Meeting Notes: Stop the Edgemoor Port
Date: August 18, 2025
Location: Not specified
Prepared by: Barbara Boese, Edgemoor Terrace Resident
Purpose: Community discussion to oppose the proposed Edgemoor Port development
Executive Summary
The meeting focused on continued opposition to the proposed Edgemoor Port, emphasizing environmental risks, cost overruns, and lack of transparency by the Diamond State Port Corporation. Updates included the project reaching a 30% design plan, ongoing permit disputes, and collaboration with the University of Delaware for alternative site uses. Concerns were raised about taxpayer subsidies, automation reducing jobs, and the need for third-party environmental and economic impact studies. Action items include applying for DNREC grants, distributing yard signs, and engaging elected officials.
Meeting Agenda
Update on Diamond State Port Corporation meeting and project status.
Discuss alternative uses for the Edgemoor site with UD Professor Anna Wik.
Review TV commercials and community engagement strategies with John Yashchur.
Address updates on port logistics, automation, and environmental concerns.
Open Q&A and community concerns.
Discussion Points
1. Diamond State Port Corporation Update
Presenter: Simeon Hahn, Co-Chair and Retired NOAA Environmental Scientist
Key Points:
The Diamond State Port Corporation completed a 30% design plan for the Edgemoor Port, but meeting minutes are not updated on the state website.
Governor Meyer supports the port and is in talks with international trade partners.
The project faces cost overruns beyond the initial $635 million budget.
Delaware Public Media reported a lack of transparency by the Army Corps of Engineers. The project’s permit is under review and contested.
Simeon Hahn has a case before the Environmental Appeals Board (DNREC) regarding the project.
2. Alternative Uses for the Edgemoor Site
Presenter: UD Professor Anna Wik, Landscape Architect
Key Points:
Professor Wik and her students are working on alternative designs for the Edgemoor site, focusing on remediation and sustainable uses.
Potential alternative uses include a mixed-use space across from Claymont Train Station, such as retail, recreation, or ecological restoration.
Barbara Boese identified a DNREC Community Environmental Project Fund Grant ($5,000–$50,000) for 2026, open for applications until August 31 (DNREC Grant Announcement).
To apply, the community must form an LLC or 501(c)(3) or be sponsored by a Civic Association.
3. Community Engagement Strategies
Presenter: John Yashchur
Key Points:
Presented multiple TV commercials to appeal to all Delawareans, emphasizing the negative impacts of the port and promoting alternative uses.
Chris Costov highlighted the economic importance of engaging all Delawareans to oppose the port.
Concerns raised by a neighbor that the project feels like a “foregone conclusion” with limited community influence.
Reassurance provided that meeting with elected officials and sustained advocacy can influence the outcome.
Collaboration with River Keepers to strengthen opposition efforts.
Call for a third-party environmental and economic impact study to assess the project’s true costs and benefits.
4. Port Logistics and Environmental Concerns
Presenter: Daryl Baker, Holt Logistics Co. Representative
Key Points:
Expansion of the existing Port of Wilmington is feasible and preferable to a new port at Edgemoor.
Container ports are increasingly automated, reducing the need for a large workforce. However, food imports require human inspections, which could support jobs.
The 2017 budget of $635 million is outdated, and cost overruns are likely, burdening taxpayers.
The State of Delaware currently subsidizes the Port of Wilmington with $15 million annually.
Environmental concerns include significant negative impacts from dredging 3.3 million cubic yards, as discussed in prior meetings.
Barbara Boese to contact the CDC to request a health outcomes study to evaluate impacts on community health.
5. Open Q&A and Community Concerns
Yard Signs: Available within a week, with an email notification for pickup.
Community Sentiment: A neighbor expressed frustration, feeling the project is unstoppable. Attendees emphasized that continued engagement with elected officials can lead to success.
Action Encouragement: Residents urged to stay active, contact legislators, and participate in advocacy efforts.
Additional Notes
Transparency Issues: The Army Corps of Engineers and Diamond State Port Corporation continue to lack transparency, limiting public access to information.
Environmental Appeals: Simeon Hahn’s case before the Environmental Appeals Board highlights ongoing regulatory disputes.
Collaboration: Partnership with River Keepers strengthens community efforts to oppose the port.
Action Items
Advocacy and Research:
Request a third-party environmental and economic impact study.
Contact the CDC for a health outcomes assessment (Barbara Boese).
Grant Application:
Form an LLC, 501(c)(3), or secure Civic Association sponsorship to apply for DNREC’s Community Environmental Project Fund Grant (DNREC Grant Announcement).
Community Outreach:
Distribute yard signs within a week to raise awareness.
Share TV commercials and alternative site proposals to engage Delawareans.
Collaborate with River Keepers for coordinated advocacy.
Engage Legislators:
Contact elected officials to voice opposition and emphasize community concerns.
Key Questions for Advocacy:
Can Delaware afford the cost overruns?
Will the port generate sufficient economic benefits?
What are the impacts on community health, home values, and quality of life?
How will dredging and automation affect the environment and workforce?
Next Steps
Organize follow-up meetings to coordinate advocacy efforts and monitor grant application progress.
Distribute meeting notes, yard signs, and TV commercial details to attendees and community members.
Track Simeon Hahn’s Environmental Appeals Board case and Army Corps permit review for updates.
Contact Information
DNREC Community Environmental Project Fund Grant: https://news.delaware.gov/2025/07/01/dnrec-opens-applications-for-2026-community-environmental-project-fund-grants-through-aug-31/
DNREC Port Proposal Portal: https://dnrec.delaware.gov/port-proposal/
Governor’s Office Constituent Relations: Contact via state website (not specified).
Notes Prepared by: Barbara Boese, Edgemoor Terrace Resident
Date: August 18, 2025