Anexo

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE AGENDA JULY 13, 2015 - 3:30 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 15 LOOCKERMAN PLAZA DOVER, DELAWARE PUBLIC COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED ON ANY ITEM AND WILL BE PERMITTED AT APPROPRIATE TIMES. WHEN POSSIBLE, PLEASE NOTIFY THE CITY CLERK (736-7008 OR E-MAIL AT CITYCLERK@DOVER.DE.US) SHOULD YOU WISH TO BE RECOGNIZED. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS 1. REVIEW OF REVISED ACTIVE RECREATION AREA PLAN - EDEN HILL FARM TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN - RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF REVISED ACTIVE RECREATION AREA PLAN WITH THE COMMENTS AND CONDITIONS PROVIDED) 2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM QUARTERLY UPDATE (COMMITTEE ACTION NOT REQUIRED) 3. DRAFT RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT 4. STRATEGIC PLANNING AND GOAL SETTING (RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER STRATEGIC PLAN) 5. DISCUSSION - COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS 6. ADJOURNMENT BY 4:50 P.M. /TM S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\COMMITTEE-AGENDAS\2015\07-13-2015 PR&CE.WPD THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS.

City of Dover DATA SHEET FOR RECREATION PLAN REVIEW PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF July 13, 2015 Plan Title: Eden Hill Farm – TND Residential District Plan Type: Traditional Neighborhood Design Revised Implementation Plan, S-15-07 Residential District – Revised Active Recreation Plan S-15-10 Location: South of West North Street and Wemyss Road and southeast of the intersection of West North Street and Saulsbury Road Tax Parcels: Multiple parcels on Map ED-05-076.04 Applicants/Owners: Eden Hill Residential, LLC Area of TND: 272.04 acres +/- Area of Residential District: 109.2049 acres +/- Proposed Use: Traditional Neighborhood Design – Revised Residential District with residential, community center, parks, and open space areas 742 Residential Units: 88 Single family detached units, 110 Duplex units, 217 Townhouse units; 324 Multi-family units Zoning: TND (Traditional Neighborhood Design Zone) Project Summary This application is associated with the Residential District REVISED Implementation Plan for the Traditional Neighborhood Design project known as Eden Hill Farm. The Residential District REVISED Implementation Plan was granted conditional approval by the Planning Commission on May 18, 2015 for a plan consisting of 742 residential units, open space areas, a community center, and revised street layout. This review is for revisions to the Active Recreation Plan for the Residential District. Project History The Implementation Plan was previously reviewed as SB-06-03 Eden Hill Farm TND: Residential District Implementation Plan and consisted of 665 dwelling units. The Implementation Plan for the Residential District received Planning Commission approval on June 19, 2006 and Final Plan approvals on September 10, 2007 (Record Plan) and December 10, 2007 (Construction Plan). Other subsequent reviews related to lot layout and Pattern Book revisions occurred from 2008-2012. In Phase 1 of the Residential District, a total of 83 dwellings P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903 Community Excellence Through Quality Service

S-15-10 Eden Hill Farm-TND: Residential District Revised Active Recreation Area Plan Summary Report of Active Recreation Component Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on July 13, 2015 Page 2 of 9 have been built and a portion of the street network has been completed and dedicated to the City of Dover. These streets include Lloyd Street, Wemyss Road, and portions of South Greenberry Lane, Ruth Way, Ann Moore Street, and Ridgely Boulevard. Ann Moore Park exists near the intersection of Ruth Way and Ann Moore Street; it is a small recreation area with a sidewalk walking loop, benches, landscape plantings, and a lawn area. The REVISED Implementation Plan 2015 for the Residential District (Plan Review of Revised Plan version 3 dated May 8, 2015) was presented on a colored graphic diagram plan to the Planning Commission in May 2015. The overall plan for the Revised Residential District depicts the development areas for specific types of residential units and the associated elements such as the street network, on-street parking areas, stormwater management (pond locations), and open space areas as a Central Open Space and a series of smaller park areas. The Residential District area continues to be proposed to be connected to the existing nearby road network as previously identified with the key entry points from Wemyss Road and Banning Street and connections to the West Dover Connector/Saulsbury Road Extension. Open Space and Active Recreation Area Plan Summary: The Zoning Ordinance requires an Open Space and Active Recreation Plan for all residential developments, projects and plans that come before the Planning Commission (Dover Code of Ordinances, Appendix B, Article 5 §10). Previously for the Residential District, an Active Recreation Area Plan was reviewed in 2006 and ultimately approved for construction1. However, as part of the current REVISED Implementation Plan review process for this project changes have been proposed. A REVISED Open Space and Recreation Area Plan for the Eden Hill Farm TND: Residential District development outlines revisions to the recreation amenities for the project. The overall Eden Hill Farm TND exceeds the minimum of 25% open space requirement for a Traditional Neighborhood Design development by creating a community walking trail area, parks, and greens throughout the site and large open space/park area in the southwest portion of the site. The existing historic house of Eden Hill Farm and its tree allees (entrance drives) are also preserved within a large public open space area. A continuation of the walking trail system/bike path is proposed to be incorporated into the buffer area adjacent to the railroad corridor on State owned lands. Revised Plan Focusing on the Residential District land area specifically, based on the proposed total of 742 residential dwelling units in the Revised Plan, it is required to have 4.68 acres +/- (204,050 S.F.) of open space/recreation areas. The Revised Plan indicates areas totaling 11.28 acres +/- of land will be reserved as open space as part of a Central Open Space area and as part of the pocket The original Active Recreation Area Plan indicated for approximately 17 acres+/- of land to be reserved as recreation area and open space within the land area of the Residential District. The original proposal of 665 dwelling units required a minimum of 4.1 acres +/- (182,875 SF) of active recreation area. Planned amenities included a Community Center building with pool, large park area (Signers Park), a series of pocket parks, and a walking trail system. The open space also included areas for stormwater management.

S-15-10 Eden Hill Farm-TND: Residential District Revised Active Recreation Area Plan Summary Report of Active Recreation Component Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on July 13, 2015 Page 3 of 9 parks. Additionally other open space areas of the Residential District (estimated at 11 acres) are planned and consist of part of an open space strip along the western boundary adjacent to the West Dover Connector alignment and two areas with stormwater management ponds in the northeast and southeast portions of the Residential District. The Central Open Space area consists of Clubhouse Building and pool and other sports courts. A series of smaller ‘pocket’ parks are located throughout the residential community. Information provided on the REVISED Open Space and Recreation Areas as now proposed is found on the following Plan Sheets: PRE-01 Overall Open Space Site Plan, PRE-02 Clubhouse Open Space Site Plan, and PRE-03 Floor Plan Front Elevation. Amenities of the REVISED Open Space/Recreation Area Design: A large Central Open Space area of 9.22 acres is proposed in the southern portion of the Residential District. To create this large Central Open Space required the reconfiguration of the street layout and the consolidation of previous residential lots. The previously proposed Community Center Building and pool to be constructed between Ann Moore Street and Ridgely Boulevard in the block between Alley I (Lloyd Street East Alley) and Wynkoop Way will be relocated to the Central Open Space area and the old location converted to residential lots. The land areas of three small ‘pocket’ parks were also incorporated into the new Central Open Space land area. The Central Open Space area includes the following:  Clubhouse Building of 4,493 SF including Gym, Community/Meeting Room, Restroom spaces and is attached to the Leasing/Management Office (east two-story wing) with model Multi-family (apartment) units  Swimming Pool of 2,400 SF with smaller (20’x15’) pool, fenced area  Parking Lot of sixty-four (64) parking spaces (61 regular spaces and 3 handicapped accessible spaces)  Game courts: two Tennis Courts (fenced) and a Basketball Court  Community Garden  Playground with play equipment within fenced area  Picnic Area with tables and grill  Furniture: benches, bicycle rack Seven other small park areas remain within the Residential District neighborhood including the largest one known as Signers Park at the intersection of Little Eden Way and Inglis Street. An additional pocket park known as Ann Moore Park was constructed as part of Phase 1 construction in the Residential District. Revised Implementation Comprehensive Development Standards Manual (Pattern Book) As part of the Traditional Neighborhood Design process, the Implementation Comprehensive Development Standards Manual (Pattern Book) consists of a written and graphic description of the owner/developer’s proposed approach to each of the items listed in Zoning Ordinance, Article 3 §28.84. The purpose of the Pattern Book is to set the standards and guidelines for the

S-15-10 Eden Hill Farm-TND: Residential District Revised Active Recreation Area Plan Summary Report of Active Recreation Component Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on July 13, 2015 Page 4 of 9 design, construction, and maintenance of the land and buildings in the Residential District. Any development within the Residential District must comply with the Pattern Book. The complete Eden Hill Farm: Pattern Book and Addendums submitted to date are on file at the Department of Planning and Inspections2. With this submission, a Revised Implementation Comprehensive Development Standards Manual (Pattern Book) was not resubmitted but is required prior to finalization of the Residential District’s Revised Implementation Plan. The following chart lists the topics to be discussed in the Pattern Book document that relate to the Open Space and Recreation Areas. Portions of the Pattern Book will need to be updated to reflect this Revised Open Space and Active Recreation Area concept of a large centralized open space. Pattern Book Elements Circulation – classification and illustration of a system of streets, alleys, and pedestrian and bicycle routes that creates an integrated network serving the TND development and links it to adjacent areas. Detailed design standards and illustrations for each component of the system are required. A plan of the circulation systems shall be included Buildings – a classification of the full range of buildings, residential, commercial, office or mixed, to be constructed including detailed guidelines addressing their architectural character and essential required elements, such as size, composition and massing, windows, doors, porches, roof design, fenestration, and all materials. A plan of their location by use type throughout the development shall be included. Open Spaces - a classification of a system of landscaped open spaces (in addition to private yards) with a plan of the network created by the open spaces and pedestrian and bicycle circulation systems. Landscape Design – a palette of hard (paving) and plant materials along with street furniture, major focal elements and ornamentation shall be provided. These shall be located on a plan of the development. Details of plant species and hard materials shall be included. Lighting Design – Placement of public and private lighting throughout the development and design of the lighting fixtures, globes, illumination patterns and intensities. 2 The Eden Hill Farm: Pattern Book includes Addendum of 6/9/2005 and Addendum II 5/5/2006) and presents information for the Residential District. A series of addendum/amendments were considered between 2008-2012 but have not been incorporated into a Final Pattern Book document specific to the Residential District.

