In a rare fifth reading, Delaware City Council is expected to approve a capital improvement plan at its meeting tonight.
Also on the agenda is the first reading of an ordinance approving a preliminary development plan for a Speedway gas station and convenience store at U.S. 23 North and Hills Miller Road that is opposed by some neighboring residents.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1 S. Sandusky St.
The five-year 2016-20 plan was first presented to council on Aug. 14. By charter, it is required to be adopted by Oct. 15. The resolution is read at least three times before adoption. Council has met for a total of four hours at two separate work sessions, asking questions about items in the capital improvement plan that could be amended.
The capital improvement plan examines the city’s general fund, and airport, fire, police, public works, parks, equipment replacement, technology, building maintenance, water, sewer, storm sewer, refuse, parks impact, police impact and fire impact plans for future public improvements.
In a memo introducing the capital improvement plan, City Manager Tom Homan notes it is balanced, but “it does not begin to address the community’s critical and growing transportation needs.”
Homan said two major transportation projects are likely to begin in the next year or two, thanks to state and federal funding — the 315/U.S. 23 intersection and Pennsylvania Avenue/U.S. 23 interchange.
In the meantime, the city will unveil a new transportation plan by year’s end. The plan will update traffic projections, infrastructure components, and describe “15 priority transportation initiatives that would improve traffic flow and network connectivity while relieving congestion throughout the city.”
The preliminary plan for the controversial Speedway project was approved unanimously by the City Planning Commission last week over the wishes of residents.
Speedway bought the 12.9-acre property in 2014, which was already zoned as a general business district. That zoning includes business uses, including a gas station.
If approved by City Council, Speedway would also have to submit a more detailed final development plan to the City Planning Commission and City Council before construction can begin.
