least one major employer in the office buildings across the road to vacate and move back to PA if a shopping center is approved at that location and one has to ask just exactly who is Ron Williams looking out for here.

 

Councilman Weiner's alternate proposal for a Christiana Care Level 1 Emergency Medical Center and senior housing at that intersection, with no traffic delays or loss of high-paying jobs at a time when Delaware can least afford it, makes a lot more sense to me and to the Council of Civic Organizations of Brandywine Hundred, who support his position.


Dr. Arthur Travis

Foulk Woods     



Letter to the Editor (unpublished)

I am writing to take exception to Ron Williams somewhat ill informed column (01/27/08) concerning Councilman Bob Weiner and the proposal concerning the Concord Pike – Beaver Valley Road intersection.
 

Ron did NOT mention why Weiner objects to the location of the shopping center.  It has nothing to do with Whole Foods.  Weiner, along with almost all other civic leaders and elected officials, objects on the basis of the horrific traffic pattern that would be created should the center go there. 


The issue is not about whether there should be another supermarket at that location, but rather the future of an already badly congested area. I am happy that Bob Weiner is listening to the community and basing his opposition to this rezoning on sound land use and highway planning principles, rather than pandering to the financial interests of a big developer.
 

Bob Weiner is speaking for his constituents who must daily endure the congestion at that location, and for the neighborhood residents who have difficulty just exiting their subdivisions and for those feel that a better use exists for this land than simply another shopping center.
 

Now, as to Ron Williams suggestion that Bob return some campaign contributions from the Kenny family that might benefit if the land is not rezoned.  The next thing you know, Ron will suggest that Bob should be returning all of those contributions from those people who might benefit from his principled positions -- like the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods or the people who drive on Concord Pike or the rest of Bob’s constituents. No, Ron, almost everyone in Brandywine Hundred knows that Bob Weiner is fighting to preserve our quality of life. We are happy to have a strong leader like Bob working for us on County Council.
 

R. Jerry Martin

Heatherbrooke

 

Letter to the Editor (unpublished)

I would like to comment on an editorial published in the News Journal on Sunday, January 27th by Ron Williams, who feels that another shopping center at Concord Pike and Beaver Valley Road is appropriate and unfairly criticized our Councilman for supporting both local residents and area businesses in opposing it.
Once again North Wilmington residents need to fight against yet another shopping center and this time we will be faced with the nightmare of the loss of left hand turning movements at Naamans Road, Beaver Valley Road and Concord Pike. I live nearby in Concord Hills which has only one access road from Concord Pike.
 
We are fortunate to have Councilman Bob Weiner, Representative Bob Valihura, Representative Greg Lavelle and CCOBH as our champions. Since ShopRite is in Councilman Weiner's district, I feel political donations are completely acceptable. Politicians can accept contributions from private residents. Local family owned businesses should be able to support good government just like residents since we all share the same concerns. Contributions such as Councilman Weiner received, have been given to many public servants just to support their local neighborhoods; not to do their bidding.
 

I would love to have a Whole Foods but the location being considered is totally unacceptable.  The time it takes now to travel that intersection is long enough. The time it would take to navigate multiple jug-handles with increased traffic volume increases is unacceptable. Pedestrians would not be safe walking to and from the shops while trying to dodge angry drivers forced to divert through the proposed Stoltz shopping center.
 

I understand the property in question has already been zoned residential. Should it absolutely be necessary for development I think most residents already agree with Councilman Weiner's position. A senior development with a medical/emergency facility would highly benefit the community without creating a severe impact on traffic.

Maybe Whole Foods should consider developing just over the state line in Pennsylvania. Is not a ten minute drive into PA better than a longer drive into Philadelphia?

Should many residents sacrifice their quality of life so that developer Stoltz can add to his million dollar empire?
 

Ron Williams needs to do more research before he publishes his thoughts. Councilman Weiner is a rare politician who actually listened to my community and resolved all issue we have placed before him. We need more public officials with his persistence, intelligence and moral resolve to fight for their constituents in all their decisions. Mr. Weiner really tries to bring communities together through compromise and resolution. He seems to have the ability to have everyone walk away from his decisions feeling like a winner.
 

Thank you,

Nancy Stone, Concord Hills Civic Association