City of New Castle

Delaware Bayshore Byway

The Delaware Bayshore is widely recognized as an area of global ecological and historic significance. It is a Migratory Shorebird Site of Hemispheric Importance, a Wetland of International Significance and an Important Bird Area of Global Significance. Its expansive coastal marshes, sandy shoreline, forest, fields and agricultural lands provide habitat for more than 400 species of birds and other wildlife. The Nature Conservancy and the National Audubon Society recognize the region as globally significant wildlife habitat.  The Nature Conservancy has called the Delaware Bayshore “One of the Earth’s most important stopovers for migratory birds.” The small towns along the Delaware Bayshore enjoy a deep and rich heritage, which evolved from the early colonial settlements and thriving maritime industries that thrived on the abundant natural resources of the area.

The Delaware’s Bayshore Byway extends for 52 miles along State Route 9 from the City of New Castle in New Castle County, DE to its junction with State Route 1 east of Dover on the east side of the Dover Air Force Base in Kent County.  It includes two spurs of 2.5 miles each.  The first one connects the Village of Odessa to the Byway via State Route 299.  The second is a loop consisting of Kitts Hummock Road and Bergold Lane that connects the Byway to the John Dickinson Plantation, St. Jones Reserve and the Ted Harvey Conservation Area.  Route 9 is an amalgam of roadways with different local names that loosely parallel the Bayshore.

For more information go to Delawaregreenways.org page on the Bayshore Byway.

11/24/2015 – Press Conference – Preparing for ‘Small Business Saturday’

November 24th 10 a.m. – Noon (Old Courthouse Museum steps – rain or shine):   Prepare for ‘Small Business Saturday’ and Local Shopping in New Castle: Debut of ‘Byway Bucks’ Shopping/Travel Incentives

U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, U.S. Small Business Administration officials, State of Delaware representatives, and local leaders will conduct a press conference and small business walking tour.  The event urges local holiday and year-round shopping, and marks the Old New Castle debut of ‘Byway Bucks’ Program.  The ‘Byways Bucks’ is a coupon voucher program offering special dining, shopping and admissions deals along Del.’s ‘Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway.’  The event will be anchored by opening remarks on the steps of the newly-minted First State National Historic Park’s New Castle courthouse  –  site of the fugitive slave trials, the transcripts of which informed the layout of the ‘Tubman Byway’s’ route  –  and feature tours of some of the Colonial-era town’s most idyllic shops as they gear up for the holiday shopping season.

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway is one of six designated Delaware byways in the state.  The Byways Bucks is a new program endorsed by the Harriet Tubman byway’s coalition and management committee as part of a cultural and economic promotional experience for small businesses along this particular byway.   Part of the overall Delaware Byways Program is to heighten intrinsic resources along or near the byway to promote eco-tourism, local Delaware and American  history, and other cultural events that benefit the travel and their individual experiences.  The Byways Bucks intends to promote the traveler or locals to the resources they have as part of an outreach and community involvement package.

***INVITATION TO BID*** City of New Castle 2015 Curb Ramp Installation and Renovation Program will

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids for the City of New Castle 2015 Curb Ramp Installation and Renovation Program will be received by the City Administrator until 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at the City Administration Building, 220 Delaware Street, New Castle, at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the stated time will be returned unopened.

The work involves the installation of new ramps and the renovation of existing ramps located in both brick and concrete sidewalks. Sloping for ramps and modification of adjacent areas for smooth transitions to ramps will be required as will detectable warning surfaces (truncated dome blocks). Related work includes maintenance of traffic and demolition and replacement of existing adjacent sidewalks, curbing, and roadway surfaces. Related incidental work includes mobilization / demobilization, saw cutting, surveying, and sediment and erosion control. Upon completion, all ramps installed or renovated shall be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and guidelines.

Bidding documents may be obtained during normal business hours from New Castle Public Services Department, 900 Wilmington Road (Trolley Barn), New Castle. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Town Hall, 201 Delaware Street, New Castle. Attendance at this meeting is mandatory for all prospective bidders and will be a pre-requisite for submitting a bid.

Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and shall be marked clearly as follows: Sealed Bid – Proposal for 2015 Curb Ramp Installation and Renovation Program. Requirements for a 10% Bid Bond, 100% Performance Bond, 100% Payment Bond and Maintenance Bond, and Contractor’s Insurance are included in the Contract Documents.

Bidders shall submit documentation demonstrating that they have installed a minimum of 100 curb ramps with at least 50 of those ramps in locations with brick sidewalks. Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids on this contract and are encouraged to do so.

Each Bidder must deposit with their bid a security equivalent to 10% of the bid amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the instructions for bidders.

The City of New Castle reserves the right to reject any or all bids and makes such award as appears most advantageous to the City.

