Report of the Salt Pond Plaza Workgroup

April 2009

Construction of the Salt Pond Plaza has continued during these winter months, and the Harris Teeter grocery store is expected to open this summer. The developer had originally planned to lease pad space to a bank and pharmacy in addition to Harris Teeter, but asked the county to approve a change in the site plan to enable it to lease to three small retailers, yet to be identified. The net result does not change parking, water runoff or other issues relevant to the community; and the plan was approved by the county officials. At this time, it is not known whether any of the three new tenants have been contracted.

The developer has completed modifications to the stormwater drain plan, including installation of additional outfall devices, culverts and other facilities on the golf course and common area. It is expected that the restoration of those areas will be completed shortly, weather permitting.

Delaware Department of Transportation has strict standards for entrances and roads leading onto state roads and highways, and these standards apply to any modification to the entrances to Bethany Loop from Cedar Neck and Fred Hudson Roads in order to make them safer. The committee has been advised that the developer will begin work on the entrances soon. When completed, the entrances onto Bethany Loop will include curbs and a separate turn lane, among other safety requirements. Our medians will remain in place, as will our existing entrance sign.

Committee members have discussed in detail with both Harris Teeter and the property owner/developer about the lighting scheme for the parking lot and other areas. As a result of those discussions, the developer has modified the original lighting plan to incorporate fixture shields and lens treatments that will help minimize light pollution. However, we should all be prepared for the unavoidable change in our night sky. Even if we don't see light bulbs directly, we will experience some change as lights reflect off cars and other hard surfaces and as the lights help ensure safe and secure passage for customers and employees.

Last, you may remember that the developer previously agreed to provide mitigating landscaping on both the commercial and residential sides of Bethany Loop. Those plantings will be installed soon and will provide visual surroundings for our community. Meanwhile, some homeowners have expressed specific concerns and questions, and those issues have been forwarded to the SPHA Board of Directors for consideration.

Please do not hesitate to contact Michael Headman, BOD member, or Cheryl Wisbrock, Chair of SPP Work Group, should you have further questions or concerns.

Submitted by

Cheryl Wisbrock

Chair

4/27/2009 NOTE: Reconstruction of the entrances to Bethany Loop is currently underway in conjunction with the Salt Pond Plaza.  This work involves traffic management and periodic closings.   We have been advised by the developer that work at the Cedar Neck Road entrance will continue through the week of April 27.  If you find this to be an inconvenience, you may want to avoid that entrance during this period of work.

Reconstruction of the Fred Hudson entrance will be next. We will let you know when we have more definitive information about that start date.