It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Old Stone House in Georgetown, DE gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Georgetown, DE is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”
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“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and took us thru the process smoothly.”
“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your company.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision of in-home care.”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Georgetown Waterfront Park in Georgetown, DE with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Fiola Mare or visit Tudor Place, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Georgetown, DE, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Georgetown, DE understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Georgetown, DE 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Why Should Delaware Care? Early voting locations will be open 10 days before Election Day, giving Delawareans a chance to make their voice heard in the 2026 midterm election. The early voting period gives voters a chance to skip potential lines on Election Day and eases the process.While Delaware still is 13 days out from the 2026 midterm election on Nov. 3, voters can cast their ballot as early as Thursday.Up for grabs in the consequential election are seats up and down the Delaware ballot, including for U.S. ...
Why Should Delaware Care? Early voting locations will be open 10 days before Election Day, giving Delawareans a chance to make their voice heard in the 2026 midterm election. The early voting period gives voters a chance to skip potential lines on Election Day and eases the process.
While Delaware still is 13 days out from the 2026 midterm election on Nov. 3, voters can cast their ballot as early as Thursday.
Up for grabs in the consequential election are seats up and down the Delaware ballot, including for U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, Delaware attorney general and treasurer, and dozens of statehouse positions.
All registered Delaware voters can vote early in their county of residence. To do so, they must present at the polling station one of the following: a state-issued photo ID, a utility bill, or a government document with the voter’s name and address
To be eligible, voters must be a U.S. citizen, a Delaware resident and 18 years old or older by Election Day.
For information about candidates, visit Spotlight Delaware’s 2026 Election Center.
Early voting locations will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Oct. 22 through Oct. 27 – except on Sunday, Oct. 25, when they will close.
From Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, they will be open between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Not all polling locations in the state will be open for early voting. Instead, there will be six designated locations in New Castle County, four in Kent County, and nine in Sussex County.
Delawareans can vote at any early voting location within their county.
The polling locations are as follows:
If you can’t vote at a polling location – whether early or on Election Day – you can vote by absentee ballot if you have a reason permitted by the state. Those include being sick or disabled, being a caregiver who can’t leave their home, or being stationed abroad in the armed services. More information on whether you qualify can be found here.
To request an absentee ballot, visit Delaware iVote portal, then download and return the absentee ballot request form, found here.
Absentee ballots must be received by the Department of Elections at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in order to count.
If you need help or need to speak with an elections official about your registration or voting options, contact the Delaware Department of Elections in your relevant county. Click here to find phone numbers and emails for those offices.
If you notice an issue at the polls and want to bring it to Spotlight Delaware’s attention, email [email protected]. Include as much detail as you can, including where, when, and what you observed. Please include contact info, even if you wish to remain anonymous in our reporting, so that we can follow up and learn more about the situation.
GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Delaware Department of Human Resources will host its fourth and final statewide career fair of the year Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Stockley Campus in Georgetown.The event will run from noon to 4 p.m. and connect adult and justice-involved job seekers with career opportunities in Delaware state government. Registration is open at statejobs.delaware.gov.The career fair will also include a morning session reserved for invited high school students from across Delaware. Students will be a...
GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Delaware Department of Human Resources will host its fourth and final statewide career fair of the year Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Stockley Campus in Georgetown.
The event will run from noon to 4 p.m. and connect adult and justice-involved job seekers with career opportunities in Delaware state government. Registration is open at statejobs.delaware.gov.
The career fair will also include a morning session reserved for invited high school students from across Delaware. Students will be able to learn about career pathways and explore employment opportunities in state government.
The afternoon session will open to the public at noon and focus on part-time, full-time and casual seasonal jobs.
This is the first year DHR has held career fairs in all three Delaware counties.
"A good-paying job is about more than a paycheck. It’s a chance to build a better future for yourself and your family,” Gov. Matt Meyer said. “Whether you’re a student starting your career, looking for a new opportunity, or rebuilding your life after involvement with the justice system, this career fair is about opening doors to meaningful careers and real second chances.”
DHR Secretary Yvonne Anders Gordon said bringing career fairs into communities is intended to make state employment opportunities more accessible.
“We recognize that access and awareness are key to building a talented, diverse workforce, and we want to ensure anyone interested in serving Delaware has the information and support they need to pursue these opportunities,” Gordon said. “By bringing our career fairs directly into local communities, we are making it easier for people to explore careers in public service and take the next step in their professional journey.”
During the afternoon session, DHR will also connect justice-involved job seekers with employment and career opportunities in state government. The effort is a collaboration among DHR, the Delaware Department of Correction and the Delaware Department of Labor.