S-15-10 Eden Hill Farm-TND: Residential District Revised Active Recreation Area Plan Summary Report of Active Recreation Component Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on July 13, 2015 Page 5 of 9 This recreational component must be reviewed by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee for a recommendation prior to its consideration by the Planning Commission. The following table provides a summary of information presented in the submitted Revised Plan (dated 6/24/2015) for the Open Space and Active Recreation Areas to be constructed: Required Provided on Plan Active Recreation Area 275 S.F. per dwelling unit or Clubhouse Building; a series (Article 5 §10.16) 0.5 acre, greater thereof of 8 park spaces; and walking 742 DU = 4.68 acres +/- trail system. Central Open (204,050 S.F.) space of 9.22 acres and 2.06 acres in pocket parks. Other Open Space areas of 11 acres include buffer areas, stormwater management facilities and walking trail system connections. Active Recreation Amenities Accessible Open space areas are generally (Article 5 §10.15) located adjacent to the sidewalk system or walking trail network of the development. Connecting sidewalks exist in internal areas between buildings and amenities. Some missing connecting segments have been identified in this review. Active Recreation Amenities Age Oriented to development Clubhouse Building with gym (Article 5 §10.15) and meeting room space, a pool facility, play equipment, basketball court, tennis courts, community garden, benches, picnic tables, and walking path. A variety of potential activities for all age and skill levels. Parking On site parking provided for the Clubhouse Building. Each dwelling unit has off-street parking. A variety of on-street parking options available. Also pedestrian access to

S-15-10 Eden Hill Farm-TND: Residential District Revised Active Recreation Area Plan Summary Report of Active Recreation Component Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on July 13, 2015 Page 6 of 9 sidewalk and walking trail system. Active Recreation Amenities Structure, Equipment & Game Items within the Central Open (Article 5 §10.15) Court Setbacks: 30 feet from Space comply. Need to clarify residential lots and 25 feet proposals for amenities within from right-of-way for street pocket parks and within larger Signers Park area. Tree Planting Requirements Landscaping Tree plantings shown; (Article 5 §16) however, do not achieve tree planting requirement for Central Open Space land area. Staff Recommendations: The following are comments and recommendations from Staff of the Department of Planning & Inspections and the Parks & Recreation Department following review of the Revised Open Space and Active Recreation Area for the Eden Hill Farm TND – Residential District. 1. Revised Open Space and Active Recreation Design - Staff is supportive of a concept to create a large Open Space area centralized to the Residential District. Staff recommends approval of the Clubhouse Building with pool facility, playground and multiple sports courts; the series of 8 park spaces with play equipment, benches, picnic and game tables; and walking trail system components as of the Recreation Areas and Open Space for the Residential District of the Eden Hill Farm TND. The project presents a variety of park areas with varying amenities throughout the development. 2. However, after review of the detailed layout and design of the amenities for the Central Open Space and with consideration given to the overall circulation, landscaping, and open space connections the following revisions are recommended: a. See Comment #3 below regarding the parking lot serving the Central Open Space area. b. Add a sidewalk path connecting north-south through the Clubhouse core area to be located east of the playground area. c. Add bicycle parking racks near the basketball court, playground, and picnic area. d. Add benches at basketball court, tennis court, garden, and playground areas. e. Add additional tree plantings to provide shade at key locations near amenities i.e. playground area. f. Add denser tree planting as screening on southeast side of the Open Space field behind the residential units which face Red Haven Way. g. Provide an accessible path from the sidewalk to the picnic area leading to an accessible table. h. Provide details on Community Garden area format, fencing, water supply source, and management of garden. i. Consider opportunities for ‘double striping’ of game court surface to serve multiple functions i.e. tennis and pickle ball.

S-15-10 Eden Hill Farm-TND: Residential District Revised Active Recreation Area Plan Summary Report of Active Recreation Component Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on July 13, 2015 Page 7 of 9 j. Identify location of cluster mailboxes. This Central Open Space area provides an opportunity for placement of several cluster mailbox location to serve the residences in this area. The current cluster mailbox location is on the east side of Lloyd Street (just north of Ann Moore Street) which serves the residences constructed in Phase 1 of the Residential District. 3. The following recommendations are made pertaining to the design of the parking lot at the Clubhouse Building: a. Recommend reconfiguration of the parking lot to allow for a designated pedestrian pathway (i.e. sidewalk, specialized pathway treatment, crosswalk) across the parking lot leading from the Little Eden Way sidewalk (the street on the north) to the front entry of the Clubhouse Building. This is an opportunity to highlight the building entry and also to continue the vista created by the Eden Hill Boulevard and open areas to the north. A redesign of the center median/island can accommodate the sidewalk pathway links as well as landscaping and site features such as flag poles, seating area, etc. b. Recommend removal of several parking spaces on the north side of the central parking bay to eliminate parking spaces where you have to back into the parking lot’s entry/exit area to order to leave the parking space. 4. The following items should be included on the Plan to clarify the construction of the recreation area improvements: a. Clarify exterior finish materials for the Clubhouse Building. It must comply with the Pattern Book guidelines. For example, the vertical siding cannot be T-111 per the Pattern Book. b. Identify materials and height of fencing and ground surfaces for tennis court, pool, and playground areas. c. Lawn areas shall be appropriately established and maintained for active recreation activities. d. Indicate the sizes of tennis court, basketball court, playground area, etc. e. Identify the type of equipment structures to be located within the playground area. f. Identify the placement of any trash cans and the location of a Dumpster enclosure to service the Clubhouse Building with Leasing/Management Office. g. Signage can be placed to identify the building name, key entry points, or as directional signage to amenities. Signage for the Open Space Area must comply with the Pattern Book guidelines. 5. Ensure barrier free access is provided at all sidewalks where they intersect with streets and parking lots. Ensure accessible sidewalks lead to all amenities i.e. building access points, game court surfaces, parking areas, etc. 6. Also you need to clarify use of lot on south side of Horsey Boulevard (east of Gorrell Way) as some plans do not show this as a park area but a residential lot instead.

S-15-10 Eden Hill Farm-TND: Residential District Revised Active Recreation Area Plan Summary Report of Active Recreation Component Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on July 13, 2015 Page 8 of 9 7. Provide plans for the other open space/ pocket park locations including the larger area known as Signers Park (located at Little Eden Way and Inglis Street). The previously approved Implementation Plan of 2006-2007 identified the amenities and landscaping for each park and open space area. 8. Provide construction details including but not limited to: sidewalks, game court surfaces, fencing, picnic tables, benches, bicycle racks, Dumpster enclosure, etc. 9. The Landscape Plan with tree plantings and landscaping will need to be updated related to the revised lot layouts and open space area designs. a. The Central Open Space does not meet the tree planting density of one tree per 3,000 SF of lot area as shown on the submitted graphic on Sheet PRE-02. Based on the area of 9.22 acres, a total of 134 trees is required for the area. Only thirty- eight (38) trees are shown. b. A heavier tree planting design approach is recommended for the area adjacent to the rear of the residential properties fronting on Red Haven Way. c. The current spacing of trees around Central Open Space adjacent to the streets can be reduced to bring the trees closer together. d. Recommend a hedge/shrub planting to screen sections of the parking lot where located directly across the street from a residential use. This occurs on the side of the parking lot adjacent to Little Eden Way. e. The graphic presentation of trees on Sheet PRE-03 Front Elevation (of Clubhouse) does not match the placement on the Site Plan graphic. Ensure planting plans coordinate with building placement. f. The specific types of trees must be identified and comply with the Pattern Book requirements of size and native species. 10. The applicant is reminded of the requirements for construction phasing of the recreation area as associated with the development of the residential units. Article 5 §10.6 Construction Phasing. The recreation and open space areas shall be completed in a proportion equal to or greater than the proportion of residential dwelling units completed, except that one hundred (100) percent of the recreation and open space areas shall be completed prior to issuing building permits for the final twenty (20) percent of the dwelling units proposed. Building permits shall not be issued for dwelling units unless the requirements of this section are met. 11. There shall be provisions which insure that the common open space lands shall continue as such and be properly managed and maintained. The developer shall either retain ownership and responsibility for maintenance of such open land; or provide for and establish one (1) or more organizations for the ownership and maintenance of all common open space i.e. a Homeowners Association. The organization shall be responsible for maintenance, insurance and taxes on the common open space. a. Provide information on any agreements established regarding responsibilities for construction, landscaping, maintenance, etc. for the open space areas with the TND project. b. Staff notes that the Active Recreation Areas/ Open Space Areas will not be

