From: Zern, Jason <Jason.Zern@newcastlede.gov>
Date: Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Subject: Re: Brookland terrace civic meeting
To: Rodriguez, Michael <MIchael.Rodriguez@newcastlede.gov>
Cc: Sheldon, Timothy <Timothy.Sheldon@newcastlede.gov>, slocalone@gmail.com <slocalone@gmail.com>, Henry, Shannon <Shannon.Henry@newcastlede.gov>, Harris, Michael <Michael.Harris@newcastlede.gov>, Mortazavi, Ellie <Ellie.Mortazavi@newcastlede.gov>, Laramore, Eric <Eric.Laramore@newcastlede.gov>
Date: Mon, Apr 20, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Subject: Re: Brookland terrace civic meeting
To: Rodriguez, Michael <MIchael.Rodriguez@newcastlede.gov>
Cc: Sheldon, Timothy <Timothy.Sheldon@newcastlede.gov>, slocalone@gmail.com <slocalone@gmail.com>, Henry, Shannon <Shannon.Henry@newcastlede.gov>, Harris, Michael <Michael.Harris@newcastlede.gov>, Mortazavi, Ellie <Ellie.Mortazavi@newcastlede.gov>, Laramore, Eric <Eric.Laramore@newcastlede.gov>
Hi Tim and Mike, here's an update to share:
In the fall, the design team believed they were through all permitting requirements but received a couple of late responses.
DNREC had an objection to widening one of the bridges to 10 feet. In order to receive their approval, we had to reduce the width to 8 feet, which will still accommodate our Parks maintenance equipment. We have not received the official permit from DNREC, but we have an email from them stating that size was acceptable.
The last and most significant response was on the FEMA floodplain permit. We believed the requirement to submit a Letter of Map Revision (LOMAR) after construction satisfies the permit requirements; however, a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMAR) may be required prior to construction. CLOMARs are usually only required when you're making a significant change to the base flood elevation or propose development in the floodplain. If we have to submit a CLOMAR, the project could be delayed another year. We're still trying to work through whether that is a requirement.
I know this news is disappointing (as you know I was disappointed when I learned of the ongoing delays) as this project has drug on much longer than it should. Our team is trying to move this project forward as we have regulatory obligations to complete the project as well.
With my upcoming departure from the County, please contact Ellie Mortazavi or Mike Harris for continued updates or questions on this project.
I appreciate your continued patience.
Thanks.
Senior Manager, Public Works
Jason P. Zern
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