Walker's Bank - Accelerating Deterioration
The frozen Brandywine provided an opportunity to get close-up pictures of Walker's Bank's southern elevation. The openings in the roof on the western side have expanded since October 2017, both dormers on the southern roof (facing the Brandywine) are cratering, and the eastern side of the southern roof also appears to be sinking. Most of the stucco - which provides a protective surface to the underlying stone and mortar - is now off the building, allowing moisture and expanding ice to do structural damage.
The Historic Review Board met on December 19, 2017 for the first hearing for the Demolition Permit. While the HRB does not have the authority to decline a Demolition Permit, they can delay the issuance of a Demolition for up to 9 months from the date of November 14, 2017 application.
At the December hearing, 24 citizens, including County Councilman Bob Weiner, attended. Mr. Weiner spoke several times, first to ask for the maximum delay in the issuance and later to request that the Public Comment period be held open until February 6th (SEE DETAILS ON SUBMITTING COMMENTS BELOW). Many neighbors from Henry Clay Village spoke, offering suggestions for restoration and adaptive re-use. The owner, Tim Ashford and his attorney expressed their willingness to consider other re-use plans.
But before we can think about adaptive re-use plans, we should focus on immediate action to prevent the roof from collapsing, which could trigger a cascading effects: joists and beams could be pulled inward, causing load-bearing walls to buckle and make restoration all but impossible,
In short, while going to hearings and submitting comments for the next 8 months are important and necessary, if the owners do not take immediate action to secure the roof and close window openings, Mother Nature will claim Walker's Bank.
The next hearing is on Tuesday, January 16th, from 5 - 7 PM, at the 87 Reads Way, Corporate Commons, New Castle, Delaware (near the Wilmington Airport). I have created an Event, where you can let us know if you are attending.
https://www.facebook.com/events/390568481378324/
I will also keep posting photos and welcome comments on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/HistoricDelawareAtRisk/
If you can not attend the hearing, PLEASE submit comments via e-mail to the Historic Review Board.
In the subject line, include “Walker’s Bank.”
Here are the e-mail address to send contents. Members of the Historic Review Board Dr. Barbara E. Benson, Chair. John T. Brook, Esq. John R. Davis, PE Stephen L. Johns, PE, PLS Rafeal X. Zahralddin-Aravena, Esq.
All Board Members can all be e-mailed at LandUse@nccde.org
It is helpful to also copy the following elected/appointed officials:
Governor John Carney 820 N. French Street, 12th Floor Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Matthew S. Meyer, County Executive E-mail: mmeyer@nccde.org
Robert S. Weiner New Castle Councilman, E-mail: rsweiner@nccde.org
State Senator Greg Lavelle E-mail: Greg.Lavelle@state.de.us
State Representative Gerald L. Brady E-mail: Gerald.Brady@state.de.us
Mr. Timothy Slavin, Director Delaware Division of Historical & Cultural Affairs E-mail: timothy.slavin@state.de.us