The City may extend the time and place for the opening of the bids from that described in the advertisement, with not less than two calendar days-notice by certified delivery, facsimile machine, e-mail, or other electronic means to those bidders who have obtained bid packets.

END OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

***INVITATION TO BID*** City of New Castle Battery Park Riverwalk Partial Reconstruction Project

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids for the City of New Castle Battery Park Riverwalk Partial Reconstruction Project will be received by the City Administrator until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at the City Administration Building, 220 Delaware Street, New Castle, at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the stated time will be returned unopened.

Project involves rebuilding an approximately 350 foot long section of the existing walkway which is damaged. Work includes removal of a layer of the existing gravel walkway, proof-rolling and under-cutting as needed of remaining walkway which will form the new subbase, placement of new asphalt surface, restoration of adjacent grouted rip-rap and grassed areas, and related incidentals. The City intends to enter into a contract with the selected contractor within 72 hours of receipt of bids. Contractor must be prepared to begin work on Monday November 9, 2015, and complete work no later than Friday, November 20, 2015.

Bidding documents may be obtained during normal business hours from New Castle Public Services Department, 900 Wilmington Road (Trolley Barn), New Castle. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Town Hall, 201 Delaware Street, New Castle. Attendance of this meeting is mandatory for all prospective bidders and will be a pre-requisite for submitting a bid.

Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and shall be marked clearly as follows: Sealed Bid – Proposal for Battery Park Riverwalk Partial Reconstruction Project. Requirements for a 10% Bid Bond, 100% Performance Bond, 100% Payment Bond and Maintenance Bond, and Contractor’s Insurance are included in the Contract Documents.

Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids on this contract and are encouraged to do so.

Each Bidder must deposit with their bid a security equivalent to 10% of the bid amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the instructions for bidders.

The City of New Castle reserves the right to reject any or all bids and makes such award as appears most advantageous to the City.

The City may extend the time and place for the opening of the bids from that described in the advertisement, with not less than two calendar days-notice by certified delivery, facsimile machine, e-mail, or other electronic means to those bidders who have obtained bid packets.

END OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

City Braces for Weekend Weather.

10/02/2015

While the latest forecast models show Hurricane Joaquin shifting away from shore, City officials are still keeping a close eye on the storm.

The River Towns Ride & Festival scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled and rescheduled for Saturday, October 31st.

City workers have prepared vehicles, cleaned storm drains throughout the area, and are on alert in case the weather intensifies over the weekend.

Any updated weather information will be posted on the City website throughout the weekend.

Some numbers to keep on hand.

* For police, fire or emergency medical services; Call 911.
* For non-emergency police issues call 573-2800 – this number is a non-emergency New Castle County number, staffed around the clock by call takers. They will dispatch City and/or County Police.
* For a water or electric issue call MSC at 302-323-2330, leave a message, you will be contacted.
* If you have a city issue that needs to be addressed immediately please call 302-353-9836, leave a message with your name, address and phone number and the nature of your emergency, and your call will be returned.

City of New Castle Public Works Department Collection Schedule

City of New Castle Public Works Department collection schedule for the week of 9/7/2015

• There will be NO trash pickup on Mon., Sept.7th.
• Monday’s trash will be collected on Tues., Sept. 8th.
• Tuesday’s trash will be collected on Wed., Sept. 9th.
• Wednesday’s yard waste pickup will be Thurs., Sept. 10th.
• There will be a City-Wide recycle pickup on Fri., Sept. 11th.

Forgotten Cats Free Spay & Neuter Program for Outdoor and Feral Cats

Free Services for cats in New Castle

Forgotten Cats, a nonprofit cat rescue organization, is offering FREE Spay/Neuter services for outdoor cats and pets.

The program includes humane trapping of outdoor cats, transportation, spay/neuter and vaccination services provided by a licensed Veterinarian, and transportation back to their original location.  This program is designed to reduce cat overpopulation by eliminating the birth of homeless kittens.  It will keep cats healthy and reduce nuisance issues caused by unaltered cats.

• Visit the Forgotten Cats website
• Contact Forgotten Cats if you know feral or pet cats that need to be spayed/neutered
• Forward this flyer on to others to spread the word

Public Works Summer Hours effective Monday, May 11th

During the hot summer months Public Works labors start their day an hour earlier, to get a jump on the heat of the day.  Public Works summer hours (6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) will begin on Monday, May 11th.  They will begin their routes at 6:00 a.m. so plan accordingly to get your items out for pick up.

• Trash will be collected on Monday & Tuesday of each week.
• Yard Waste pick up will take place on Wednesday.
• Recyclable materials will be collected on Thursday & Friday of each week.

Street Sweeping will take place throughout the month, click below for easy to read printable calendar.