S-15-10 Eden Hill Farm-TND: Residential District Revised Active Recreation Area Plan Summary Report of Active Recreation Component Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on July 13, 2015 Page 9 of 9 dedicated to the City of Dover. 12. In the event, that major changes and revisions to the Plan occur in the finalization of the Revised Recreation Plan contact the Department of Planning and Inspections. Examples include reorientation of elements, relocation of site components, etc. These changes may require resubmittal for review by the Parks Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee, Development Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, or other agencies and commissions making recommendations in regards to the plan. 13. The applicant/developer shall be aware that prior to any ground disturbing activities on the site the appropriate site inspections and permits are required. The applicant shall be aware that Recreation Plan approval does not represent a Building Permit and associated construction activity permits. A separate application process is required for issuance of a Building Permit from the City of Dover. 14. The developer shall coordinate the required street light placement and electric utility routing and equipment with the City of Dover Electric Department and in accordance with the Pattern Book. 15. A separate Record Plat for the Revised Lot and Street layout that creates the Central Open Space area must be submitted for review to include property boundary information, any proposed lot changes, data column, certifications, notes, cross access easements, easements for infrastructure or utilities, etc. 16. The Comprehensive Design Standards Manual (Pattern Book) is required to be updated to reflect the various approvals by the Planning Commission including the previously approved revisions. A Final Version of the Pattern Book is required for the Residential District as a final edition of the Pattern Book as approved and amended to date. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee shall submit to the Planning Commission a report detailing the recommendations as to the Recreation Area Plan. Following Planning Commission review of Revised Recreation Area Plan associated with the REVISED Implementation Plan for the Residential District, the next step is finalization of the Construction Plans for Implementation and a revised Final Plat Subdivision Plan for area which received Implementation Plan approval. Attachments:  Proposed Recreation Area Plan Set (Sheet PRE-01, PRE-02 and PRE-03)* dated 6/24/2015 *Plan Set Sheets are available as paper copies should Committee members desire this format. Contact the Planning Office at 736-7196.

CDBG Quarterly Report July 2015 CDBG FY14 Projects Homeownership Assistance Program Six (6) first time homebuyers have purchased affordable housing in the City of Dover using the Dover First Start Program. Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing CDBG funds will be used for operations cost for the shelter. This project has been completed NCALL Research CDBG funds will be utilized for pre-purchase homeownership counseling services for up to ten (10) Dover residents. Elizabeth W. Murphey School CDBG funds will be used for the roof replacement for one building on the campus that services children that are at risk for homelessness. This project is completed. Restoring Central Dover Initiative NCALL was awarded a $750,000 Implementation Grant for the Restoring Central Dover Initiative funded by the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation. The Grant Announcement Ceremony was held on June 22nd at the Solid Rock Community Outreach Center. Five (5) Year Consolidated Plan 2015-2019 The Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee recommended funding proposals for seven (7) applicants that will receive CDBG funding for the FY15-19 program years to carry out eligible CDBG projects within the City of Dover. City Council approved the Five (5) Year Consolidated Plan at its May 11th City Council Meeting. HUD has approved the City of Dover’s Five Year Consolidated Plan. Staff is presently working on completing Environmental Reviews for the FY15 Action Plan projects. Staff completed a three (3) day Environmental Training Workshop at the HUD Philadelphia Field Office from May 26th - 28th. Mayors Challenge to End Veterans Homelessness The Mayor’s Task Force for Ending Veterans Homelessness set a goal to house 22 Veterans by June 10, 2015. A 100th Day Celebration was held on June 12th at the Kent County Levy Court Building where it was announced the Task Force exceeded its goal and housed 24 Veterans within 100 days.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement 7/13/2015 Status of FY-14 Program Funds Spent - Fiscal Year 7/1/14- 6/30/15 2014 Grant Projects Project Details Total Grant Funds Expended Unencumbered Balance Six (6) families have Homeownership Assistance Program purchased homes. Project $102,800 $102,800 $0 completed Housing Counseling for NCALL Reaearch up to ten (10) Dover $7,754 $1,317 $6,437 residents Funding for operations Dover Interfaith Mission to Homeless $27,500 $27,500 $0 cost Project Completed Elizabeth W. Murphey School Project completed $50,000 $50,000 $0 Total $188,054 $181,617 $6,437

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Purpose of the Assessment The City of Dover 2015 Recreation Needs Assessment is intended as a way to assess and prioritize what Dover residents have articulated as their outdoor recreation needs. The Recreation Needs Assessment will guide the City as we make investments in our park systems to ensure that capital investments support the articulated needs of the community. Public dollars are stretched thin, and as stewards of public land and public dollars, the City needs to ensure that the limited funds are invested in a way that best meet the needs of Dover’s diverse community. Through looking at the locations of parks in relation to population and the articulated needs of residents and park users, the City can ensure that we continue to offer a quality system of parks and variety of recreation programs in an effective and efficient manner. Parks and Recreation Services The City of Dover Parks and Recreation Department provides a comprehensive recreational program to meet the needs of all citizens, along with a citywide park system. Programming includes special events such as the Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series, Dover Days, Youth Government Day, fitness and enrichment programs, and athletic programs/leagues. The City’s athletic programs and leagues encompass softball, basketball, women’s lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, and football. The City operates twenty-seven (27) City parks, ranging from passive planted areas to community playgrounds to larger regional parks. A full listing of City Parks and their amenities is provided in Appendix A. While the City is a municipal recreation service provider, many of our programs and parks attract visitors from the larger Kent County region. The multi-purpose fields at Schutte Park provide a home for regional soccer and girls lacrosse programs. Silver Lake Park has served as home to many charity 5K run/walk events that draw from the larger region. Continuing to function as a regional provider while focusing primarily on addressing the recreation needs and priorities for Dover residents is important for the Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Providing quality affordable recreation and leisure services that promote healthy lifestyles for residents of Dover and its surrounding communities continues to be the goal of our staff. Our sports programming consists of sports leagues, clinics, and conditioning clinics. Basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, softball, and tennis are the most popular leagues and sports that we offer throughout the year. Fitness classes employing todays’ most popular fitness routines take shape in the John W. Pitts Recreation Center and at the Dover Public Library. Leisure time classes are pleasing a variety of ages with card/craft making, cookie decorating, family movies and fun nights. Our line-up of day trips has included fishing on the Delaware Bay, the Philadelphia Flower Show and New York City for the sites and sounds. Most recently, the City has added a number of bicycle programs to promote bicycling and bicycle safety within the City. These include Bike to Work Day and the Ride of Silence. Our Youth Connections after school program offers elementary school children a safe haven to receive tutoring, mentoring, life skill development, meet new friends, while feeling safe in the supervised environment. Summer camps held in Schutte Park and on the Delaware State University Campus offer families affordable summer options for the working parent and to give children a fun summer experience with guidance and supervision. Operationally, the Parks and Recreation Department merged into the Department of Planning & Inspections in 2012 following the retirement of the former Parks and Recreation Director. When this organizational change was implemented, the staff offices were moved from the old recreation center at Dover Park to the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. The use of the Dover Park recreation center had declined over time, especially following the opening of the John W. Pitts Center in 2008. Functionally, the building no longer met the programming needs. Additionally, locating all department staff in one building helped to improve staff safety and the efficiency of the operations. The Parks and Recreation staff are responsible for the recreation programming and the management of facility reservations and schedules. The Public Works Department, Grounds Division is responsible for maintenance of parks, grounds and fields. Strong collaboration is required between the two departments to ensure that park management is seamless and meets the needs of our visitors and users. The City of Dover Comprehensive Plan has called for a citywide parks and open space plan since 1996, and while individual park plans have been developed, the City has not completed a system-wide plan. The demolition of the recreation center at Dover Park focused attention of assessing the citywide recreation needs and making capital investments in our parks to meet these identified needs. There was concern raised by the community and members of City Page 2

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Council that the City neglected the needs of residents on the east side of U.S. Route 13 through its park investments in recent years. This concern brought forward the need to fully assess the citywide recreation needs and to make the capital investments in our parks in accordance with these identified needs. Our Anchor Parks Dover Park Dover Park is located on White Oak Road between U.S. Route 13 and Delaware Route 1. The park is 28.2 acres and while largely wooded, includes softball fields, a playground, pavilions, basketball courts, tennis courts, disc golf, and more. This is also the location of the former recreation center building. The recreation center building was constructed in the 1970’s and became functionally obsolete over time. There was some deterioration of the building and water penetration, which ultimately contributed to the decision to demolish the structure. The outdoor amenities are well-utilized, but park patrons have raised the concerns about safety, especially as it relates to the heavily vegetated areas and lighting within the park. Of the 506 people who completed the City’s Recreation Needs Assessment Survey, 42 percent indicated that they use Dover Park. Over 56 percent of the 239 respondents to the question of the purpose of their visit to Dover Park indicated that they use the park for walking or jogging. Other popular activities identified in the response include league activities and playground use. Schutte Park Schutte Park functions as a regional athletic center, home to multipurpose fields used for soccer, field hockey, and girls lacrosse; lighted softball fields; and the Dover Little League Park which is leased and managed by the Dover Little League. Page 3

