We Want Your Input! Help Us Decide the Future of the Old County Park Property

The Town of Townsend is exploring options for the future use of the old County park property, and we want to hear from YOU — our residents and property owners!

We’re asking the community to participate in a brief survey to help guide our decision. The survey presents two options for consideration:

  • Option #1: Improve and enhance the current park features, keeping it a traditional park with a playground.

  • Option #2: Convert the park into a designated dog park.

Your feedback will help ensure that the chosen path reflects the interests and needs of our community.

🗓 Please complete the survey by July 31st, 2025.

 

Thank you for taking a moment to help shape the future of this community space!

NOTICE OF SOLICITATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER- TWO SEATS OPEN

Town Seal

NOTICE OF SOLICITATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER

There are TWO Planning Commission Seats open for appointment by Town Council.  Each position serves for a period of three years

If you are interested in serving as a Member of the Planning Commission, please reach out by emailing Town Clerk, Kelsey Gallagher, at townhall@townsend.delaware.gov.

The qualifications for Planning Commission Members can be found below.

Qualifications for Planning Commission Members

Town of Townsend Municipal Code 24.08.040 Planning Commission

  1. Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is hereby established in the manner prescribed by law. This commission shall consist of five members. At all times one member is to be a member of the Board of Adjustment. All members are to be appointed by the town council for a period of three years. Any member may be removed by a majority vote of the full council. Vacancies shall be filled for the un-expired term of any member whose position becomes vacant. The duties of the Planning Commission shall be to review the zoning ordinance and to advise the board of adjustment and town council of proposed amendments or changes in the zoning ordinance on a yearly basis. The Planning Commission has the responsibility of updating the zoning map and developing a comprehensive development plan.

Delaware Code Title 22 Municipalities, Chapter 7 Planning Commission § 701. Establishment; membership.

  • 701. Establishment; membership.

Any incorporated city or town may at any time establish a planning commission under this chapter. A planning commission established hereunder shall consist of not less than 5 nor more than 9 members. Such members shall in cities be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the city council, and in towns where there is not a mayor shall be elected by the town commissioners. When a planning commission is first established the members thereof shall be appointed or elected for terms of such length and shall be so arranged that the term of at least 1 member shall expire each year and their successor shall be appointed or elected for terms of 2 to 5 years each. Any member of the planning commission so established in a city may be removed for cause after a public hearing by the mayor with the approval of city council; members of the planning commission elected by town commissioners shall be removed by them for cause after a public hearing by a majority vote. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term in a city in the same manner as an original appointment and in a town by the town commissioners. Such a planning commission shall elect annually a chairperson and a secretary from among its own number and may employ experts, clerical and other assistants. It may appoint a custodian of its plan and records who may be the city engineer or town clerk.

 

 

ANNOUNCING: Two Town Council Seats Filled, One Remains Open, & Town Meeting Rules

The Town of Townsend Mayor and Council Re-appoint Councilmen Chapman & Bangura to fill their Council seats, at the June 4th, 2025 Town Council Meeting.  Both were officially sworn in during the Town Council meeting as well as the re-election of Mayor Lobdell. 

There is still 1 (one) open council seat that remains to be filled. If you have any interest in serving in Council, please contact Kgallagher@townsend.delaware.gov for more information.

Townsend Mayor and Council also approved, by unanimous decision, the Town Meeting Rules for the 2025-2026 Council Term.  To review the rules, please see the attached link:  2025-2026 Rules of Procedure- Council Meetings

 

Town of Townsend-Request for Proposals (RFP): Code Review & Inspection Services

Request for Proposals (RFP): Code Review & Inspection Services

Date Issued: Friday, May 23, 2025
Proposal Due: Monday, June 30, 2025 by 4:00 PM

The Town of Townsend is now accepting proposals from qualified firms or individuals for Code Review and Inspection Services. As development activity in the town continues to grow, we are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced partner to support municipal staff in ensuring construction projects meet all relevant building, safety, zoning, and environmental codes.

This RFP outlines the scope of services required, including plan review, permitting assistance, field inspections, and code compliance oversight. The selected firm will work closely with the Town to ensure a safe and orderly development process, enhancing our community through professional and consistent code enforcement.

Scope of Work Includes:

  • Permitting coordination

  • Construction oversight

  • Architectural and engineering plan reviews

  • Site inspections

  • Reporting and correction notices

  • Additional services as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Certification to perform inspections in Delaware

  • Minimum 5 years of relevant municipal experience

  • Insurance coverage meeting Town requirements

Submission Requirements:
Proposals must include a cover letter, company qualifications, key personnel details, references, fee schedule, proof of insurance, and required licenses.

Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be reviewed based on experience, understanding of the project, past performance, cost, and local knowledge.

