New Castle County Council members acknowledged the upcoming departure of the county's land use manager during their meeting on January 14, 2025. The council expressed gratitude for her contributions, particularly highlighting the positive impact of the "take 2" process on public engagement. This transition comes as the council prepares to revisit the much-anticipated impact fee, which officials deem essential for future development.

Public comments also took center stage, with residents voicing concerns over a recently enacted ordinance mandating trash service inclusion in rental leases. Brian Pomager, representing local landlords, urged the council to amend the ordinance, arguing it unfairly penalizes compliant property owners while failing to address the root of trash violations. He emphasized that the ordinance affects all 34,000 rental properties in the county, potentially leading to increased rents and administrative burdens for landlords.

Another resident, Bahar Ben Vohol, commended Councilwoman Dee Durham for her advocacy on behalf of renters, underscoring the importance of representation in local governance. The meeting concluded with a call for more inclusive public discourse, as some attendees expressed frustration over perceived dismissals of their comments.

As the council moves forward, the discussions from this meeting highlight ongoing challenges in balancing community needs with regulatory frameworks, setting the stage for future policy adjustments.