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Schutte Park is also home to the John W. Pitts Recreation Center, the City’s indoor recreation center that opened in 2008, which includes a gymnasium and multi-purpose room. This park and the John W. Pitts Recreation Center in particular, serves as the hub for the City’s recreation programming. Of the 506 responses to the City’s Recreation Needs Assessment Survey, 68 percent indicated that they visit Schutte Park. The top reason that people indicated that they visit Schutte Park is league play, followed by trail use and playground use. Forty-four percent of the 506 survey respondents indicated that they use the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. Primary purposes for visiting the John W. Pitts Recreation Center includes sports leagues, fitness classes, the walking track, and open gym. Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park is a major recreation area for Dover and Central Delaware. The lake itself provides both passive and active recreational activities for all ages. Activities include fishing, waterskiing, and boating. Most of Silver Lake Park is located below the dam, and therefore along the St. Jones River. This park is a hub of activity for families, joggers, walkers, and many others. The park includes a multi-use path that now connects with the Capital City Trail, a trail system that begins along Park Drive and continues to the intersection of U.S. Route 13 and Public Safety Boulevard. Many regional walk and run events begin and end at Silver Lake Park, bringing in visitors from far beyond Dover. In coordination with DNREC and the Silver Lake Commission, the City has developed plans for a “Silver Lake Revitalization” project. The project is designed to improve water quality of the lake and the St. Jones River by providing buffers to the stream with natural vegetation and to create a management plan for the lake and St. Jones River. This project has resulted in a number of vegetated buffer plantings in Silver Lake Park and in Memorial Park along the St. Jones River. Concerted efforts of the Silver Lake Commission for bringing awareness and educating younger generations of the value and importance of our watersheds is demonstrated with bi-annual clean up events hosted at Silver Lake Park and Mirror Lake area along Park Drive. Clean up events include soliciting youth from local schools, churches, and organizations such as the Hugh O'Brien Youth group, in addition to inviting the public to bring out their gloves, rakes & shovels. Many of the clean up events have include educational displays presented by DRNEC showing the value of the watershed and its importance. As recently as June 6, 2015, the Spring Clean Up day was held with approximately 60 HOBY youth assisting in the removal of weeds, debris/trash and invasive growth along the Park Drive area. These volunteers also spread several loads of mulch along the selected project area adding to the protection of this waterway. We will continue these efforts, while enhancing our outreach for more involvement Page 4

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment and educational components from our partners to garner an increased in community awareness and participation. Of the 506 respondents to the City’s recreation needs assessment survey, 65 percent reported that they visit Silver Lake Park. By far, the top reason for visiting the park (75 percent of 337 respondents) is for walking and jogging. Other popular reasons for visiting Silver Lake Park include picnicking, birdwatching, and fishing. Neighborhood Parks In addition to the anchor parks, the many neighborhood parks located throughout Dover provide close-to-home opportunities for residents to enjoy the open space, climb on playground equipment, walk their dogs, or just find some peace and quiet. These parks are a valuable component to the City’s park network. Other Recreation Service Providers In addition to the parks and recreation programs provided by the City of Dover, other organizations provide a variety of recreation services in and around Dover that help to support the recreation needs of Dover residents. The City of Dover partners with some of these other providers to help coordinate resources in an efficient and effective way. Kent County Parks and Recreation While Kent County does not operate parks inside the City of Dover, there are several parks that are near the City boundary and serve City residents. Brecknock Park is located just south of Rodney Village in Camden and offers a variety of facilities, including a large playground, horseshoe pits, a picnic pavilion, ballfields, and a walking trail. Kent County is also constructing a new park and recreation center off New Burton Road just south of the City of Dover. The recreation center will also include an area for programming offered by the Boys and Girls Club. The Isaacs Branch segment of the St. Jones Greenway connects with Dover’s newly constructed Capital City Trail and is managed by Kent County, connecting U.S. Route 13 to Delaware Route 10. While there has been little collaboration between the City of Dover and Kent County in the area of recreation, the addition of these new facilities draws attention to the need for collaboration and partnership between the two agencies. YMCA of Dover The Dover YMCA operates a branch in Dover that includes a fitness room, fitness studios, two indoor pools, and a gymnasium. The Dover YMCA also recently purchased the Kent Swim Club, an outdoor pool on an 18-acre site that is largely wooded. This site is surrounded by neighborhoods and has served as a popular outdoor pool for many years. Under the YMCA’s Page 5

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment management and ownership, the role of this site in meeting the areas recreation needs will be expanded. The City of Dover participates on a committee to develop a long-range plan for the Kent Swim Club property, which could include additional recreation amenities beyond the pool and pavilions that currently exist. Additionally the YMCA has participated as a sponsor for the City’s Concerts on The Green and has worked through grant funds to provide swim lessons to participants in Dover’s summer day camps. Continued collaboration with the YMCA will ensure that resources are efficiently utilized to meet the needs of Dover’s population. Capital School District The City of Dover has a long-standing collaboration with the Capital School District in the area of recreation. The Capital School District and the City of Dover have a large geographical overlap, and therefore serve many of the same constituents. The City operates an afterschool program at Towne Point Elementary School. The City of Dover’s athletic leagues and sports programs often coordinate closely with the Capital School District to offer programs to youth in Dover’s schools and to share field space. Specialized Providers The City of Dover works closely with the Delaware Special Olympics and the Delaware Senior Olympics to provide programming and opportunities that meet the needs of these more specialized constituencies. Colleges and Universities The City of Dover has longstanding partnerships with Delaware State University and Wesley College on programs such as athletic leagues, summer camps, and other programming. Delaware State University and Wesley College have both had college interns work with the Parks and Recreation Department to help them gain practical experience in recreation and sports management, and to help the City to offer quality affordable programming. Outside Leagues There are a number of outside leagues that utilize City field space to support their programming. These include the Delaware Diamonds Ladies Youth Lacrosse program, Calvary Christian Academy’s soccer program, and the Delaware Union soccer program. These leagues are most frequently more regional in nature that just the City of Dover, and the City needs to balance their needs with the City’s programs which are aimed principally at Dover residents. Paying for Parks and Recreation Services Parks and Recreation services are a general fund expense for the City of Dover. The City’s recreation programs and park operations are supported through a combination of user fees and other general revenue sources. The FY 2015 operating budget for the Parks and Recreation Department is $706,400. Page 6

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Since the Grounds Division is responsible for lawn mowing, litter pick-up, field maintenance, and other maintenance within the City’s parks, a portion of the City’s $1,191,900 Grounds Division budget for FY 2015 could also be attributed to support of the park system. The annual revenue associated with the Parks and Recreation Department is approximately $150,000. Approximately 21 percent of the Parks and Recreation operating budget is supported by the department’s revenue. If the operating budget of the Grounds Division is included as a parks and recreation cost, only about 8 percent of the City’s parks and recreation costs are supported by the department’s revenue. Capital improvements to the City’s parks are funded through a combination of general fund sources, funds from the City’s Parkland Reserve, and grant funds. The City works to utilize grant funds when they are available to supplement the City’s capital investments. The City has utilized grant funds through the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund program, administered by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, to expand and improve our park system. The City’s Parkland Reserve is funded primarily through payments from developers in lieu of providing recreation amenities within their residential developments. The Parkland Reserve has no reliable or steady stream of funding to sustain it over a long period of time. Process for Developing Needs Assessment Walksheds for Open Space and Parkland In preparing the Recreation Needs Assessment, the City of Dover coordinated with the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, who maintains a statewide recreation and open space database. The Division has developed tools to help communities better analyze public recreation service levels and identify areas that are underserved by public parks. This is done primarily by mapping park locations and determining what areas are within a 15- minute walk of public parkland. The analysis does not consider private, homeowner association managed open space. Page 7

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Using this tool, several areas have been identified as underserved. These include neighborhoods such as Fox Hall, Fox Hall West, the Village of Westover, the Village of Cannon Mills, Hidden Creek, Morris Estates, Schoolview, Acorn Farms, Persimmon Park Place, Wild Meadows, the Meadows, and several other smaller neighborhoods. In several cases, the communities are served by privately owned open space, such as homeowners association amenities, or in some cases the Maple Dale Country Club. In other cases, this analysis identifies areas where additional investments should be made in recreation access (such as multi-use trails or additional parks). Appendix B includes a series of maps provided by the State of Delaware, including all public open space within the City (based on their Outdoor Recreation Inventory), underserved areas, and park walksheds. Recreation Needs Assessment Survey The City Department of Parks and Recreation utilized Survey Monkey to do gather information from the public for the Recreation Needs Assessment. A copy of the survey can be found in Appendix C to this document, along with a detailed summary of survey responses. Our survey process was comprised of several steps to provide a holistic picture of the recreational needs of the Dover community. Planning and design, advertising and marketing, public workshops, and methods data collection were among the main focus of the survey process. Another step in the process included our industry partners and organizations for crafting the questions and survey distribution assistance. We outlined and finalized the survey that was then distributed using multiple media formats. Bringing in our industry partners proved to be a valuable step in the process. The survey questions were brought to meetings of the Central Delaware Recreational Committee, Silver Lake Commission and the Bicycle Pedestrian Subcommittee to name a few. The YMCA of Dover, Delaware Special Olympics, Delaware Sports Tourism, City of Newark, Delaware Senior Olympics, Delaware State University, and Wesley College represent most of the committee members. The Parks and Recreation staff solicited input from their colleagues as well as shared their own professional knowledge to bring a complete picture of our current park system and what we may need to offer for to our citizens. The planning and design stage of the survey focused on ensuring the reader could quickly and easily understand and respond to the question and to offer a chance to tell us something we may have missed in our response options. Keeping the survey to a user friendly and short time requirement played a role in the number of questions and how they were presented. Page 8

