3/19/2015
New Castle County Council members reflect on the work NCC Land Use G.M. Fogarty has accomplished - Hockessin Community News

Councilman Bob Weiner, 2nd District, said that Fogarty’s background in smart growth that eschewed dependency on cars to get around was one that resonated with many residents.

“That was a philosophy whose time had come,” Weiner said. “She had to overcome the natural distrust that the community at large – and to some extent, the council – had as to whether or not she would be on the side of developers, anti-development or something else entirely.”

Weiner added that Fogarty continually balanced her role between serving council and the executive in a way that engendered confidence in everyone.

“She brought something that previous land use general managers didn’t have – a sense that there was not a hidden agenda. There was an openness and transparency,” he said.

NCCo. land use manager Eileen Fogarty to retire in April

New Castle County Council members reflect on the work Fogarty has accomplished.

By Wm. Shawn Weigel shawn.weigel@doverpost.com Hockessin Community News Posted March 19, 2015

Just over 18 months after taking the position, New Castle County Land Use Manager Eileen Fogarty has announced her retirement.

Fogarty, 68, made the announcement during a Land Use Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 17, citing a desire to spend more time travelling with her husband, artist John Clendenning.

County Executive Thomas Gordon – who at the time of her hire jokingly commented that she had forgotten more than he currently knew about land use – said that Fogarty was the best general manager the Land Use department has ever had.

“Tuesday was the saddest day I’ve had since I came back to office,” Gordon said.

Gordon said that he convinced Fogarty to take the position after first serving as a consultant, based on what he said were her impeccable credentials.

He added that at the time of her hire, Fogarty told him that she could accomplish everything he wanted done in two years.

“Eileen did just that. Design standards have risen because of her,” he said. “Fortunately, she’ll be here for several more weeks until we can find a replacement. Again, I’m sad to see her go, but I wish her nothing but the best.”

Of the many accomplishments she’s had while in office, Fogarty said she is most proud of the work done on the county’s Strategic Action Plan, which required in-depth discussions and discourse with the New Castle County government and the community at large.

“It’s about identifying and giving neighborhoods what they need to thrive and grow,” Fogarty said. “I’ve had such an incredible opportunity to engage with the public while here.”

New Castle Councilwoman Janet Kilpatrick, 3rd District, added that she was also sad to see Fogarty leave.

“She had great vision and the ability to carry out that vision. She will be missed,” she said.

“She understood the Kirkwood Highway very well … and I just hope that land use continues to look into those subjects,” said Councilman Timothy Sheldon, 9th District.

He also said he was pleased with Fogarty’s decision to stay on for the next six weeks to assist with various outstanding projects – and to possibly help select her successor.

“She wouldn’t leave us high and dry,” he said. “But with a new manager – well, everyone has their own way of doing things.”
Councilman Bob Weiner, 2nd District, said that Fogarty’s background in smart growth that eschewed dependency on cars to get around was one that resonated with many residents.

“That was a philosophy whose time had come,” Weiner said. “She had to overcome the natural distrust that the community at large – and to some extent, the council – had as to whether or not she would be on the side of developers, anti-development or something else entirely.”

Weiner added that Fogarty continually balanced her role between serving council and the executive in a way that engendered confidence in everyone.

“She brought something that previous land use general managers didn’t have – a sense that there was not a hidden agenda. There was an openness and transparency,” he said.

“Tom (Gordon) may do some things differently, but (hiring Fogarty) was one thing he did right,” said Greater Hockessin Area Development Association vice president Mark Blake. “I only hope they find someone else half as good as she is.”
Fogarty is expected to remain in her position through April.

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