The Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, also known as the Battle of Iron Hill, was a battle fought on September 3, 1777, between the Continental Army and American militia and primarily German soldiers serving alongside the British Army during the American Revolutionary War. It was the only significant military action during the war on the soil of Delaware (though there were also naval engagements off the state’s coast), and it took place about a week before the major Battle of Brandywine. Some traditions claim this as the first battle which saw the U.S. flag.
Meeting
Glasgow High School
1901 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19702
Tuesday
February 6, 2024
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Below is a notice sent to members interested in Cooch Property:
We Need Your Help in Preserving the Cooch Property!
On Tuesday, February 6 DelDOT is holding a ‘public workshop’ at Glasgow High School from 5:30-7:30. At this workshop, DelDOT plans to share its plans regarding Old Baltimore Pike in front of the Cooch House Property and regarding the two bridges nearby, including Cooch’s Bridge. This will not be a formal presentation. Instead, we expect they will set up tables where attendees visit each table and provide written comments on each table’s material. We need as many people as possible to attend that evening!
DelDOT has proposed a full-sized roundabout directly in the area of the Cooch House Property, near Old Cooch’s Bridge Road. It requires the property to close the entry with the cannons, create a new entry farther away from the Pencader Museum area and give up some of the 10-acre land already purchased by the state for the park. The proposed plan being advanced by DelDot will forever alter this National Register Historic District, and one of Delaware’s most historically significant places. We are encouraging as many people to come out as possible and be heard. Let DelDOT know that we do not approve of their proposed plan to alter the use of and access to the Cooch property; one of the most historically significant places in Delaware. There will be no online way to provide comments. “If lots of people go who make comments saying that they want historic preservation of this historic district, then we have a chance of changing their direction!” says Sarah O’Donnell.
“Everyone has an influence on public affairs if he will take the trouble to exert it.” -Calvin Coolidge
We do not think this meeting was well publicized, so please help spread this message. You do not need to be a member of DAR, SAR or any other organization to attend and have your voice heard. Anyone can help make an impact, and everyone is encouraged to.
Below is a letter written by Sarah O’Donnell- Honorary Regent, Cooch’s Bridge Chapter, NSDAR. The letter includes the scope of the project proposed by DelDOT as well as some talking points for Tuesday’s meeting should you attend. Hope to see you there!
Michelle West
Historic Preservation Chair, Cooch’s Bridge Chapter, NSDAR
From Sarah O’Donnell-Honorary Regent, Cooch’s Bridge Chapter, NSDAR…
“The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is holding a Public Workshop to solicit public input for the proposed improvements along Old Baltimore Pike from Battle Drive to SR 72 and Old Cooch’s Bridge Road from the intersection with Old Baltimore Pike to approximately 1,000 feet south of the intersection. The Public Workshop will be held on February 6, 2024 at Glasgow High School… between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.” from DelDOT letter sent 1/19/24 It is important to ensure we all demonstrate our commitment to historic preservation, specifically the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge historic (park) property. Large numbers of DAR, SAR, Cannonshire, and other concerned people should attend.
A DelDOT letter was recently sent out to members of the ‘Consulting Parties’, including Sarah O’Donnell, Cooch’s Bridge Chapter, NSDAR. The Section 106 Consulting Parties Committee was formed in 2021 to discuss the conceptual improvements at the intersection of Old Baltimore Pike (OBP) and Old Cooch’s Bridge Road with DelDOT. Section 106 is a federal process to ‘preserve the historical and cultural foundations of the nation’. In this case, we are attempting to especially preserve the Cooch House Property. But, to date, the process has not been followed by DelDOT.
“The purpose … is to the reduce congestion and improve mobility for all users within the study area and improve the bridges to a “good” condition rating to extend the lifespan of the structures. [This will result in a] benefit from a safety perspective.” from DelDOT letter sent 1/19/24
History: The 2021 DelDOT solution displayed a full-sized roundabout directly in the area of the Cooch House Property, near Old Cooch’s Bridge Road. It required the property to close the entry with the cannons, create a new entry farther away from the Pencader Museum area and give up some of the 10-acre land already purchased by the state for the park. To date, DelDOT has not shared their plans to a) perform an environmental impact statement (protecting the Christina River wetlands), b) study cultural impacts or share their schedule.
What you should know about the Cooch House Property:
· HCA is developing a master plan for the use of the Cooch House Property site and its historic significance in Newark.
· The Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site is developing a feasibility study for a visitor’s center for the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site in the historic area; and,
· New Castle County is developing a walking path/bike trail connecting the City of Newark, Iron Hill Park, the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, and Glasgow Park.
What you should know/question about traffic and safety concerning roundabouts:
· How will DelDOT ensure protection of the historic district including the Cooch House Property? What alternative plans are possible?
· Currently, 18-wheeler trucks are banned on that section of Old Baltimore Pike. Will future plans accommodate 18-wheeler trucks?
· How will the DelDOT solution (safely) accommodate bikes and walkers?
· Studies on roundabouts versus intersections with lights show fewer vehicle accidents for roundabouts. But what about pedestrians and bikers as expected around a park?
· Amazon uses Old Baltimore Pike to access one of their facilities. What other route(s) could they use?
· Cigna was recently granted permission to build a facility on Old Cooch’s Bridge Road (across from the Cooch Property) that will enable parking for over 100 employees. Again, is there another location or route they could use?
The February 6th DelDOT workshop will be setup where tables are visited by attendees to learn DelDOT’s plans for the Cooch Property region. Please attend and provide written comments at each table to protect this important historic district.
Sincerely,
Sarah O’Donnell
Honorary Regent, Cooch’s Bridge Chapter, NSDAR