From the event site | Please join us in a Celebration Of Life for Angela Connolly Cunneely, who took her leave of this earthly realm on August 4th 2023. Obituary HERE.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Celebration of the Life of Angela Connolly Cunneely
From the event site | Please join us in a Celebration Of Life for Angela Connolly Cunneely, who took her leave of this earthly realm on August 4th 2023. Obituary HERE.
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Angela Connolly-Cunneely, 1959-2023
Sunday, April 3, 2022
Park & Pathways for Harmony Woods? It could happen
Built from the '70s through late '80s, Harmony Woods (map here) in Ogletown, Delaware, is one of New Castle County's (NCC) largest housing developments. As required by the Unified Development Code (UDC), approx 16 acres of land was set aside as mandatory open space. Most of it is forest canopy, but several acres are grass fields and require steady maintenance (mowing). This is coordinated by the HW Civic Assoc (FB), of which funding is a frequent topic at meetings, while the space remains fallow. In virtually all other NCC communities of this size, such land is a park with place-making amenities, which the County says they are working on improving.
For some reason, a park never happened with Harmony Woods, but this space represents a magnificent opportunity that's long overdue. According to their latest newsletter (snipped below), NCC Councilman Tim Sheldon will ask for a feasibility study on a "small" park:
Streets are the only parks and recreation in Harmony Woods |
Let's hope Councilman Sheldon comes back with some good news, that Harmony Woods will finally make the best use of its open space in the form of a park, community, place-making and multi-modal connectivity. The region as a whole is hugely lacking of parks and paths, and has been disenfranchised relative to most other regions of NCC. The importance of naturehood and protection (and increase) of property values cannot be overstated, and we are elated that our civic and elected leaders see this, and are prepared to act.
Also see: Another lost park opportunity in Ogletown?
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Safety Fail: Lack of Zebra Crossings on ECG in Ogletown
Seriously eroded ECG used for car parking |
More recently, we discovered the gross lack of zebra striping of the ECG (streetview) through Chestnut Hill Plaza, a Meineke repair shop, and a Liberty gas station. Meinekie has even adopted the ROW as defacto car parking. This facility was originally paved at the width (8') required for bidirectional bike-ped traffic, and is eroded and narrowing in many sections. It rises up and back down through driveways, when the opposite is required for traffic calming and multi-modal awareness. Adding zebra crossings won't fix the problem of high speed entrances from SR4, but will bring awareness (and thus some added safety) for ECG users and Ogletown destination-making.
ECG just west of Augusta Drive |
The long range goal for the ECG is a continuous facility brought up to modern design standards, some of which can be found further to the east. Recent setbacks like Augusta, however, only cement Ogletown among the disenfranchised. When asked, there are few to no answers from several oversight orgs. In contrast, Advocates should be pouncing on each and every opportunity to improve the ECG -- even with basic highway maintenance projects as called for in DelDOT's Complete Streets policy.
This proposal to enhance placemaking in Ogletown would bring some consolation -- not just for Thomas Ogle but also the loss of the Orphanage Property as a regional park -- the chance of which will never come again.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Ogletown Historical Marker Approved
I am very pleased to notify you that the State of Delaware Historical Markers Committee has reviewed the Thomas Ogle marker application and it has been approved by the committee to receive a historical marker. The current time frame for the full completion of each marker at this point is roughly a year, which includes the research, drafting of text, fabrication, installation, and unveiling of the historical marker.
If there are any questions that I can be of assistance in answering, please let me know and I would be happy to help any way possible. I am very much looking forward to seeing Ogletown recognized for the rich history the area has to offer and will be sure to notify you all of any updates moving forward. All the best, ~Taylor Reynolds, Delaware Historical Markers Program Coordinator
With the year ahead, we will begin advocating for pathways, place-making and infrastructure improvements with the Legislators. The following was written to area legislators whose Districts that Mr Ogle's tomb and the (coming) historical marker resides in.