WILMINGTON, Del. – The Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR) will host its fourth and final statewide career fair of the year on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Stockley Campus in Georgetown. The event, scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., will link youth, adult, and justice-involved job seekers with rewarding career opportunities in state government. Registration is now open at statejobs.delaware.gov.To accommodate both youth and adult participants, the event will feature dedicated morning and afte...
WILMINGTON, Del. – The Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR) will host its fourth and final statewide career fair of the year on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Stockley Campus in Georgetown. The event, scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., will link youth, adult, and justice-involved job seekers with rewarding career opportunities in state government. Registration is now open at statejobs.delaware.gov.
To accommodate both youth and adult participants, the event will feature dedicated morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session, reserved for invited high school students from across the state, will provide students with an opportunity to learn about career pathways and explore employment opportunities in government. The afternoon session, open to the general public beginning at 12:00 p.m., will focus on connecting adult jobseekers with part-time, full-time, and casual seasonal employment opportunities.
This is the first year that DHR career fairs have been held in all three Delaware counties.
“A good-paying job is about more than a paycheck. It’s a chance to build a better future for yourself and your family.” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Whether you’re a student starting your career, looking for a new opportunity, or rebuilding your life after involvement with the justice system, this career fair is about opening doors to meaningful careers and real second chances.”
“We recognize that access and awareness are key to building a talented, diverse workforce, and we want to ensure anyone interested in serving Delaware has the information and support they need to pursue these opportunities,” said DHR Secretary Yvonne Anders Gordon. “By bringing our career fairs directly into local communities, we are making it easier for people to explore careers in public service and take the next step in their professional journey.”
As part of the afternoon session, DHR will also connect justice-involved jobseekers with employment and career opportunities in state government. This initiative is a collaborative effort among DHR, the Department of Correction, and the Department of Labor to expand employment pathways for justice-involved individuals.
“Thank you to the Department of Human Resources for playing a leading role in supporting second chance hiring in state government for justice-involved individuals who are committed to working hard to build a career and pursue a new path forward,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor.
“Creating pathways to meaningful employment starts with making sure Delawareans know where the opportunities are and have the support they need to pursue them,” said Delaware Department of Labor Secretary LaKresha Moultrie. “This career fair brings together state agencies, employers, and jobseekers to create those connections, while giving individuals an opportunity to see themselves building a career in public service. We are proud to partner with DHR and the Department of Correction to expand access to opportunity and help more Delawareans take their next step forward.”
Job Openings and Employment Opportunities: In advance of each career fair, DHR’s Central Talent Acquisition (CTA) team works closely with State agencies to identify current job openings and other employment opportunities for youth and adult jobseekers. These opportunities may include positions offering on-site interviews and, where appropriate, the potential for direct hiring.
General Public Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Location: Stockley Campus – All Star Building, 26351 Patriots Way, Georgetown, DE 19947 Public Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend during public hours to learn more about career opportunities within the State of Delaware. Spanish language interpreters will be available onsite to assist attendees.
To register for the career fair, click here. To learn more about jobs at the State of Delaware, visit statejobs.delaware.gov.
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A Georgetown committee recommends Town Council repeal an ordinance allowing cottage homes in the community.Late last year, Georgetown Town Council change that opened the door for applications for “cottage community” developers. These communities would consist of several small housing units on a single parcel of land.Following the election of , the measure was sent to a working group this summer for reconsideration.That group recommends council repeal the ordinance change. Committee member Eddie Wise says the...
A Georgetown committee recommends Town Council repeal an ordinance allowing cottage homes in the community.
Late last year, Georgetown Town Council change that opened the door for applications for “cottage community” developers. These communities would consist of several small housing units on a single parcel of land.
Following the election of , the measure was sent to a working group this summer for reconsideration.
That group recommends council repeal the ordinance change. Committee member Eddie Wise says they aren’t against cottage homes, just the ordinance.
“I don’t think the ordinance was very well thought out. There should have been a little more restriction on where it can go. I’m not
opposed to the tiny cottages so to speak, I just don’t believe it should have been in that section of the code that it's in.” he said.
The committee was formed after newly elected Georgetown Mayor Angela Townsend placed it on a council agenda earlier this year, something she promised to do during her campaign.
The committee is made up of two “concerned citizen” members -Wise and Lisa Rohlfing- along with the newly elected Councilman Michael Briggs, Councilman Tony Neal and City Manager Gene Dvornick.
Rohlfing, an outspoken opponent of the cottage homes, says the ordinance permitting the cottage homes is too specific.
