Following an affirmative vote by Council this January, the City began taking the necessary planning steps regarding a possible referendum to be held on Tuesday, June 19. The referendum would address the ability for the City to seek approval to borrow money for several capital projects, including the proposed stormwater pond project at the former Rodney dorm site. This would be the first referendum since 2001, when the City sought borrowing authorization to fund construction of the Newark reservoir and upgrades to the South Well Field Water Treatment Plant utilizing debt.
To ensure voters eligible to participate in the referendum are well-informed, the City is hosting a series of town hall forums to educate the public on the various capital projects that may be included in the referendum vote and the financial impact associated with approving or rejecting the referendum.
The City proposed a total of nine town hall forums to invite the public to hear a formal presentation on the aspects of the proposed referendum. In addition to the three forums currently scheduled below, up to six district-level events may be scheduled, hosted in concert with the district council member, at a date, time and location they select. All residents would be welcome to attend any or all forums, as their schedule permits. The currently scheduled sessions are as follows:
- Monday, April 16, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the George Wilson Center
- 303 New London Road, Newark
- Tuesday, May 22, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Newark Senior Center
- 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark
- Wednesday, June 6, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in Council Chambers
- 220 S. Main Street, Newark
More information on the referendum is available online. Residents with questions can email them to AskNewark@newark.de.us.