Deadline for Proposal Submission:
Monday, June 30, 2025, by 4:00 PM
Late submissions will not be considered.

Submit Proposals To:
Town of Townsend
Attn: Julie Goodyear, Town Manager
141 Main Street, PO Box 223
Townsend, DE 19734
📧 jgoodyear@townsend.delaware.gov
📞 (302) 378-8082

Questions?
Submit inquiries to Julie Goodyear by Tuesday, June 3, 2025. A Contractor Bidding Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Town Hall.

For complete RFP details, visit: https://townsend.delaware.gov

RFP- Code & Inspection Services

Town of Townsend – Request for Proposals (RFP) for Engineering Services

Town of Townsend – Request for Proposals (RFP) for Engineering Services

Posted: May 23, 2025
Proposal Deadline: June 30, 2025 @ 4:00 PM

The Town of Townsend is seeking proposals from qualified engineering firms to provide professional services to support the Town’s infrastructure projects and municipal engineering needs. The selected firm will assist with planning, design, permitting, construction oversight, and other related services vital to our growing community.

Scope of Services Includes (but is not limited to):

  • Preliminary Engineering & Planning

  • Design Services

  • Permitting Assistance

  • Bidding & Procurement Support

  • Construction Oversight

  • Additional Municipal Engineering Services

The contract will be for a one-year term with the possibility of annual renewals for up to three additional years, based on performance.

Proposal Submission Deadline:
All proposals must be received by Monday, June 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM at the address listed below. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Submit Proposals To:
Town of Townsend
Attn: Julie Goodyear, Town Manager
141 Main Street, PO Box 223
Townsend, DE 19734
Email: jgoodyear@townsend.delaware.gov 
Phone: 302-378-8082

Pre-Bid Meeting:
A Contractors Bidding Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Town Hall. Questions must be submitted by Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

More Information:
To view the full RFP and submission requirements, please visit https://townsend.delaware.gov or contact Town Hall.

RFP- Engineering Services

Effective 5/26/2025- New Permit Forms

We want to share with you our new and improved permit forms. – see the attached links:
 
Building Permit Application – 2025 
Demolition Application – 2025
 
-These forms will become effective on May 26th, 2025, and will be the only applications that are accepted by The Town of Townsend.
Please ensure that you apply for permits for the following work to ensure you are complying with the Town Code:
  • Additions
  • Finished Basements
  • Carports
  • Decks
  • Demolitions
  • Driveways
  • Fences
  • Fireplaces
  • Flagpoles
  • Garages
  • Gazebos
  • Hot Tubs
  • HVAC
  • Irrigation or Wells
  • Patios
  • Plumbing
  • Pole Barns
  • Porches
  • Roofs
  • Sheds
  • Sidewalk
  • Signs
  • Solar
  • Swimming Pool (Inground & Above Ground)”

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT: Townsend Townhall Library Open to Townsend Residents

Townsend Townhall Library Located within Townhall- 141 Main Street To Reserve a book, simply email or mail in the requested book title and date of desired collection. At time of pick up- you will need to show identification confirming you are a Townsend resident. IMPORTANT INFO: Check out Times are for 30 days. Three books are eligible to be reserved at one time. Extensions are available if no future reservations are in place. Delays in returns will result in loss of lending privileges For a full list of the available books, please visit the Towns website or stop into Townhall for the list For a full list of the available books, please visit the Towns website or stop into Townhall for the list For information or questions, please contact Townhall via phone at 302-378-8082 or via email at townhall@townsend.delaware.gov

Townsend Townhall Library

NOTICE OF BID OPENING- CODE REVIEW & INSPECTION SERVICES

notice of bid opening and specs on rfp process

 

Notice of Bid Opening- Code Review & Inspection Services

We Want Your Input: Tax Rate Adjustment Survey

As we plan for the upcoming fiscal year, our town is facing the need for a tax rate adjustment to ensure we can continue providing essential services and maintaining infrastructure.

We are considering two options for how to implement this adjustment:

  • Option 1: Apply the full adjustment in the upcoming fiscal year.

  • Option 2: Spread the adjustment evenly over the next two fiscal years to reduce the immediate impact.

We’re asking property owners and residents to help guide this decision by completing a brief survey.

https://forms.office.com/r/55RhuVgQfv 


Survey closes on Monday, May 26th, 2025

Your feedback is important and will directly inform how we move forward. Thank you for taking the time to share your input!

For questions, please contact Julie Goodyear, Town Manager at 302-378-8082 or via email jgoodyear@townsend.delaware.gov

 

QR code for the survey so Owners can scan to complete the survey

Delaware’s Open Burning Ban- To Begin May 1 & Run Through Sept 30.

Delaware’s Open Burning Ban – Also Known as the Ozone Season – to Begin May 1 and Run Through Sept. 30