Given the firmness of the approval, and as the next agreed upon step, can we please begin the infra improvement process? This is only 0.5 miles of pathways between Prides Crossing and Chestnut Hill Estates (Old SR273). This should be min. 8' asphalt with a yellow or white center line, along with ROW delineation through west side parking areas. Most of it already exists as the East Coast Greenway. We are asking for a proper rehab using MUTCD/AASHTO guidelines, and a spur path to the marker with something like this (attached, Markell Trail) at the end. This will make the marker and green space much more inviting as a historical site. ~Francis Warnock & Angela Connolly
Click HERE for posts leading up to this approval, including the application itself.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Delaware on track to smash 2021 crash fatals
First 2 months of 2022. Multi-year sampling periods confirm the trend we are on. Click on image above for the latest numbers. |
Statistically, Delaware is heading for a road safety disaster in 2022 - in particular New Castle County. Speeding, aggressive and distracted driving is rampant, with injuries and fatalities on pace to surpass even Florida. Despite strict laws to the contrary, many (if not most) offenders have a State-approved aftermarket and/or modified exhaust system. These behaviors account for why virtually nobody rides a bicycle for transportation or recreation -- even after 10 years of Complete Streets policy implementations.
There is virtually no pro-active law enforcement, particularly within Delaware's vast unincorporated zones. Police are few and far between, and spend most of their time answering 911 calls. An active and growing minority of drivers know this, as evidenced by the many vehicles now sporting fully tinted windows (also illegal). Even the City of Newark won't enforce the most deafening and disturbing of "loud mufflers". The lack of such basic government services has Delaware ranking criminally awful (CFPI), especially in matters of transparency. It is a top-5 worst State to live on several key socio-economic fronts, and consistently ranks as most dangerous to walk or ride a bicycle .
Mean Streets: designing cars like Dearth Vader |
Minus a paradigm shift, and a mass conscience re-awakening toward the common good, things are only going to get worse. The suburbs, which comprises the vast majority of Delaware's built environment, are "entropy made visible", and will not be rescued unless we collectively change our thinking.
The above assaults are becoming more and more prevalent, even on Delaware's "quieter" neighborhood streets. We are trying to obtain 911 call data, that shows that this is among the most frequent emergency call types in New Castle County (stay tuned).
Above: "Bike Lane" on Red Mill Road in Ogletown. Authorities often question as to why so few people ride in Delaware, yet the answer is laid in rubber for all to see.
Thursday, January 6, 2022
How to view Ogletown in 1982, from orbit
For our sentimental followers, here are simple instructions for how to view Ogletown circa 1982. Most folks are unaware of the New Castle County GIS (Global Imaging Satellite) viewer. This is an extremely powerful tool used by County officials as they "plan" the various land-use activities, usually to the detriment of conservation Advocates of all stripes. Fortunately for us, the latest version of this application includes 1982 aerial imagery, which allows us to revert to Ogletown 40 years ago. Use the below window, or head directly to the viewer HERE.
Navigate down the left column to "1982 Aerial Imagery" and select the checkbox. Then click on the 3 horizontal dots, select "Transparency", then slide Opaque to Transparent to juxtapose today's arterial highways. It becomes clear how many structures were razed to make way for MBNA Bank and suburban sprawl.
Monday, December 27, 2021
First Meeting for a Ogletown Historical Marker (minutes)
1982 imagery, with today's highways juxtaposed in red. |
Meeting called by: Taylor Reynolds (DE Dept of Public Archives, Markers Program Coordinator)
Type of meeting: Preliminary
Attendees:
Angela Connolly (Advocate), Rep Edward Osienski (RD24), Taylor Reynolds (DPA), Sen Jack Walsh (SD9), Francis Warnock (Advocate)
Marker Application & Approval
Similar marker in Cecil County MD, ~600 characters. |
- Good chance that the marker will be approved.
- Likely time frame for decision is early 2021.
- May take up to 1.5 years for completion and finished installation of marker.
- Will send update emails through the process.
Ed/Jack:
- Funding for the marker (CTF).
Formal repave/rehab of SR4 pathway aka East Coast Greenway from OBC to Salem Church Rd.Pathways in Green. View from Orbit HERE. - Formal repave/rehab of Old Ogletown Rd-SR4 pathway.
- Addition of a spur pathway to the gravesite & marker, w/bench and bike parking (inverted U).
- DelDOT assessment of Ogletown Baptist Church/Old Red Mill Rd pathway spur for rehab/repave.
- Work with OBC toward an easement that will permit Old Red Mill Rd pathway spur for public use.
- Designate car parking for site visitation? (if feasible).
Warnock/Connolly:
- Region is disenfranchised for open space, pathways, historical recognition, and place-making.
- East Coast Greenway is a national project deserving of community connectivity.
- OBC/Red Mill pathway is a crucial connection between Prides Crossing and SR4/ECG.
- Old Ogletown Rd pathway is a crucial connection from Chestnut Hill Estates to ECG and gravesite.
