New Castle, DE – Today, New Castle County begins an important two-year process of developing a new countywide comprehensive plan which will guide growth and development for generations. The plan, entitled, “NCC@2050,” will be a community-driven process that will allow us to strategically shape how we grow and develop as a county. The plan will help guide development and services; shape the communities where we live, work, and play; celebrate our environmental, historical, and cultural assets; and support a robust economy.
“As the years progress, our current lifestyles will undoubtedly change,” County Executive Meyer said. “Transportation methods will evolve, environmental challenges will occur, and the job opportunities of today may change. What NCC@2050 brings is a prime opportunity for our community to be prepared and trained for those careers of the future. That is why I am calling for broad public input from every neighborhood, every industry, and every person to help build a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive future that reflects our community values and aspirations.”
The Department of Land Use will manage the comprehensive planning process and has developed a central website, NCC2050.newcastlede.gov, where residents will be able to participate in community surveys, explore interactive mapping tools, sign up for email updates, learn more about the county’s planning process, and submit photos of their favorite places.
As part of NCC@2050, a series of virtual public meetings will be held over the next several months to begin a candid conversation with the community. Topics of discussion will include environmental justice, economic development, transportation, housing, as well as other topics that are identified through the online survey.
“Changes, recently witnessed, with technology advances, and better capabilities to engage, collaborate and address issues of the past and the future will provide new and fresh approach to planning for our future communities,” Land Use General Manager Rich Hall said. “Now is the time for all residents to engage in meaningful discussions about how to move New Castle County forward.”
Several other educational components of NCC@2050 include a Youth Planning Board and Planning 101. The Youth Planning Board is a 10-month program designed to expose young adults, aged 14-22, to civic engagement, planning, and other skills while helping to develop the comprehensive plan. The deadline to apply for this program is July 3, 2020. Those age 18 and under must have parental consent to apply and participate. Planning 101 is a series of free online courses developed in partnership with the University of Delaware that discusses why planning matters and helps to explain the planning process. After completing the online courses, participants will receive a Citizen Planner Certificate.
To learn more about the County’s comprehensive plan, including how you can get involved, please visit NCC2050.newcastlede.gov.
###