Why Should Delaware Care?
Government works best when its citizens are knowledgeable and engaged. Delaware’s government has scores of commissions, working groups, agencies and legislative committees. All must hold meetings that are open to the public.
The Port of Wilmington’s state oversight board will hold a public meeting on Monday, but its members are unlikely to hear from the official who led operations at the embattled facility for nearly the past two years.
On Friday, a spokesman for the port’s private operator, Enstructure, said in an email that Bayard Hogans, the company’s Mid-Atlantic regional president, “is no longer with the organization.”
The spokesman, Justin May, declined to answer additional questions, including about whether Hogans was fired, and whether Enstructure has a successor lined up to take over management at the port, which directly and indirectly generates thousands of well-paying, blue-collar jobs in Delaware.
More information will likely be revealed on Monday during a meeting of the board of the directors of the Diamond State Port Corporation – the state-owned entity that oversees Enstructure’s operations and guides the port’s expansion in Edgemoor.
The meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Buena Vista Conference Center, located at 661 South DuPont Highway in New Castle. For details about how to watch virtually, click here.
Enstructure hired Hogans in 2023 after winning the state contract to take over the Port of Wilmington from the Emirati company, Gulftainer.
At the time, Enstructure’s co-CEO’s called Hogans “an industry leader with a proven track record of building strong employee and customer relationships and engaging local communities and political leaders,” according to a press release that was recently deleted.
Hogans’ departure comes as port officials await news of whether the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will re-award federal permits needed for construction of a $635 million container terminal in Edgemoor.
Last year, a federal judge invalidated those permits, which would allow for dredging in the waters of the Delaware River
The agenda for Monday’s meeting states that an update about the permits will be among the topics discussed.
UD tax and speed cameras
While July brings fewer public meetings in Delaware, there still are a handful of other bodies meeting to discuss impactful news.
On Monday, the Newark City Council will hold public hearings to discuss two topics that have sparked considerable controversy in recent months – the implementation of speed cameras on Main Street and a student head tax on the University of Delaware.
The proposal to install the speed cameras follows several high-profile pedestrian deaths over the past year along the city’s primary artery. Last month, state lawmakers passed Delaware’s capital budget, which included money to pay for Newark’s implementation of an automated speed camera system.
Also, last month, lawmakers passed a bill allowing Newark to collect a $50 tax from the University of Delaware for every student that attends classes at the main campus.
The city council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Newark Municipal Building, located at 220 South Main St. Click here for information about attending virtually.
Tidalhealth makes plans in Millsboro
On the agenda for the Sussex County Council’s meeting this week is a resolution to allow Tidalhealth to borrow money under the county’s bonding authority.
The health system has announced plans to build a new health campus in Millsboro.
TidalHealth recently broke ground on the campus, where the first building will be a three-story, approximately 90,000-square-foot medical office building, located at 26870 Dupont Blvd. It will reportedly house an office for primary and specialty care, diagnostic imaging, a pharmacy, a family lab and additional outpatient services.
The Sussex County Council will meet at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sussex County Administrative Office Building, located at 2 The Circle in Georgetown.
Kent to discuss helipad proposal
Also, on Tuesday, the Kent County Levy Court will hold a public hearing to discuss plans submitted by a Felton man who wants to build a helicopter landing pad and hangar next to his home. On Friday, Spotlight Delaware reported on the plans, which have sparked a mix of outcry and support from neighbors.
The Tuesday meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Kent County Administration Complex, located at 555 Bay Road in Dover. To watch virtually, click here.