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Advertising and marketing of the survey was multifaceted. The survey was posted online on various websites such as the Dover/Kent County MPO and Delaware Senior Olympics, in addition to the City of Dover postings. Multiple public services announcements were listed in the local print media, the survey link was posted on the City of Dover Verizon channel and multiple Facebook postings. Our partner organizations encouraged their memberships to participate either in hard copy or online. Public workshops were held to offer citizens a chance to see a complete picture of the park system. With display boards and surveys in hand, workshops were held at Towne Point Elementary School, Dover Public Library, and the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. The first two meetings were poorly attended; however, through a more concerted media outreach, the third meeting was well-attended. Surveys were available online and links to the survey were on our partner websites as well. Hard copies of the survey were available at the public workshops, the Dover Public Library, Department of Customer Services at Reed Street, and the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. All of the hard copy submissions were manually keyed and comments were entered as submitted. Data collection from all surveys completed was combined for offering the final results. The survey included general questions, as well as focused questions on each of the three anchor parks and sections on Dover/New Street Park and Williams Park. A total of 506 surveys were completed. Of these 52 percent were City of Dover residents; 28 percent were non-residents of Dover, and 20 percent did not answer the question of residence. While the survey methodology includes a self-selected sample and not a completely random sample of Dover residents, the number of surveys completed and the portion completed by Dover residents is helpful in discerning the priorities of Dover residents as they relate to recreation. Page 9

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Based on all of the surveys completed (506 surveys), the following needs were ranked most highly (≥25%): Silver Lake Park Indoor Restrooms 39.9% Schutte Park Expansion of Trail System 38.3% Dover Park Indoor Restrooms 32.0% Schutte Park Benches 29.6% Dover Park Paved Trail System (loop) 26.5% JWP Center Weight Room 26.3% Silver Lake Park Benches 26.3% Schutte Park Fitness Stations Along Trail 26.1% Dover Park Indoor Recreation Center 25.7% People seem generally supportive that programs should be supported by a mix of fees, grants and taxes. Respondents also indicated that fundraising and seeking business sponsorships should be sought to support programs. There is also significant support for City residents paying a lower fee for programs than non-residents of Dover. The City has discussed the need for a splash pad and a skate park for several years. Based on the survey responses, a skate park seems best suited for Schutte Park and/or Dover Park, a splash pad seems best suited for Dover Park and/or Silver Lake Park. While not highly indicated through the numerical survey responses, the comments provided on the surveys and through other outreach indicated strong support for pickle ball (particularly among seniors) and a dog park. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) The State of Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation develops a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) every five years. This plan helps the State to prioritize grant funding and other investments in outdoor recreation to meet the needs identified by State residents. In developing the SCORP, the State performs a random telephone survey to assess recreation participation patterns and identify needs. In performing the survey and analyzing the data, the State is divided into five regions. Kent County is identified as Region 3. In performing the survey, the State oversamples larger municipalities, including Dover, to provide meaningful data to the local recreation providers. This information can be viewed in combination with the City’s survey data to develop a more comprehensive picture of recreation participation patterns and needs. The City’s survey focused principally on use of the City’s park system and needs specific to the park system. The State’s information can supplement this to give us a more comprehensive picture of the recreation needs in Dover. In reviewing the data collected in the State’s survey, 61% of the 267 respondents in Dover indicated that outdoor recreation in Delaware is very important to them personally. Sixty-one Page 10

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment percent of Dover respondents also indicated that the principal reason for their participation in outdoor recreation is for fitness. Seventy percent of respondents indicated that they choose their locations for outdoor recreation because they live near the facility, and 57 percent indicated that they would participate more in outdoor recreation if there were areas closer to where they live. In response to the question of what facilities would survey respondents like to see added to a park in their community, responses included:  Improved Amenities (17%)  Outdoor Public Swimming Pools (17%)  Indoor Recreation Facilities (14%)  Playgrounds (12%)  Bike Paths (8%)  Hiking/Walking Trails (7%)  Paved Walkways (6%)  Restrooms (6%)  Football Fields (5%) Summary of Data and Process In looking together at all of the sources of data that help us to form a picture of recreation patterns and needs within the City, we are able to develop a plan that focuses on meeting these needs. In looking at the walksheds and seeing through the State’s survey that proximity to recreation areas affects residents’ participation in recreation, we are able to determine where we may need to look for opportunities to provide outdoor recreation in these areas. This could be achieved by adding a new park or by partnering with other providers who may already have facilities in the area to make their facilities more publicly accessible. The confluence of walksheds, proximity to recreation areas, the prevalence of walking and jogging as a desired recreation activity, and the connection between outdoor recreation and fitness support the need to continue to improve the pedestrian infrastructure within the City to ensure that residents have safe locations to walk or jog. Much of the area that is outside of a 15-minute walk to a park also has poor pedestrian connectivity. For example, Kenton Road lacks sidewalks, so opportunities to walk or jog safely are limited to streets within subdivision, which also lack sidewalks but experience lower traffic volumes and traffic speeds. Page 11

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Implementation Strategies As stated previously, one of the principal purposes of this assessment is to ensure that limited dollars are invested in a way that best meets the needs of Dover’s residents. To that end, the following strategies will guide the City as we plan for capital investments in our recreation infrastructure and as we work to provide the quality programming our residents have come to enjoy.  Develop master plans for the anchor parks. Dover’s anchor parks serve as regional hubs for recreation within the City of Dover. Appropriate planning for improvements to these parks needs to involve the public, and the plans for improvement to these parks will drive the City’s capital plan as it relates to parks and recreation. o Dover Park As previously stated, this 28-acre park was home to the City’s first indoor recreation center. Due to its functional obsolescence, deterioration over the years, and lack of successful programming following the opening of the John W. Pitts Recreation Center, this recreation center building was demolished in 2014. During the debate over the center’s demolition, there was significant discussion of the importance of addressing the recreation needs of residents on the east side of U.S. Route 13 and the concern that with the investments in Schutte Park and the John W. Pitts Recreation Center, the City failed to provide for residents east of U.S. Route 13 who may not be able to access the new amenities at Schutte Park. Additionally during this discussion, concerns of safety and lighting within the park arose. A master plan for Dover Park needs to address these challenges. As it relates to the Recreation Needs Assessment Survey, the following amenities need to be addressed within a master plan for Dover Park:  Indoor Restrooms  Paved Loop Trail System  Fitness Stations along the Paved Trail System  Skate Park  Splash Pad  Bicycle Racks Page 12

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment Additionally, the master plan needs to reserve space in the event that an indoor recreation center is needed in the future. Of the total 506 survey respondents, 25.7 percent indicated that this was a priority. While other priorities for improvements to the parks system were identified as higher priorities, it is important to provide a location of an indoor facility within Dover Park for some point in the future as our needs for indoor recreation increase. The SCORP survey did identify indoor recreation facilities as one of the more highly ranked needs in the City of Dover. o Schutte Park Schutte Park has served as the hub for Dover’s athletic leagues and active recreation programming. In 2004, with the development of Nottingham Meadows land was donated for the expansion Schutte Park. This land had been separated from the park by Wyoming Mill Road, but with the realignment of Wyoming Mill Road in 2013, this land is now contiguous to the remainder of the park. In 2014, the City had a land survey completed of the entire Schutte Park, including the Dover Little League Park and the areas of the park utilized by the Public Works Department. The City will utilize in-house engineering staff to create a master plan for this park that includes expansion of the multi-purpose athletic fields and the parking necessary to support the field expansion and other park amenities. The master plan will also include expansion of the paved path to create a loop. Based on the feedback received through the Recreation Needs Assessment Survey, the plan might also include the addition of benches, fitness stations along the loop trail, tennis courts, and a skate park. This plan also needs to account for the potential expansion of the John W. Pitts Recreation Center in the future, as the demand for indoor recreation space increases. Schutte Park is impacted by the Source Water Protection Overlay Zone (SWPOZ), a zoning overlay intended to protect water quality through protecting recharge areas and areas around municipal wells. Schutte Park contains both an Excellent Recharge Area and a municipal well, so the park master plan will need to ensure that these resources are protected as the park is improved to meet the population’s recreation needs. o Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park is centered on the St. Jones River, including the shoreline of Silver Lake just upstream of the dam and the St. Jones River below the dam. It is a popular location for community walks and 5K run events, as well as fishing, picnicking, playing, or just relaxing. Planning for Silver Lake Park needs to account for the sensitive natural resources, including the stream bank, floodplain, and the flora and fauna that depend on the St. Jones River. There have been a number of projects in recent years to improve water quality in Silver Lake and the St. Jones River, including a bank restoration project along the St. Jones River within the park. The City of Dover has worked closely with the Silver Lake Commission and DNREC on Page 13