“We deserve to have a comprehensive plan, not one that just pulls out one type of housing and just focuses on that. So I’m happy to be a part of a recommendation that we pull this back and treat all of the components of the Road Act and Senate Bill 23 together- and consider that all together.” she said.
Council already approved a 20 cottage development on Market Street last year. Towsend said in a previous meeting the town has no plans to intervene in that project, citing legal concerns.
The cottage home committee also recommends creating a new housing committee to discuss affordable housing, as well as ensuring compliance with Senate Bill 23.
he group’s recommendations passed in a 3-0 decision, with Dvornick and Neal absent.
They now head to council for potential action.
A proposal to build 124 cottage homes in Georgetown was reviewed Sept. 2, by state agencies but faces an uncertain future, as the town is moving to repeal a law allowing such housing.Georgetown Town Council in August voted to begin the process to rescind the cottage community amendment to the town's housing code enacted in December to allow clusters of small houses in UR-1 residential districts.Judson Malone, executive director of Springboard Delaware, said he believes the town must follow existing law, and Senate Bill 23 appro...
A proposal to build 124 cottage homes in Georgetown was reviewed Sept. 2, by state agencies but faces an uncertain future, as the town is moving to repeal a law allowing such housing.
Georgetown Town Council in August voted to begin the process to rescind the cottage community amendment to the town's housing code enacted in December to allow clusters of small houses in UR-1 residential districts.
Judson Malone, executive director of Springboard Delaware, said he believes the town must follow existing law, and Senate Bill 23 approved in June requires only an administrative approval of his group’s project.
“We plan to insist that our project has to be reviewed under the laws that are in place,” Malone said. “As far as we’re concerned, we’re following the rules. There are no exceptions. This is a permitted use under town code.”
Springboard Delaware is not allowed to submit an application to the town until the state Preliminary Land Use Service review is complete.
During a predevelopment meeting in January, town officials indicated support for the project, Malone said. But a change of heart by town leaders since then has put approval of the project in doubt.
“The town has known about this project and had an opportunity to informally discuss the project before we began engineering,” Malone said.
Mayor Angela Townsend, who took office in May, raised objections to the cottage community ordinance and had the issue placed on the agenda of council’s July 13 meeting. Townsend said the homes were unattractive and she wanted to limit where they could be built.
Council voted at the July meeting to halt review of applications for cottage housing and followed up Aug. 10 by asking the town's planning commission to draft an ordinance rescinding the cottage community law.
Town Manager Gene Dvornick said the process for eliminating the law is the same as enacting one, requiring public hearings by the planning commission and town council before a vote of the council.
The pause on tiny house project reviews and move to rescind the law will not affect a 20-home cottage housing project proposed by Little Living and the Fuller Center for Housing of Delaware at 501 and 503 E. Market St. It was proposed before the town changed its position on such projects.
Springboard Delaware operates in Georgetown a cluster of 40 homes that are each 64 square feet, commonly known as Pallet Village, for people who had previously been homeless.
The 14-acre site for the proposed Springboard Cottage Community is north of the intersection of Murrays Lane and East Market Street.
The project, estimated to cost about $20 million, would create 500-square-foot, single-story homes constructed by Georgetown-based Great Outdoor Cottages, Malone said.
State agencies offered comments and recommendations about the plan Sept. 2 during a state Preliminary Land Use Service meeting.
There is an intermittent stream on the west side of the site, but the plan would disturb less than 1 acre of the property that contains the waterway for the access from Murrays Lane, said Beth Krumrine, principal planner for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. A wetlands delineation must be conducted for the property to determine if permits are required, Krumrine said.
“We support the housing project, especially with it being an affordable housing project, which we all know is much needed in the state,” said Dorothy Morris, state circuit rider for the Office of State Planning Coordination. “We do support it, provided it meets all of the relevant codes and ordinances of the town.”
“DSHA supports Springboard Cottage Community in the strongest possible terms, as the cottage community will directly address the ongoing housing crisis by producing 124 affordable homes,” said Cole Shultz, a research specialist for the Delaware State Housing Authority. “This site presents a unique and critical opportunity to add new housing in a county that is in desperate need of it."
The Springboard Delaware project is the kind of housing that is supported by the recently approved state legislation Senate Bill 23 and House Bill 450, Shultz said.
“Ultimately, developments like this are a key to solving the ongoing housing crisis and ensuring that every Delawarean has a home,” he said. “And we are eager participants in ensuring their success.”
“This development is not key to solving the housing crisis in Delaware or homelessness," said Lisa Rice of Middletown, who spoke during a public comment period. “When will decision-makers listen to taxpayers? How dare you ignore us when you spend our money? Georgetown does not want 124 tiny cottages, and that should be respected.”
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