Printable May Street Sweeping Calendar

SUMMER START TIME 7:15 a.m.
*”Week” designation is by 1st, 2nd etc. “Full Week” of each month.  Please see printable calendar.

*1st Monday (Even #’s) & Tuesday (Odd #’s) of each month.
7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th Streets
Kings Way, Queens Court, Juniper Street, McIntyre Drive, Clayton Street, Young Street, School Street, Gray Street, Gray Court, Oak Street, Linden, Larkin and Hyder Alley.

*2nd Monday (Even #’s) & Tuesday (Odd #’s) of each month.
Dobbinsville

*2nd Wednesday (Even #’s) & Thursday (Odd #’s) of each month.
The Strand (Blower)

*3rd Monday (Even #’s) & Tuesday (Odd #’s) of each month
Boothhurst including Edgewood Drive in Rogers Manor

3rd Wednesday (Even #’s) & Thursday (Odd #’s) of each month.
Buttonwood, including Buttonwood Avenue, Arbutus, Meehan Lane, Lincoln Street, A Street, Railroad Avenue, Jacquette Square, William Penn Square, Holcomb Lane and Booker Circle.

*4th Monday (Even #’s) & Tuesday (Odd #’s) of each month.
Van Dyke Village, including 11th St, 14th St, Victorian Court, Swedes St, Baldt Avenue, Brylgon Avenue, Megginson Avenue, Hewlett Avenue, Janvier Avenue and Moore Avenue.

*4th Wednesday (Even #’s) & Thursday (Odd #’s) of each month.
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, Cherry, Harmony, Chestnut, Tremont Streets, Deemer Place, Foundry, Shaw Alley, Williams, Plum Alley, Porter Alley, South Street and Delaware Street from 3rd to 7th.

Every Friday of each month
Delaware Street from 3rd to Wharf, both sides
Dalby Alley, First Friday of each month.

Some questions you may have:
Question: What if the weather is inclement and the sweeper cannot operate?
Answer: We will stick to the schedule, and on those days that the sweeper cannot operate due to inclement weather, a breakdown in machinery, or some other unforeseen incident, the street (or streets) scheduled for that day will be swept on the NEXT normally scheduled date.

Question: How will we be notified in advance that our street will not be swept?
Answer: An announcement will be posted on the City web site @ (www.newcastlecity.delaware.gov) by 7:15 am, advising of any day we need to cancel the service for that particular day. Or you can call the City’s message line @ 221- 4534 for recorded updates.

Question: What if a City holiday falls on my scheduled day?
Answer: The street (or streets) scheduled for that day will be swept on the NEXT normally scheduled date.

Trustees Community Grants and Scholarships

Trustees Community Grants and Scholarships
Trustees of New Castle Common
201 Delaware Street New Castle, DE 19720

Trustees Community Grants and Scholarships

The Trustees of New Castle Common annually award grants to community organizations and scholarships  to eligible residents of the City of New Castle.

Application forms for this year’s grants and scholarships are available on the Trustee’s web site: http://trusteesncc.org or from the Trustees’ office.

Last year the Trustees budgeted $75,000 for scholarships and more than $200,000 for community grants.  In addition to the forms,

the web site contains information on the allocation of Trust funds, properties, meeting minutes and the history and past projects of the Trust.

FEMA revising FIRMs; City properties impacted

Editor’s note: The following are edited excerpts from the FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping Fact Sheet prepared for New Castle County. This entire publication and a great deal of other detailed information, including draft maps, are available online at www.rampp-team.com/de.htm. (Note the map sections for the City of New Castle are numbered 0162, 0164 and 0166.)

FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This Federal Government program makes flood insurance available to residents in communities which meet certain criteria, including the City of New Castle. Maps created by FEMA include the Special Flood Hazard Area, which is the area that has a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year.

When FEMA maps flood hazards in a community or county, two products are produced:

• a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report; and
• a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

An FIS is a narrative report of the community’s flood hazards that contains prior flooding information, descriptions of the flooding sources, information on flood protection measures and a description of the hydrologic and hydraulic methods used in the study.

A FIRM illustrates the extent of flood hazards in a community by depicting flood risk zones and the Special Flood Hazard Area, and is used with the FIS report to determine the floodplain development regulations that apply in each flood risk zone and who must buy flood insurance.

FIRMs for New Castle County are being revised using the latest technologies and the most current data so residents, homeowners, business owners and community officials may understand the local flood risk and keep people and property safe from floods.

Large printed color draft maps can be viewed at the Public Services Department at the Trolley Barn at 900 Wilmington Road. For more information go online to the above Web site, call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-336-2627, or locally contact New Castle City Building Official Jeff Bergstrom at 322-9813.

As the City receives new information from FEMA, that will be publicized to City residents through this newsletter, the local newspaper and on the City Web site at newcastlecity.delaware.gov.