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment efforts to improve the park. Any future plans for the park need to include close coordination with the Silver Lake Commission and DNREC as well. The northwest corner of the park near the parking lot off Washington Street also includes an old African American cemetery that is threatened by erosion. Planning efforts for Silver Lake Park need to include efforts to survey the extent of the cemetery and develop a plan to protect it. Coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office will be necessary in this regard. In addition to these issues that would need to be addressed in a plan for Silver Lake Park, the Recreation Needs Assessment Survey indicates a very high priority for restrooms at this park. Other amenities to be evaluated during a park master plan would include additional benches and bike racks in the park and a splash pad.  Continue to develop and implement improvement plans for neighborhood parks. The Statewide survey completed for the SCORP indicates both statewide and in Dover that respondents would be more likely to participate in outdoor recreation if opportunities were available closer to where they live. Seventy percent of the respondents in Dover indicated that they chose locations for outdoor recreation based on proximity to where they live. Neighborhood parks play an important role in quality of life for Dover residents, providing opportunities for daily activity. The City’s capital investments in our park system need to include regular upgrades to amenities in local parks. Upgrades to existing parks should always include a process to gather inputs from the residents who live nearest to the parks to ensure that improvements are in line with residents’ priorities.  Determine appropriate location for dog park. Work with the public to design a dog park that meets the needs of the community.  Develop a reliable and consistent stream of funding for the Parkland Reserve. Currently, the Parkland Reserve has no consistent stream of revenue. Cash-in-lieu of active recreation area is permitted in the Zoning Ordinance only if the Planning Commission determines that providing active recreation area within a residential development is impractical or infeasible. The need for active recreation space within residential developments is currently addressed through the requirement that developers set aside area and develop it with active recreation amenities to be maintained by the homeowners association or other private entity. Unfortunately, homeowners associations are frequently ill-equipped to manage these areas, and these areas are intended only for the use of residents within the specific community. The following Page 14

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment mechanisms should be evaluated as ways to provide a regular funding stream to the Parkland Reserve: o Amend the Zoning Ordinance to eliminate the requirement for active recreation area in residential developments. Replace this requirement with a surcharge on building permits that would fund the Parkland Reserve. o Explore other mechanisms to provide funding for the Parkland Reserve  Work with residents and recreation partners to ensure availability of outdoor recreation opportunities for those areas that have been identified as outside of the walkshed to recreation areas. o Host public meetings in the neighborhoods and park areas identified for constituent feedback o Include industry partners such as the Dover/Kent County MPO, DelDOT, and DNREC to assist in ensuring opportunities to fill gaps while complimenting pathway/trail plans.  Continue to build upon and develop partnerships with other agencies to expand recreational offerings within the City. o Keep current relationships fresh and viable while exploring the opportunity to find new partners in the area to keep focus on City of Dover recreational programming needs o Determine preventative measures ensure duplication of services remains limited.  Focus on providing Dover residents avenues to participate in our programs.  Develop a stronger collaboration with Kent County to ensure that we are collectively meeting the needs of residents in a way that provides value to taxpayers.  Explore other funding mechanisms, including corporate sponsorships, to augment revenue streams. Page 15

DRAFT 7/2/2015 City of Dover Recreation Needs Assessment o Assign staff to seek corporate and foundation funding resources and grants for promoting healthy lifestyles, park amenities and services  Develop fee differential for residents and non-residents for participation in recreation programs. o Consult with other recreation providers in Delaware who employ a variable rate for residents versus non-residents o Use data to create and implement a plan for which City of Dover residents pay a reduced participation rate, either through a non- resident surcharge or a separate fee for residents and non-residents.  Address park maintenance needs. As new amenities are added to the City’s park system, these amenities need to be maintained. In planning for amenities, maintenance needs must be taken into consideration and addressed in the planning process. Page 16

Appendix A: Dover City Parks

Walking/Jogging Path Cultural / Historical Shuffleboard Courts Multipurpose Fields Recreation Centers Playground Equip Playground Equip Basketball Courts Pickle Ball Courts City of Dover Picnic Tables Passive Area Fitness Course Disc Golf Course Horseshoe Pits Softball Fields Tennis Courts Parking Lots Boating/ Pavilions Grills Swings Fishing Parks & Facilities Boat Ramp Ages 2-5 Ages 5-12 Park Name Acreage City Hall Plaza 15 E Loockerman St. .2  Constitution Park State & North Sts. .2  Continental Park Independence Blvd. 2.95  Crossgates Park Blue Beach Rd. 5.66  Dover & New St Park Dover & New Sts. 4.42       Dover Park 1210 White Oak Rd. 28.2               Division & Kirkwood Park Division & Kirkwood Sts. .76    Hamlet Park Old Forge Dr. 11.5    Heatherfield East Heatherfield Way 1.15  Kirkwood & Mary Park Kirkwood & Mary Sts. .15    Mallard Pond Park Mallard Pond 6.07   Mayfair Park Alder Rd. 2.6       Memorial Park Park Dr. 4.6   Millcreek Park Millcreek Dr. 1.864   Orville Myers Park State & Division Sts. .20476  Paul’s Property St Jones River Greenway 14.2  Richardson Park Walker Rd. & State St. 1   Saulsbury Park Salisbury Rd. 2.7  Schutte Park Hazlettville Rd. & Electric Ave. 71          Silver Lake Recreation Area Kings Hwy/Washington St. 182             The Green South State St. .7   Turner Drive Park Turner Dr. 1.004  Westfield Park Sweetgum Dr. 1.4  Westwind Meadows Westview Meadows .62  Williams Park Nimitz Rd. 8.88        Woodbrook Westview Terrace 8.6 

Appendix B: Recreation and Park Walkshed Maps

City of Dover Pedestrian Service Area k k Dover Downs k k k k Silver Lake k k k k k k k k k k k k k kk k k k k k Legend k k Dover AFB k k Parks/Openspace City of Dover Lakes/Rivers Method of Travel Population Served % of Dover 5 Minute Pedestrian Service Area (3.0 mph walk) (2010 Census) Population Served 10 Minute Pedestrian Service Area 5 Minute Service Area 5,855 16% 10 Minute Service Area 13,962 39% 15 Minute Pedestrian Service Area 15 Minute Service Area 18,451 51%

City of Dover Unserved Areas Outside The 15 Minute Walkshed Dover k k Downs k k k k Silver Lake k k k k k k k k k k k k k kk k k k k k k k k Legend Dover AFB k Parks/Openspace Unserved Neighborhoods Population High Low 15 Minute Walkshed

Appendix C: Survey Questionnaire and Summary

Recreational Needs Assessment Survey Help us provide the parks and recreational services needed to make Dover a place where people want to live, work, and play! We want to hear from you. What programs or activities would you like to see offered? What features would you like your parks to have? Share your thoughts with us on this brief survey that will be used to shape Dover's Parks and Recreation system into the future. You may take the survey online at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CODRNA Please return completed surveys to: Mail: City of Dover Parks & Recreation Hand Delivery: c/o Carolyn Courtney City of Dover Parks & Recreation PO Box 475 John W. Pitts Recreation Center Dover DE 19904 c/o Carolyn Courtney 10 Electric Avenue Dover DE 19904 Questions, please call: (302) 736‐7050

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment What would you like to see offered by the City of Dover Parks & Recreation Department? Let’s start with some basics! 1. How often do you/household members participate in a City of Dover activity, league, trip, or program? Please select: Once A Year 2 – 3 Times Monthly Daily 2 – 3 Times Annually 2 – 3 Times Weekly Do Not Use 2. What programs are you interested in seeing included in the programming schedule?  Additional Leagues  Senior Recreational Programs  Adult Sports  Senior Sports Programs  Healthy Eating Seminars  Toddler Development Programs  More Fitness  Winter Break Camp for Youth  More Trips  Youth Fitness  Persons with Disabilities Programs  Youth Sports  Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________________ 3. How do you feel recreational programs should be funded?  General Fund  Grants  Program Fees  Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________________ 4. Should city residents (within the tax district) pay a reduced fee verses non‐city residents?  Yes  No 5. How do you typically hear about our programs?  Delaware State News  Radio Announcement  Dover Post  Website  Emails from Parks & Recreation  Wilmington News Journal  Flyer or Program Guide  Other (please specify): _________________ Page 1

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Dover Park This series of questions relates to Dover Park located at 1210 White Oak Road. 6. How often do you/household members visit Dover Park? Please select: Once A Year 2 – 3 Times Monthly Daily 2 – 3 Times Annually 2 – 3 Times Weekly Do Not Use 7. What is the nature of your Dover Park visit?  Basketball Courts  Softball or Multipurpose Field  Disc (Frisbee) Golf  Tennis Courts  League Activity (ie: Softball, Field Hockey, etc)  Walking/Jogging  Playground Equipment  Other (please specify): ___________________  Picnicking ______________________________________ 8. What would you like to see at Dover Park?  Bike Racks  Paved Trail System (looped)  Bocce Ball Area  Pickle Ball Court  Fitness Stations Along Trail  Sand Volleyball  Indoor Recreation Center  Skate Park  Indoor Restrooms  Splash Pad  Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________________ New Street Park This series of questions relates to New Street Park located on Dover & New Streets. 9. How often do you/household members visit New Street Park? Please select: Once A Year 2 – 3 Times Monthly Daily 2 – 3 Times Annually 2 – 3 Times Weekly Do Not Use 10. What is the nature of your New Street Park visit?  Basketball  Open Space Play  Picnicking  Softball Field Use  Playground  Other (please specify): ____________________ Page 2

