| News regarding old Pinnacle Foods/Vlasic facility |
Posted on May 8th, 2013
The state of Delaware has found a buyer for the old Pinnacle Foods/Vlasic Pickle property less than a mile down Iron Branch Road from Wharton's Bluff. Allen Harim Foods, LLC, a poultry food company, has bought the site and plans to operate all processes associated with packaging chicken at the location.
Many of you should have received a "Notice of Public Hearing" letter in your Wharton's Bluff mailbox from the County Board of Adjustment for a "special use exception for a potentially hazardous use (poulty processinig facility)". The hearing will be held Monday evening, June 3rd at 7:00 PM in the County Council Chambers at the County Administrative Office Building, On the Circle in Georgetown. All interested parties should attend and present their views. For those unable to attend, written comments will be accepted so long as they are received PRIOR to the public hearing. For additional information, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (302) 855-7878. Electronic comments can be submitted HERE. The mailing address is:
Planning & Zoning Office
PO Box 417
Georgetown, DE 19947
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| Q & A with Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Edwin Kee |
Posted on May 8th, 2013
A Wharton's Bluff resident reached out to Rep. John Atkins with a few questions regarding the Allen Harim Foods, LLC poultry processing facility that is going into the former Pinnacle Foods/Vlasic site. Rep. Atkins replied with answers from Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Edwin Kee.
Do you know anything about systems that will be put in place to prevent/limit the odor, given the close proximity of Possum Point, Whartons Bluff, and East Millsboro Elementary? This is extremely important in making sure that the surrounding residents don't become an angry mob!
- As for odors, Harim is investing at least $10 million in the latest equipment and technology designed to limit odors as well as other environmental issues that would potentially impact neighbors. Allen/Harim, as well as Perdue, Mountaire and the other companies are doing a good job of odor free operations. Selbyville is a great example of that. Finally, Allen/Harim is committed to meeting the DNREC standards, which includes addressing those types of concerns.
What will the noise levels be?
- As for noise issues, virtually all operations are indoors. Even the bird unloading operation is baffled by outdoor walls and a roof. Of course, there is truck traffic and fork-lifts, but they are on the backside and not near homes or the school.
What is the projected increase in traffic on Iron Branch Road? Is there a chance of a connection to Thorogoods Rd?
- Frankly, while there will be more truck traffic than the Vlasic plant, I don't think it's that much more. And the plant only operates 5 days/week, no plans to work on weekends, except an occasional Saturday. I do know that Allen/Harim is communicating with DelDot on egress/regress issues, but I don't know the details on that or Thoroughgood Road.
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| WB 2013 Budgets Approved |
Posted on Nov 13th, 2012
At a September Special Meeting, members of Wharton's Bluff Parcel A approved the 2013 budget. The budget reflects a 4% increase in assessments for townhome owners and an 8% increase for single family homeowners, due mainly to an increase in the Common Area Maintenance category. This grounds and landscaping line item has been increased to allow the association to focus on improvements to the turf, whether it be re-sodding or overseeding in the fall of 2013. A copy of the budget is posted on the "Meeting Minutes" page of this website.
The Wharton's Bluff Parcel B will remain the same in 2013 as it was in 2012. A copy of this budget can also be found on the "Meeting Minutes" page.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the September special meeting.
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| Power Plant News |
Posted on Feb 4th, 2010
NRG, the owners of the Indian River Power Plant have announced plans to shut down all but one of their generators by 2013, install additional environmental controls on the remaining unit, and end the use of the Indian River for cooling, eliminating concerns about the effects of this cooling on fish and wildlife. Click here for the DNREC press release. The NRG press release has been emailed, but is not available online yet. A link will be posted when available. |
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| Whartons Bluff Hobbyist Gallery |
Posted on Oct 13th, 2009
Do you have a great sunset picture from Whartons Bluff? How about a picture of one of the Blue Herons that frequently feeds along our bank? If you have any artistic or nature pictures from around the bluff, your neighbors would love to see them! You can upload them by going to the new Whartons Bluff Hobbyist Gallery and clicking the "upload photo" link! You will be able to upload pictures into other albums also as they become available. |
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