Officials release details for Downtown Development District Program
Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development says, “By this time next year you’re going to see a change in the downtown.”
Right now, Dover has forty-nine vacant buildings mixed in with a couple eateries, clothing, and specialty stores.
However, the city has $7 million in new funding thanks to the Downtown Development District Act. The funding will help make Dover a destination competitive with big cities like Wilmington.
Kirby Hudson, the Assistant City Manager of Dover says, “In order for this to be successful, we have to clean up some of that blight that’s in the downtown area.”
That means cracking down on city code violations. We’re told there are more than 3,000 violations recorded on average each year.
The city also plans to reduce crime. Their rate is currently above the national average.
The funding should also attract businesses to the area. However, one of the biggest objectives is to bring down the city’s whopping 84% rental rate, by pushing home ownership.
Townshend goes on, “By concentrating the affordable home ownership in areas where there are a number of vacant lots, we know we can make an impact. With the track record of the providers we’re working with, I believe we can get that foothold of home ownership.”
The program also provides incentives to entice homeowners like 20% cash rebates depending on the value of the property, waiving property taxes for residents who stay more than 4 years, and waiving building permit fees for folks acquiring vacant lots.
The city is confident these factors will draw people in. Former Dover mayor Jack Richter described the city as the unhealthy heart of Delaware 25 years ago.
Robin Christiansen, the current mayor of Dover says, “25 years later all the stars have aligned with all of these projects and all these monies and funds available. We’re going to have a healthy heart and a healthy city.”
The city is currently accepting applications for downtown projects which we’re told will be completed over the next 10 years.
On Thursday, February 26th, the city will be holding workshops at the Dover Public Library to help residents and business owners better understand the Downtown Development District Program.
The workshops will be held at 10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