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment 11. What would you like to see at New Street Park?  Benches  Reading Garden Area  Bike Racks  Sand Volleyball  Bocce Ball Area  Shuffleboard Court  Horseshoe Pits  Skate Park  Indoor Restroom  Splash Pad  Paved Trail System w/Fitness Stations  Tennis Court  Pickle Ball  Other (please specify): ____________________ Schutte Park This series of questions relates to Schutte Park located on Hazeletville Road (West North Street). 12. How often do you/household members visit Schutte Park? Please select: Once A Year 2 – 3 Times Monthly Daily 2 – 3 Times Annually 2 – 3 Times Weekly Do Not Use 13. What is the nature of your Schutte Park visit?  Lacrosse  Picnicking  League Activity (ie: Softball, Field Hockey, etc.)  Soccer  Playground  Trail Use  Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________________ 14. What would you like to see at Schutte Park?  Basketball Court  Horseshoe Pits  Benches  Pickle Ball Courts  Bike Racks  Sand Volleyball  Bocce Ball Area  Shuffleboard Court  Disc (Frisbee) Golf  Skate Park  Expansion of Trail System  Splash Pad  Fitness Stations Along Trail  Tennis Court  Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________________ 15. Do you visit the John W. Pitts Recreation Center (JWP)?  Yes  No Page 3

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment 16. If Yes, to visiting the JWP, what is the nature of your visit?  Adult Sports League  Instructional Clinics  Birthday Party Package  Open Gym  Camps  Senior Sports  Card Making for Adults  Walking Track  Challenger Sports Event  Youth Card/Craft Making  Fitness Class  Youth Sports League  High School Sports League  Other (please specify): ___________________ 17. What would like to see added to JWP?  Larger Multipurpose Room(s)  Shower Area(s)  Weight Room  Other (please specify):______________________________________________________________ Silver Lake Park This series of questions relates to Silver Lake Park in Dover. 18. How often do you/members of your household visit Silver Lake Park? Please select: Once A Year 2 – 3 Times Monthly Daily 2 – 3 Times Annually 2 – 3 Times Weekly Do Not Use 19. What is the nature of your Silver Lake visit?  Bird Watching  Picnicking  Boating  Playground  Fishing  Walking/Jogging  Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________________ 20. What would you like to see at Silver Lake?  Benches  Indoor Restrooms  Bike Racks  Sand Volleyball  Bocce Ball Area  Shuffleboard Court  Disc (Frisbee) Golf  Skate Park  Horseshoe Pits  Splash Pad  Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________________ Page 4

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Williams Park This series of questions relates to Williams Park located behind the Towne Point & White Oak Farms development. 21. How often do you/members of your household visit Williams Park? Please select: Once A Year 2 – 3 Times Monthly Daily 2 – 3 Times Annually 2 – 3 Times Weekly Do Not Use 22. What is the nature of your Williams Park visit?  Basketball  Multipurpose Field Use  Picnicking  Open Space Play  Playground  Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________________ 23. What would you like to see at Williams Park?  Benches  Reading Garden  Bike Racks  Sand Volleyball  Bocce Ball Area  Shuffleboard Court  Horseshoe Pits  Skate Park  Indoor Restroom  Splash Pad  Paved Trail System w/Fitness Stations  Tennis Court  Other (please specify): ______________________________________________________________ Did we miss your favorite neighborhood park? We have many parks located in our City of Dover neighborhoods. Please share your feedback on these park areas that are in your neighborhood. 24. For which of the following neighborhood parks are you providing feedback?  Constitution Park  Millcreek Park  Continental Park  Orville Myers Park  Crossgates Park  Pauls Property  Division/Kirkwood Streets Park  Richardson Park  Hamlet Park  Saulsbury Park  Heatherfield East  The Green  Kirkwood/Mary Streets Park  Turner Drive Park  Mallard Pond Park  Westfield Park  Mayfair Park  Westwind Meadows  Memorial (Mirror Lake) Park  Woodbrook 25. What feedback would you like to offer on the park you selected? _____________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Now tell us a little about yourself and family. Having a cross section of individuals and families from all areas of Dover will help to ensure that survey results tell the story of our community. Having community wide input will give us direction in planning manageable growth. 26. Where do you live?* Please circle you answer. (*mandatory response is needed to validate survey) City of Dover Residents Acorn Farms Heatherfield Schoolview Baltray Heatherfield East Seskinore Barrister Place Hidden Creek Sherwood Bay Tree Hidden Oaks Sherwood 2 Bicentennial Village Independence Village Silver Lake Overlook Blue Hen Apartments Kings Cliff Mobile Home Park Silver Lake Townhouses Brandywine Apartments Lake Club Apartments Silver Mill Apartments Cannon Mill Lexington Glen Simon Circle Capital Green Liberty Court Somerset Park Cedar Chase Apartments Lincoln Park Stonebrook East Chatham Court Apartments Lynnhaven Stonebrook West Clearfield Apartments Mallard Pond Stoney Creek Clearview Meadow Manchester Square Stover Country Club Apartments Maple Glen The Beeches Country Village Apartments Mapleton Square The Hamlet Cranberry Run Marsh Creek Towne Point Crossgates Mayfair Towne Point Apartments Dover Downs Meadows at Dover Turnberry Dover East Mobile Home Park Millcreek University Courtyard East Lake Gardens Morris Estate Village of Westover Eden Hill Farm Morris Estates 2 Vondaway Edgehill Northwest Dover Heights Walker Woods Emerald Pointe Nottingham Meadows Wedgewood English Village Oak Shadows Westfield Fairview Oakmont park Westminster Farthing Woods Oakridge White Oak Farms Four Seasons Patriot Village White Oak Farms Apartments Fox Hall Persimmon Park Place Wild Meadows Fox Hall West Pine Grove Apartments Woodbrook Fox Hall West Addition Pine Grove Farms South Woodcrest Fox Meadows Presidential Courts Woodmill Apartments Governors Square Apartments Retreat Other not listed: _________________ Greens of Dover River Chase Apartments Hampton Square Riverside Mobile Home Park Non‐City of Dover Residents Camden‐Wyoming Little Creek‐Leipsic Carlisle Village Magnolia Cheswold Rodney Village Felton‐Harrington Royal Grant Hartly‐Marydel Other not listed: _________________________ Page 6

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment 27. How many are in your household?  1–3  8 – 12  4‐7  13 or more 28. What is your HOUSEHOLD income?  Less than $10,000  $50,000 ‐ $74,999  $10,000 ‐ $14,999  $75,000 ‐ $149,999  $15,000 ‐ $24,999  $150,00 ‐ $199,999  $25,000 ‐ $34,999  $200,000 or more  $35,000 ‐ $49,999 29. What is your age?  18 – 34  55 ‐75  35 ‐ 54  75 ‐ older 30. What is your gender?  Female  Male 31. What is your race? ________________________________ Page 7

