Dover eyes assistance for downtown
City among many seeking new designation as Downtown Development District
Dover eyes assistance for downtown City among many seeking new designation as Downtown Development District Check out this story on delawareonline.com: http://delonline.us/1wwNTKu
Jon Offredo, The News Journal Published 10:17 p.m. ET Oct. 27, 2014 | Updated 11:25 p.m. ET Oct. 27, 2014
City officials approved an effort to have Dover's downtown considered for a new state economic development program. The proposed area targeted for revitalization is bounded by Mary, Loockerman (shown above), and Water streets. It also includes Queen, New and Kirkwood streets. (Photo: GARY EMEIGH/THE NEWS JOURNAL )Buy Photo
Dover Council approves plan to seek state designation for downtown development district
Proposed area encompasses between Mary, Loockerman, and Water streets
Only one municipality in each county will be selected in the first year
Dover's application for a state-sponsored program aimed at redeveloping Delaware's downtowns was unanimously approved by city council members Monday night.
If awarded the Downtown Development District designation by the state, the hope is to redevelop downtown Dover by creating mixed-used developments, offer more retail uses within the area, increase the homeownership rate, create and place more open space and parks around the city, and also build on the vacant lots that dot the area, said city planner Ann Marie Townshend.
The state's Downtown Development District Program was unveiled earlier this year by Gov. Jack Markell. The program offers rebates of up to 20 percent of the capital costs on the project, plus incentives from the city and county. The state will award only three municipalities the designation in the first year, one in each county. The deadline for applications is Saturday.
RELATED: Wilmington defines possible development district
Dover's proposed district would encompass an area between Mary, Loockerman, and Water streets. It would include Queen, New and Kirkwood streets, areas that have seen a spike in violence and gunfire over the summer.
The cost of redevelopment in the area, especially for business and homeowners, has long been a deterrent. Many of the houses and buildings have aging infrastructure. Businesses that want to open up shop face difficulties meeting code requirements.
"We've known that we need to do more," Townshend said. "We've been talking about bringing more business in for years..."
Within the district, there are almost 50 vacant buildings, seven buildings declared dangerous by the city and 25 lots where buildings, now demolished, once stood.
The state's downtown program creates as many as 15 Downtown Development Districts that would be eligible for a cut of $7 million in grant money, tax credits and other incentives. Projects backed by the initiative could involve redevelopment of dilapidated properties or new construction.
Contact Jon Offredo at (302) 678-4271, on Twitter @jonoffredo or at joffredo@delawareonline.com.
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