Frenchtown Woods Maintenance Corp.

Councilman Tackett’s spring Newsletter 2012

Open the attachment for photos and links

 

Councilman David L. Tackett

mailto:dltackett@nccde.org

(302) 395-8371

 

SENIOR TAX EXEMPTION

 

If you will be 65 or older on or before July 1, 2012 call Councilman Tackett’s office at 302-395-8371 or email mailto:dltackett@nccde.org to find out if you qualify for a Tax exemption.

You can get an application by downloading it from the New Castle County Website Tax exemption applications or by calling the Land Use Department Assessment Division at 302-395-5520. Your application MUST be received by June 1, 2012 to qualify for a reduction or exemption on your School or County Taxes for 2012.

School Tax Credit - To qualify for this credit, you must be age 65 or older as of the beginning of the tax year (July 1st). Also, the property for which you are applying for the credit must be your principal residence. A copy of your driver's license or birth certificate is required for each applicant at time of application.

Real Estate or Mobile Home Exemption - Citizens Over Age 65 -You must be 65 years old before July 1 of the fiscal year for which are applying. This exemption has eligibility requirements that relate to assets and income.

Real Estate or Mobile Home Exemption - Disabled Citizens - Qualifications are based on disability status and an income of $50,000 or less.

 

TAX AMNESTY

New Castle County’s tax amnesty program ends May 31, 2012

If you owe back taxes on your primary residence call 302-323-2600 now, or visit the Government Center for information on how to make arrangements to pay your tax bill in full and have ALL out-standing penalties waived. The program applies only to penalties on property taxes and does not include sewer fees.

The County Government Center is at

87 Reads Way

New Castle Corporate Commons,

New Castle, DE 19702

The county also has decided not to foreclose on residential properties that are behind in taxes if a payment agreement is set up. This is limited to owner-occupied residences.

 

HELP FOR HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS

The Homeowner Association Help Line (HAHL) was launched by the New Castle County Government late last year. The mission of this program is to serve as a communication, educational, and informational call center for our community’s maintenance corporations and civic associations. This help line provides homeowner associations with the knowledge and tools to maintain their communities. The homeowner Association Help Line is designated to serve the leaders of homeowner association.

The line is staffed from 8am to 4pm. Call 302-395-5601 for more information. Homeowner Association Help Line - New Castle County, DE

 

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS

Summer Jobs Available for Youth

New Castle County Summer Youth Employment Program will have its Application Processing Event on May 19th, 2012 from 8 am-1 pm at 77 Reads Way, Gilliam Building Multipurpose Room, New Castle, DE 19720.

This Program is for youth ages 14—20 and runs from June 25th through August 24th.

– Income Eligibility is required

You can pick up an application at 77 Reads Way, Gilliam building, New Castle, DE 19720 or contact Councilman Tackett’s office at 302-395-8371 and we can send you one.

Bring your completed application; we can also provide assistance with the application process. Call 302-395-5600 for more information.

You need the following documents when you submit your application:

·         Proof of address (utility bill, lease, official mail from Federal, state, or a city agency)

·         Social Security Card

·         Photo ID (state or school)

·         Birth Certificate

·         Proof of household income: 2011 income tax returns, three most recent pay stubs, an agency letter: Source and amount if applicable, court-ordered letter if applicable.

 

Department of Community Services

87 Reads Way, Gilliam Building

New Castle, DE 19720

302-395-5600

Community Services

 

GLASGOW PARK SKATE PARK OPENS

On March 24th, Councilman Dave Tackett joined County Executive Paul Clark, State Senator Bethany Hall-Long, and State Representative Earl Jaques in cutting the ribbon to open the new skate park at Glasgow Regional Park.

The new skate park is an 18,500 square foot skate park plaza and bowl facility. This facility includes a plaza-like setting that features steps, radial benches, rollers, manual pads, and railings. The design replicates the areas where the sport is normally practiced in parking lots and shopping areas, but in a much safer environment. New landscaping adds to the ambience of the area.

The two bowls were constructed to include half pipes, "waterfalls" and other amenities. The entire facility was constructed out of specially finished concrete with edging material that can resist the constant pounding from hard use.

The skate park was designed by Site Design Group Inc. of Solana Beach, California, and was constructed by Castle Construction of New Castle, DE and California Skateparks of Upland, California.

 

RAIN GARDEN INSTALLATION AT GLASGOW PARK

Laura Whalen from The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary on behalf of NCC applied for and received a "Rain Gardens for Water Quality Improvement in the Christina River Watershed" Grant. Glasgow Park was one of the sites chosen to create a rain garden. The arrow in the photo points to the most appropriate location.

An Installation date is being decided upon but will most likely be on a weekend between now and the end of June. If you are interested in volunteering to help install the rain garden or in learning more about them, contact Valerie George 302-395-8371 for the date and time of the activity.

 

LAND USE CORNER

What are the regulations regarding animals in New Castle County? What kind of animals cannot be kept as pets?

The Delaware Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) enforces regulations regarding nuisance animals and animals that are mistreated.

Rules for keeping pets in new Castle County

·         All dogs over the age of 6 months are required to have a Delaware State Dog License and must display the license tag. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required to obtain a dog license.

·         All dogs must be leashed or fenced at all times.

·         People responsible for dogs or cats are expected to prevent accumulation of animal excreta in the area where the animals are customarily kept.

·         People responsible for dogs or cats must immediately remove any fecal matter deposited by their dog or cat upon and street, sidewalk, or park or upon any property without the consent of the owner or tenant of such property. It’s not be a violation if the fecal matter is removed within an hour.

 

The following animals are prohibited on any parcel of land that is in a residential district and less than one acre in total, or otherwise restricted by Chapter 4, Section 04.02.004 of the New Castle County Code.

Cattle, poultry, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, geese, waterfowl, guinea hens, chickens, turkeys, donkeys, quail, doves, llamas, raccoons, muskrats, non-domesticated mammals, game fowl, pigeons, pheasants, peacocks, foxes, minks, exotic animals, wild animals, game animals and other like animals. It is unlawful for any for any owner, tenant, or other person in control of a property to raise, breed, shelter, or harbor any of the above.

This section does not apply to the keeping, sheltering, or harboring of horses, or to educational programs run or overseen by a private or public schools, the Delaware Cooperative Extension Education Program, the 4-H, the Newark Pigeon Club, Wilmington Homing Club, or the Delmarva Pigeon Club.

For information regarding abandoned and unwanted animals, contact the SPCA of Delaware or the Delaware Humane Association.

SPCA New Castle County Shelter: (302) 998-2281 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713

DELAWARE HUMANE: (302) 571-0111 701 A Street Wilmington, DE 19801

 

Valerie George

Legislative Aide to Councilman David Tackett

Eleventh District, New Castle County Council

Louis L.Redding City/County Building

800 North French Street, 8th floor

Wilmington, DE 19801

office: 302-395-8371

fax: 302-395-8386