SUNBURY — Daryl Hennessy said he believes any Sunbury successes are the result of teamwork in the city.
The city manager — whose contract was unanimously renewed by City Council for another two years on Wednesday — pointed to three accomplishments he’s proud of and three projects he’s prioritizing for the future.
“It is important to note that any points of pride or accomplishments for me are the result of a supportive city council and outstanding work staff,” Hennessy told Delaware Source.
“Thank you for your confidence, I appreciate it,” Hennessy said after the vote.
The accomplishments he highlighted were:
- Completing a master plan to guide future development along Sunbury Parkway
- The expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment plant
- Creating the Sunbury Business and Technology Park to diversify the city’s tax base and support job opportunities for residents
The city hired Hennessy in 2023. Hennessy’s agreement for the next two years carries an annual base salary of $155,000.
Hennessy said he has three more key projects he’s prioritizing for the city’s future.
“Priorities include supporting the Eastern Delaware County Joint Recreation District with the establishment of a community center, improving pedestrian and vehicle safety with the widening of State Route 37 on the east side of town,” Hennessy said.
“And comprehensive planning and zoning code updates that reflect the community’s standards and desire for future growth.”
One resident’s past concerns for Hennessy’s future
Despite an amendment to the city of Sunbury’s charter that would prohibit the construction of large data centers set for the Nov. 3 ballot, residents have previously criticized Hennessy’s involvement in a proposed Amazon data center in the city.
Additionally, one public comment from the April 15 Sunbury City Council meeting that saw council approve a moratorium on data centers, examined Hennessy’s tenure as city manager and chairman of the utility board in Charles Town, West Virginia.
Galena resident and Big Walnut High School alum, Francesca Parker, drew comparisons between Hennessy’s involvement in the controversial development of a Rockwool manufacturing plant in Charles Town and the proposed data center in Sunbury. At the time, Parker called this comparison a conflict of interest.
In 2019, Charles Town city officials approved a roughly $16 million sewer bond tied to infrastructure for the Rockwool facility.
Rockwool is an insulation plant built on a historic Jefferson County orchard near three schools. While expected to bring jobs, at the time residents raised concerns about emissions and environmental impacts.
“Two cities, same playbook: secure the infrastructure, approve the incentives, manage opposition and call everything a technical matter when the public pushes back,” Parker said during the April 15 meeting.
“Hold two roles that together benefit industrial development, without proper checks and balances.”