- Will assist legislators if asked, and encourage citizen support as needed.
- Upon approval of pathway and access improvements, will redirect advocacy toward DelDOT to ensure that pedestrian and bicyclist’s needs are correctly met.
It was agreed upon that approval of the historical marker is first priority at this time, followed by the above mentioned infra improvements. It was not discussed if any formal announcement or press release should be issued as per the passing of Thomas Ogle on Dec 23, 1771 (250 years) -- or wait until official press release.
Meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
Friday, December 24, 2021
Thomas Ogle 250 Year Commemoration and Tidy-up
Paying respects: Christopher T. George |
Orphanage Property in Nov 2016 |
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Ogletown on Wikipedia, updated
Thomas Ogle House (photo courtesy of Scott Clabaugh) |
Thomas Ogle (born 1666-1672, died 1734), son of John Ogle who arrived in Delaware in 1665 from England, was an early colonial landowner in what is today central New Castle County Delaware. Ogletown is named after his son Thomas Ogle II (born about 1705, died 1771), who settled in the area of present-day Delaware Route 273 and Delaware Route 4 in the 1730s.[2]The burial site of Thomas Ogle II is isolated within a highway cloverleaf, and is the focus of an effort currently underway to recognize his passing and to revitalize the area. The name is associated with the area from before 1774, and in the late 19th century it was a small village with a store, a post office, and about half a dozen houses.[3]Additional homes and businesses sprang up throughout the 20th century. Ogletown would eventually lose its village-like character to suburban sprawl, road re-alignments, the arrival of Maryland National Bank (MBNA), and the construction of arterial highways.
- Ogletown prospered during the 17th century because of a location along one of the major transpeninsular roads laid out in Delaware, extending from the Head of Elk on the Chesapeake Bay to Christiana Bridge. The dogleg nature of the roads in the Ogletown area created an ideal situation for the creation of a hamlet-type community, including an inn and place of lodging.[4]
- From 1994-1999, a road expansion project of Route 273 obliterated any remnants of the original hamlet. In the course of highway construction, the grave of Thomas Ogle II was uncovered, "badly disturbed by road construction and the construction of a gas station on the site." As part of the project, and with the generous financial support of the Ogle Family Association (O/OFA), DelDOT restored the rectangular brick base and capstone, leaving Thomas' remains untouched, in what is now green space inside the new cloverleaf intersection. Only a small plaque on the brick base commemorates the history of the town.[5][6]
- In 2016, a group called Save the Orphanage Property (STOP) began a campaign to preserve Ogletown's last remaining open space suitable for a regional park, located in the town's western flank. The effort was defeated in 2018, with Advocates citing multiple examples of government corruption as the primary cause.
- In 2021, Advocates submitted an application with Delaware Public Archives for a historical marker, to begin an effort to recognize Ogletown, given that the town's founder, Thomas Ogle, died in 1771, 250 years ago.
Today, residents and businesses in the area have Newark postal addresses, and the name Ogletown survives primarily in the names of Ogletown Road and Ogletown-Stanton Road. [full page continues HERE]
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Application for Thomas Ogle Grave Site Historical Marker
Thomas Ogle's Tomb, as of Aug 21, 2021 |
The original gravesite, a flat stone slab inscribed with the epitaph of Thomas Ogle, was placed over a slightly raised base. It split into sixteen pieces (large and small) that were removed in the late 1980s during an expansion of SR4. The broken sections, some with illegible or missing words, are being preserved at the University of Delaware’s Center for Archaeological Research. During the period the gravesite became overgrown and unsightly.
While building the new SR4/SR273/Salem Church Road interchange, DelDOT took historic and cultural responsibility for the gravesite. It avoided the grave area by shifting the ramp away. Using proven archaeological techniques, DelDOT expertly and respectfully confirmed that Thomas Ogle’s remains were still at the original location. Without disturbing the remains, DelDOT prepared new concrete footings on which a new brick mausoleum/base was constructed to support a restored capstone. The red brick wall is backed with solid blocks to establish a masonry wall of 6’ 6” long by 3’ 6” wide by 20” high.
New wayside on the Jack Markel Rail Trail in New Castle |
Originally a cross-roads, farming and gathering community, Thomas Ogle and Ogle family generations have lived in the Area for over 250 years. A writer for the Wilmington News Journal in 1998 said it well: “Thomas Ogle’s grave is the last vestige of a town that was founded before the American Revolution and has been virtually under siege ever since”. Large office buildings, condos, apartments, sub-divisions, shopping centers, highways and streets have long since replaced the pastoral setting of Thomas’ days.
