Delaware

Delaware governor expected to sign newly approved assisted suicide bill

Published

8 months ago

April 18, 2025

Delaware governor expected to sign newly approved assisted suicide bill

But Townsend opposed the change, saying the oversight mechanisms Richardson was seeking are already in place, along with a separate duty from medical professionals to report violations.

All of the Republican senators opposed the bill, along with Democratic state Sens. Spiros Mantzavinos, Nicole Poore and Jack Walsh. Many of them said they were concerned it was a slippery slope that could lead to the guardrails being chipped away to allow people with disabilities, the mentally ill and the elderly to request the medication.

“What’s unthinkable is where this has happened in other places and what has happened – where this has led to a financial reckoning,” Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, said. “‘Well, it’s going to cost you more to treat you than to give you the pill and to put you down. You’re a burden to us. You know you don’t want to be a burden to us, do you? Go ahead and take the pill. Be done.’ That is what’s happened in other places. I don’t want to see that happen in Delaware.”

Townsend argued that legislation would allow terminally ill patients the ability to die with dignity and peace.

“They are looking for the respect of the law and the respect of lawmakers to give them a reasonable option with significant guardrails and consultation with medical professionals,” he said. “What to me is unthinkable is the idea that we would not provide that reasonable system and instead leave them the alternative that people do choose to exercise outside of a framework like this.”

Both newly elected Democratic state Sens. Dan Cruce, D-Wilmington, and Ray Seigfried, D-North Brandywine, voted yes on the bill. Gov. Meyer expressed support for last year’s version of the bill earlier this year.

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Delaware

Done Deal: 695 Delaware Avenue – Buffalo Rising

Published

18 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Done Deal: 695 Delaware Avenue – Buffalo Rising

Ellicott Development has expanded it local property portfolio. Ellicott’s 4628 Group Inc. purchased 695 Delaware Avenue on Wednesday for $1.025 million. Fred Kaplan Living Trust was the seller. The 8,454 sq.ft., three-story barn-like structure with mansard roofed addition is occupied by media production and marketing firm Crosswater Digital Media. It was the home of WKBW radio for a number of years. The property totals 0.4 acres in size with a large parking lot fronting Delaware Avenue.

The property is bookended by the Westbrook Apartments and Wilcox House apartment buildings, both ten-story structures. It sits across the street from 700 Delaware, the former Computer Task Group Building Ellicott purchased in 2018 and is now occupied by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

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Delaware

Man, 77, dies after collision with teen driver near Hartly, police say

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Man, 77, dies after collision with teen driver near Hartly, police say

A 77-year-old man died following a two-car crash near Hartly on the morning of Dec. 10, Delaware State Police said.

The man, from the Dover area, has not been identified by police pending family notification.

According to police reports, the man was driving a Honda Accord east on Judith Road approaching Hartly Road about 9 a.m., as an 18-year-old woman was driving a Ford Focus south on Hartly Road approaching Judith Road.

Police reported that a preliminary investigation shows the Honda moved from the stop sign into the Ford’s path, causing a collision.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman, from Hartly, was treated at the scene. Police said she refused to be taken to a hospital.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

Delaware County approves 19% property tax hike in 4-1 vote

Published

2 days ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Delaware County approves 19% property tax hike in 4-1 vote

MEDIA, Pa. (WPVI) — Delaware County Council voted 4-1 Wednesday night to approve a budget that includes a 19% property tax increase, despite objections from residents.

Property owners with a home assessed at $255,000 will pay about $188 more annually under the new budget, which takes effect next month.

Before the vote, some residents urged council to reconsider.

“I ask council to revisit the proposed budget, forgo voting tonight, avoid solving the entire deficit on the back of the hardworking taxpayers,” said Cynthia Sabitini of Upper Providence Township.

One councilmember agreed, but most did not.

“Simply put, I feel that the increase is too drastic,” said Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer.

“This needs to occur. I don’t like it, but it’s what has to occur,” said Councilmember Kevin Madden.

The hike follows a 23% increase last year and a 5% increase the year before. County officials say tax hikes were minimal for a decade, forcing steep increases now.

The current all-Democratic council argues they’re righting the financial ship after past Republican leaders didn’t do enough.

“For the first time in more than a decade, this budget puts Delaware County on track to have a truly balanced budget,” said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.

County leaders say the increase addresses a structural deficit, but opponents blame spending on projects such as de-privatizing George Hill Correctional Center and creating a health department.

“How do you justify coming in with a deficit and then saying you’re repairing it after you grew it?” said Michael Straw of Media Borough Republicans.

Officials say future hikes should be minimal if the county makes any request at all, but some remain skeptical.

“I have my doubts that we won’t be seeing increases in the future,” Straw said.

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