New Castle County Approves 249-unit Expansion At Whitehall Under Smart Code Design

The project proposes 65 single-family detached homes, 34 single-family attached units, and 150 townhouses across 62.55 acres. (Photo provided by New Castle County Council Land Use Committee)

New Castle County Council on May 13 approved the next phase of the Town of Whitehall master plan, advancing a 249-unit residential subdivision called The Landing at Whitehall in St. Georges Hundred.

The project proposes 65 single-family detached homes, 34 single-family attached units, and 150 townhouses across 62.55 acres. It will be developed using the “hamlet and village” subdivision option permitted under New Castle County’s Smart Code zoning rules.

Introduced by Councilman David Carter and presented to the Land Use Committee by Peter Yingst, a partner in the land use practice at Tarabicos Grosso, LLP. The firm represents Whitehall Hamlet 3, LLC, and serves developers and landowners across Delaware.

Yingst emphasized the community’s adherence to Smart Code principles: walkability, civic integration, mixed-use design, and a variety of housing types for different income levels.

“It’s the first and only village community — developed and built under the smart code portion of the code,” said Yingst. “Thus far, they’re the only developers– who have honored the intentions of the smart code, and that’s to create a walkable, vibrant, and authentic village community.”

According to documents, The Landing at Whitehall includes a mix of transect zones from T3 to T5, and proposes homes ranging from cottage-style single-family residences to rental townhomes. Civic and commercial uses—including a school, medical offices, and a beer garden—already exist in adjacent Village 1.

The subdivision includes plans for public alleys, civic squares, sidewalks, stormwater infrastructure, and 1.32 acres of dedicated stormwater management areas.

The Landing at Whitehall includes a mix of transect zones from T3 to T5, and proposes homes ranging from cottage-style single-family residences to rental townhomes. Civic and commercial uses—including a school, medical offices, and a beer garden—already exist in adjacent Village 1. (Photo provided by New Castle County Council Land Use Committee)

Yingst reminded Council that the project reflects the core goals of the county’s smart code, adopted in 2009.

“By creating high-quality communities like this, which reduces dependency on cars,” he said. “There are positive benefits to the environment. In addition, you’re able to simultaneously provide housing for people across a wide range of income levels, offering numerous services for those local residents and other residents in the areas, and also attract employers and businesses to the area.”

Councilmembers praised the project for maintaining the county’s Smart Code vision.

“It’s really great to see Whitehall begin to reflect the design intents of the Smart Code legislation,” said Councilman John Cartier, who sponsored the 2009 ordinance. “We’re building a legacy together here.”

The plan was approved by the Department of Land Use prior to Council’s vote. While the resolution notes no immediate fiscal impact, development may result in increased assessed value, property tax revenue, and demand for county services.