Thomas Ogle’s various businesses, large land holdings and community influence led to the sizable area around his home being named Ogle Town (later Ogletown) sometime before 1762. The stately house, which Thomas also operated as an Inn, survived for 216 years. Thomas was buried near the historic house and a reasonable distance from the then narrow dirt roads that formed the crossroads.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Kenneth M. Ogle, President, Ogle/Ogles Family Association, Inc.
Francis Warnock & Angela Connolly, OgletownResilience.org, 1stBikes.org
Above: Bicycling to Thomas Ogle's tomb in Spring of 2016. The site appears somewhat maintained as little as 5 years ago. Today, a quarter millennium since his death, it has nearly disappeared under tree overgrowth.
Also see: Abandoned and forgotten: Thomas Ogle, 1705-1771
Thursday, August 19, 2021
1st State Bikes presents comments for Churchmans Crossing Plan
Greetings, Wilmapco. Please add our comments below to the Churchmans Crossing Plan, before the Sept 2021 deadline. Upon generations of failed elected leadership, and climate catastrophe now looming, the need to facilitate active and green transport modes could not be more dire. Thank you very much.
In no particular order:
- The project scope contains several bi-directional MUP facilities (Multi-User Pathways) that were built decades ago. Along SR4 and SR58 is the East Coast Greenway (ECG). These need to be improved and/or rehabbed using best design & engineering guidance (APBP/NACTO compliance) esp where crossing through intersections.
- Where MUP facilities exist, or will be added, these should never go off-alignment with acute zig-zagging through intersections via narrow sidewalks; MUPs should maintain their full width (min. 8' wide asphalt, buffered where possible) and continue in parallel to the road they are on, including through radial turns. Look to DelDOT's "SR299, SR1 to Catherine Street Project (pdf)" as a good example, or APBP/NACTO guidelines.
- An 8' asphalt MUP facility should replace the narrow sidewalk on SR58/Churchmans Rd from just east of Christiana Hospital to at least Cavaliers, and include a marked, button actuated crosswalk (of equal width) under SR7/1. A MUP currently exists along the Christiana Hospital property, and there is a well designed bike-ped bridge over I95 further east on SR58 as you approach Cavaliers. These should all be connected in one contiguous 8' bi-directional facility, as an improvement to the ECG.
- Upgrade/improve/rehab the following MUP connectors using best design & engineering guidance (APBP/NACTO compliance):
=> East Coast Greenway within project scope
=> Lisbeth Rd to Brennen School parking lot
=> Old Ogletown Rd to SR4-Salem Church Jct
=> Prides Crossing to SR4 MUP/ECG
=> E. Cherokee Dr to Johnson Rd
=> SR4 MUP/ECG continuity at Augusta - Convert abandoned roads into MUPs:
=> Old Harmony Rd from north of Greenridge Rd to Old Capitol Trail
=> S. Wakefield thru Leathermans Run
A park that includes ball courts, walking & biking paths, benches and other forms of place and destination-making is desperately needed for Harmony Woods and the region in general.Dearth of parks: Streets used as ball courts - Add a shoulder bike lane on Salem Church Rd between I95 and Old Baltimore Pike, on what is technically "Bike Route 1". Cars and trucks cannot safely pass cyclists here without entering the opposing lane, and road rage commonly ensues.
- Reduce the speed limit on SR4 from 50 mph to 40 mph, and 35 mph in school zones: DE Deaf-Blind, Kirk MS. Several speed studies over the years have shown rampant speeding along this corridor, in access of 57 avg mph. Investigate the use of traffic calming measures such as median vegetation plantings, signage, and other means to protect the children from these schools, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. They often cross SR4 at Augusta, going to and from 7/11 for snacks. Reducing the speed limit cannot be emphasized enough. Delaware is now ranked #1 deadliest State in the nation for biking, and near #1 for walking, largely due to abject failure in this regard.
- Recognize and honor the passing of Thomas Ogle, founder of Ogletown, who died exactly 250 years ago on 12/23/1771. This should include a spur pathway connector from the existing SR4 MUP aka ECG, along with a historical wayside and some bike parking (as seen at regular intervals along, e.g. the Markell Trail/Indus Track). This article in Delaware on-line from 2015 highlights that very need, which went ignored.
