April 2004

Charles Baker

Charles Baker has learned well how to deal with being on the hot seat. There is no more contentious issue in New Castle County than land use. There is nothing in New Castle County which produces more change and so more angst than land-use development.

That angst which economic development causes civic activists is often focused against Charlie. Likewise, the frustration business persons and developers feel in trying to get through the approval process–especially in dealing with the UDC and anti-development activists–also gets focused on Charlie.

What's a Land Use General Manager to do? In Charles Baker's case, he has managed to strike a balance. On the one hand, he tries to ensure that the existing community is protected, the County's valuable environmental and historic resources are preserved, and development is responsible. On the other hand, he tries to make the approval process more certain, timely, and fair.

Does he make everyone happy? No. He gets pulled by the civics, by the business community, by the administration, and by the Council. In between, he gets jabbed by legislators and State officials.

He's most often frustrated by misinformation. In this day of electronic messaging, misinformation can zing around the County faster than anyone can keep track, let alone respond.

Charlie will set us straight. He will not only tell us what's been happening and what's coming in the land-use arena, but also, correct some misperceptions, misconceptions, misunderstandings, and mistakes. He'll also show us the exciting valuable improvements to the Land Use Department's website.

New Castle County has, with two notable exceptions, been unlucky in its heads of Land Use/Planning. Charlie is one of those two lucky exceptions.

Beverley Baxter