Reduce neighborhood street speed limits from 25 to 20 mph, led by a "20 is Plenty" safety campaign or similar. Cost estimate HERE.Typical "goat path" from the ECG in S. Newark - Assess, formalize and convert all "goat path" connections into MUPs. These are commonly visible coming off existing MUPs, usually connecting to adjacent shopping centers and strip malls. These occur when numerous people walk or bike across grass that eventually erodes and forms its own trail. These should be upgraded to pathways.
SIGNED: Angela Connolly and Frank Warnock
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Abandoned and forgotten: Thomas Ogle, 1705-1771
Mother Nature closing in: Thomas Ogle's tomb as of Aug 3, 2021 |
Asking your State legislators for a proclamation from the General Assembly is a good place to start. The legislature won't be back in session now until January but a staff person can help draft one during the summer months, and in the opening days of legislative session read it and present it to your group.
Next step: It takes a while to get funding from the State as they have just completed this fiscal year and won't have access to money until next June, but this is the right time to plant the seed. It may take as long as 2 or 3 years as the legislators will have to negotiate with Parks & Rec and DelDOT, but the more clearly you can write a one page proposal of who, what, when and where (about 100 words) and get it to appropriate staff people in those agencies, with cc's to your elected officials, the better luck you will have.
Though most of this doesn't sound very difficult per se, involvement from our end will be difficult to stomach. 3 years of our lives were lost, discarded, thrown away by the region's legislators in our attempt to save the Orphanage Property, which was crushed under the boot of DE government corruption that included conspiracy, profiteering and a rampant conflict of interest.
According to The Ogle Genealogist family publication:
Ogle Genealogist Page 32 |
Thomas Ogle (born 1705 in DE, died on Dec 23 1771 in New Castle County (NCC), DE, possibly married three times and with nine known children), was the son of Thomas Ogle (born 1666/72 in DE, died between Juuly 30 and Sept 18 1734 also in NCC, DE) and Mary Crawford. He was the grandson of the immigrant John Ogle (born 1648/49 — died 1684) and Elizabeth, whose maiden name has not been irrefutably identified.
Thomas became a wealthy and influential businessman and planter in New Castle County. He owned three mills and a wharf at Christiana Bridge, hundreds of acres of agricultural and forested land in NCC, and many additional investments.
Thomas built a stylish, two-story, brick house in 1739 at the northeast corner of a junction of three important roads: present day DE SR273, which extended from Christiana Bridge to Nottingham in PA; DE SR4 4 (Chestnut Hill Rd.) from Stanton through Newark DE to the Elk River in Maryland; and Red Mill Road, which ran north from the intersection of SR273 and SR4 to Corner Ketch. All these roads were significant transportation arteries by 1750 and have remained important for 250 years. A fourth highway, Salem Church Road, was constructed in 1827 in a southerly direction from the intersection.
Thomas Ogle's various businesses, large land holdings, and community influence led to the sizable area around his home being named Ogle Town (later Ogletown) sometime before 1762. The stately house, which Thomas also operated as an inn, survived for 216 years. Thomas was buried near the historic house and a reasonable distance from the then narrow, dirt roads that formed the crossroads.
Sadly, it is doubtful that Senators Bryan Townsend and Jack Walsh, Reps Osienski and David Bentz, or NCC's Lisa Diller and Tim Sheldon (all of whom represent Ogletown) will recognize anything about Thomas Ogle and this historical milestone. No park or monument designation, no spur pathway, no kiosk, not even a wayside. And why should they care? The region is socio-economically depressed and undeserving of nice things that include history and place-making. As demonstrated by the STOP travesty, citizen advocacy would likely falter (or even be laughed at) in the face of low to no public or volunteer support.
Around the anniversary date of Dec 23, we will visit the burial site with landscaping tools of our own, and leave a tribute behind to remind Thomas that someone was indeed thinking of him (UPDATE 08/17/2021: we received an email from Delaware Public Archives (DPA) with regard to the Delaware Historical Markers Program. They are supportive of a Historical Marker installed at the site, which can only happen via an application process. Stay tuned for any progress.
Friday, August 6, 2021
Comments on the White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan
Greetings, DE State Parks. Please add our comments below to the White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan, before the 8-2-2021 deadline. Thank you very much.
In no particular order:
- There is only 1 park bench/rest stop along the paved Tri-Valley SUP
(Shared Use Pthway). There needs to be more, at equal distances, so
people can stop, rest and take in the views. The same goes for the entire length of the Pomeroy Trail.
- "Shared Zone" (or similar, MUTCD) and posted speed limit signs need to be added along Creek
Road and Wedgewood Roads where these are paved and shared with motor
vehicles. See attached image (right). Presently there is no signage, and no posted speed limit, and cars --
often times speeding -- are weaving between bike-ped traffic.
- We do NOT agree with the others who are against using stone dust, fine gravel or limestone or other packing materials on trails. Please continue to use these as a proven means to control erosion and formalize trails as needed.
- Please REMOVE the hanging cable that is blocking Tom Sharpe Lane, at Judge Morris Estate, turning in from Polly Drummond Road. This is a trip or crash hazard, and should be replaced with a removable bollard(s) or partial gate with clear bike-ped access, e.g. along Creek Rd.
- Tell DelDOT to replace the unsightly concrete barriers on Creek Road at the Pomeroy Trail bridge curve with something more aesthetically pleasing. These are an eyesore and detract from the park's otherwise beautiful scenery.
- With the advent of "Gravel" bikes and wider trail riding, park trails and pathways should be sub-grouped into the following categories, and mapped as such, e.g. 1. PAVED 2. GRAVEL 3. MTB
- The Tri-Valley SUP is very overgrown between 9 foot Rd and its southern terminus at Thompson Station/SR72, and is reduced to about 2/3 width. This is hazardous for bi-directional bike-ped traffic. Please perform maintenance, including mowing and edging. At 8', this is the min recommended width for such a facility according to FHWA.
- Improve safety for the bike-ped crossing between Creek Rd (gravel section) and Tweeds Mill (nature center). A large-sized MUTCD-approved R1-5 in each direction would be a big improvement. As it stands now, most motorists continue through the marked crosswalk, even with people standing there waiting.
- Connect via SUP the Carpenter Area with the Pomeroy Trail, and that with the Possum Hill and Middle Run Areas.
- Continue working on a WCCSP-Fair Hill connection via SUP, if that is still being considered.
--Frank Warnock & Angela Connolly
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Privilege Has It's Rewards: Part 5
Cross-posted from Bryan-Townsend.com. Read the full series here.
This post was featured on Bike Delaware's Facebook page on April 11. It's pretty self-explanatory, in terms of what regions of New Castle County receive priority based on socio-economic status. Surely, Rep Osienski will head over there again, outside his District 24, to help cut the ribbon with Baumbach (Rep, 24th) when completed. Bike Delaware is a developer's wildest dream, in terms of a corrupt org that drives advocacy only for the privileged few; forget the 'unwashed' -- or those living in the vast suburbs that include Ogletown-S. Newark.
Saving the Orphanage Property required only 10% the cost of the Route 9 Library
Monday, April 19, 2021
Surprise! (not): Delaware 5th loudest State in the U.S.
Cross-posted from Bryan-Townsend.com
Time and time again, Delaware fails miserably when it comes to leadership and quality of life. Here is yet another measure reaching the top 5: Noise. This study only crunched some numbers, and cited statistics, but it failed to include other factors such as law enforcement (level of, lack thereof). It didn't include the colossal failure by the State and its various Police agencies to penalize and/or prosecute for drag racing and modified vehicle exhaust systems. These include "fart can mufflers", straight pipes or other modified systems that vastly increases vehicle noise. For most residents living in New Castle County's suburbs, for example, even a half mile from the nearest arterial road can sound like track-side at a NASCAR event. Many people hear it inside their homes, even above their TV, especially on weekend nights. There is no police enforcement of this crime, so the offenders know they can get away with it. Often times, the decibel on acceleration is 120+ decibels, which if you're a pedestrian or bicyclist, is hurtful or damaging to the ear. This is assault, and 100% illegal according to Delaware law, in multiple code sections (HERE & HERE). Yet, as expected, it gets a free pass by Townsend and cohorts.
Senator Townsend, along with Rep Edward Osienski and NCC's Lisa Diller are the epitome of failed leadership. Not just in Delaware, but any State. Until we rise up and hold them accountable on issues like this, there will be no end to the corruption, in sight. Delaware is represented by the 4th most criminal State govt in the nation. Its residents have to act and vote with this in mind, in order to stop them.
Vehicle noise assault on a "complete street" in New Castle County, Delaware.
“If anyone walking along the sidewalk were to make deafening noises, spew poisonous gas into innocent faces, and threaten people with a deadly weapon, they would be arrested. Yet a few feet away, on the public roadway, it is considered normal behavior” ~Steve Stollman