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q1 How often do you/household members participate in a City of Dover activity, league, trip, or program? Answered: 478 Skipped: 28 Frequency Please select 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Frequency Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Total Please select 19.04% 1.88% 10.67% 14.02% 33.05% 21.34% 91 9 51 67 158 102 478 1 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q2 What programs are you interested in seeing added to the programming schedule? Answered: 446 Skipped: 60 Additional Leagues Adult Sports Healthy Eating Seminars More Fitness More Trips Persons with Disabilities... Senior Recreational... Senior Sports Programs Toddler Development... Winter Break Camp for Youth Youth Fitness Youth Sports 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Additional Leagues 17.26% 77 Adult Sports 34.53% 154 Healthy Eating Seminars 20.40% 91 More Fitness 32.06% 143 More Trips 25.78% 115 Persons with Disabilities Programs 10.09% 45 Senior Recreational Programs 19.73% 88 Senior Sports Programs 17.49% 78 Toddler Development Programs 13.90% 62 Winter Break Camp for Youth 19.06% 85 Youth Fitness 24.44% 109 Youth Sports 30.94% 138 Total Respondents: 446 2 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q3 How do you feel recreational programs should be funded? Answered: 477 Skipped: 29 General Fund (Tax Dollars) Grants Program Fees 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses General Fund (Tax Dollars) 53.04% 253 Grants 56.81% 271 Program Fees 74.42% 355 Total Respondents: 477 3 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q4 Should City Residents (within the tax district) pay a reduced fee verses non-city residents? Answered: 488 Skipped: 18 Yes No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Yes 67.21% 328 No 33.20% 162 Total Respondents: 488 4 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q5 How do you typically hear about our programs? Answered: 452 Skipped: 54 Delaware State News Dover Post Emails from Parks &... Flyer or Program Guide Radio Announcements Website Wilmington News Journal 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Delaware State News 23.01% 104 Dover Post 40.93% 185 Emails from Parks & Recreation 30.53% 138 Flyer or Program Guide 48.01% 217 Radio Announcements 5.31% 24 Website 25.66% 116 Wilmington News Journal 4.87% 22 Total Respondents: 452 5 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q6 How often do you/household members visit Dover Park? Answered: 448 Skipped: 58 Frequency Please select: 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Frequency Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Total Please select: 6.70% 1.79% 7.37% 12.28% 19.87% 52.01% 30 8 33 55 89 233 448 6 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q7 What is the nature of your Dover Park visit? Answered: 239 Skipped: 267 Basketball Courts Disc (Frisbee) Golf League Activity (ie... Playground Equipment Picnicking Softball or Multipurpose... Tennis Courts Walking / Jogging 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Basketball Courts 12.97% 31 Disc (Frisbee) Golf 7.95% 19 League Activity (ie: Softball, Field Hockey, etc.) 24.69% 59 Playground Equipment 33.05% 79 Picnicking 20.08% 48 Softball or Multipurpose field 13.39% 32 Tennis Courts 8.37% 20 Walking / Jogging 56.49% 135 Total Respondents: 239 7 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q8 What would you like to see at Dover Park? Answered: 323 Skipped: 183 Bike Racks Bocce Ball Area Fitness Stations Alo... Indoor Recreation... Indoor Restrooms Paved Trail System (looped) Pickle Ball Court Sand Volleyball Skate Park Splash Pad 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Bike Racks 24.15% 78 Bocce Ball Area 9.91% 32 Fitness Stations Along Trail 32.82% 106 Indoor Recreation Center 40.25% 130 Indoor Restrooms 50.15% 162 Paved Trail System (looped) 41.49% 134 12.38% 40 Pickle Ball Court Sand Volleyball 15.79% 51 Skate Park 23.53% 76 Splash Pad 24.15% 78 Total Respondents: 323 8 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q9 How often do you/household members visit New Street park? Answered: 443 Skipped: 63 Frequency Please select: 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Frequency Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Total Please select: 1.58% 0.68% 1.35% 2.48% 8.13% 85.78% 7 3 6 11 36 380 443 9 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q10 What is the nature of your New Street Park visit? Answered: 86 Skipped: 420 Basketball Picnicking Playground Open Space Play Softball Field Use 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Basketball 18.60% 16 Picnicking 17.44% 15 Playground 50.00% 43 Open Space Play 31.40% 27 Softball Field Use 37.21% 32 Total Respondents: 86 10 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q11 What would you like to see at New Street Park? Answered: 172 Skipped: 334 Benches Bike Racks Bocce Ball Area Horseshoe Pits Indoor Restroom Paved Trail System... Pickle Ball Reading Garden Area Sand Volleyball Shuffleboard Court Skate Park Splash Pad Tennis Court 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Benches 41.28% 71 Bike Racks 22.09% 38 Bocce Ball Area 6.98% 12 Horseshoe Pits 19.77% 34 Indoor Restroom 37.79% 65 Paved Trail System w/Fitness Stations 24.42% 42 Pickle Ball 16.86% 29 Reading Garden Area 25.00% 43 Sand Volleyball 14.53% 25 Shuffleboard Court 9.88% 17 Skate Park 16.28% 28 Splash Pad 19.77% 34 Tennis Court 23.84% 41 Total Respondents: 172 11 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q12 How often do you/household members visit Schutte Park? Answered: 434 Skipped: 72 Frequency Please select: 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Frequency Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Total Please select: 9.22% 1.84% 15.90% 22.12% 30.18% 20.74% 40 8 69 96 131 90 434 12 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q13 What is the nature of your Schutte Park visit? Answered: 329 Skipped: 177 Lacrosse League Activity (ie... Playground Picnicking Soccer Trail Use 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Lacrosse 11.85% 39 League Activity (ie: Softball, Field Hockey, etc) 47.72% 157 Playground 28.27% 93 Picnicking 11.85% 39 Soccer 20.36% 67 Trail Use 41.95% 138 Total Respondents: 329 13 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q14 What would you like to see at Schutte Park? Answered: 364 Skipped: 142 Basketball Court Benches Bike Racks Bocce Ball Area Disc (Frisbee) Golf Expansion of Trail System Fitness Stations Alo... Horseshoe Pits Pickle Ball Court Sand Volleyball Shuffleboard Court Skate Park Splash Pad Tennis Court 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses 18.13% 66 Basketball Court Benches 41.21% 150 Bike Racks 23.63% 86 Bocce Ball Area 9.34% 34 Disc (Frisbee) Golf 15.38% 56 Expansion of Trail System 53.30% 194 Fitness Stations Along Trail 36.26% 132 Horseshoe Pits 15.38% 56 Pickle Ball Court 10.44% 38 Sand Volleyball 18.96% 69 Shuffleboard Court 8.79% 32 Skate Park 21.98% 80 Splash Pad 20.33% 74 Tennis Court 27.75% 101 Total Respondents: 364 14 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q15 Do you visit the John W. Pitts Recreation Center (JWP)? Answered: 422 Skipped: 84 Yes No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Yes 52.37% 221 No 48.34% 204 Total Respondents: 422 15 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q16 If Yes, to visiting the JWP, what is the nature of your visit? Answered: 222 Skipped: 284 Adult Sports Leagues Birthday Party Package Camps Card Making for Adults Challenger Sports Event Fitness Class High School Sports League Instructional Clinics Open Gym Senior Sports Walking track Youth Card/Craft... Youth Sports Leagues 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Adult Sports Leagues 23.87% 53 Birthday Party Package 7.66% 17 Camps 12.16% 27 Card Making for Adults 4.05% 9 Challenger Sports Event 2.70% 6 Fitness Class 28.83% 64 High School Sports League 9.01% 20 Instructional Clinics 7.66% 17 Open Gym 21.17% 47 Senior Sports 5.41% 12 Walking track 22.07% 49 Youth Card/Craft Making 3.15% 7 Youth Sports Leagues 28.38% 63 Total Respondents: 222 16 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q17 What would you like to see added to JWP? Answered: 196 Skipped: 310 Larger Multipurpose... Shower Area(s) Weight Room 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Larger Multipurpose Room(s) 56.63% 111 Shower Area(s) 40.31% 79 Weight Room 67.86% 133 Total Respondents: 196 17 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q18 How often do you/members of your household visit Silver Lake Park? Answered: 432 Skipped: 74 Frequency Please select: 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Frequency Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Total Please select: 11.11% 3.70% 6.02% 17.13% 38.66% 23.38% 48 16 26 74 167 101 432 18 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q19 What is the nature of your Silver Lake visit? Answered: 337 Skipped: 169 Bird Watching Boating Fishing Picnicking Playground Walking / Jogging 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Bird Watching 24.04% 81 Boating 8.61% 29 Fishing 23.74% 80 Picnicking 31.75% 107 Playground 39.47% 133 Walking / Jogging 74.78% 252 Total Respondents: 337 19 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q20 What would you like to see at Silver Lake? Answered: 298 Skipped: 208 Benches Bike Racks Bocce Ball Area Disc (Frisbee) Golf Horesehoe Pits Indoor Restrooms Sand Volleyball Shuffleboard Court Skate Park Splash Pad 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Benches 44.63% 133 Bike Racks 28.19% 84 Bocce Ball Area 9.06% 27 Disc (Frisbee) Golf 16.11% 48 Horesehoe Pits 18.46% 55 Indoor Restrooms 67.79% 202 17.79% 53 Sand Volleyball Shuffleboard Court 8.72% 26 Skate Park 16.44% 49 Splash Pad 21.81% 65 Total Respondents: 298 20 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q21 How often do you/household members visit Williams Park? Answered: 428 Skipped: 78 Frequency Please select: 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Frequency Once a year Daily 2 - 3 times weekly 2 - 3 times monthly 2 - 3 times yearly Do not use Total Please select: 1.40% 0.70% 0.00% 0.93% 3.04% 93.93% 6 3 0 4 13 402 428 21 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q22 What is the nature of your Williams Park visit? Answered: 42 Skipped: 464 Basketball Picnicking Playground Multipurpose Field Use Open Space Play 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Basketball 26.19% 11 Picnicking 21.43% 9 Playground 30.95% 13 Multipurpose Field Use 33.33% 14 Open Space Play 40.48% 17 Total Respondents: 42 22 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q23 What would you like to see at Williams Park? Answered: 87 Skipped: 419 Benches Bike Racks Bocce Ball Area Horseshoe Pits Indoor Restroom Paved Trail System... Reading Garden Sandlot Volleyball Shuffleboard Court Skate Park Splash Pad Tennis Court 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Benches 49.43% 43 Bike Racks 33.33% 29 Bocce Ball Area 13.79% 12 24.14% 21 Horseshoe Pits Indoor Restroom 41.38% 36 Paved Trail System w/Fitness Stations 37.93% 33 Reading Garden 25.29% 22 Sandlot Volleyball 20.69% 18 Shuffleboard Court 11.49% 10 Skate Park 32.18% 28 Splash Pad 19.54% 17 Tennis Court 27.59% 24 Total Respondents: 87 23 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q24 Where is your neighborhood park located that you are providing feedback? Answered: 147 Skipped: 359 Dover Parks Lisitngs Park Area 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Constitution Park Continental Park Crossgates Park Division/Kirkwood Streets Park Hamlet Park Heatherfield East Kirkwood/Mary Streets Park Mallard Pond Park Mayfair Park Memorial (Mirror Lake) Park Millcreek Park Orville Myers Park Pauls Property Richardson Park Saulsbury Park The Green Turner Drive Park Westfield Park Westwind Meadows Woodbrook Dover Parks Lisitngs 24 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Constitution Continental Crossgates Division/Kirkwood Hamlet Heatherfield Kirkwood/Mary Mallard Mayfair Memorial Millcreek Orville Pauls Richardson Saulsbury Park Park Park Streets Park Park East Streets Park Pond Park (Mirror Park Myers Property Park Park Park Lake) Park Park Park 6.12% 6.12% 3.40% 5.44% 6.12% 4.08% 0.68% 6.80% 3.40% 6.12% 4.08% 0.00% 0.00% 4.08% Area 9 9 5 8 9 6 1 10 5 9 6 0 0 6 25 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q25 What feedback would like to offer on the park you selected? Answered: 89 Skipped: 417 26 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q26 Where do you live? Answered: 403 Skipped: 103 Dover Residents 27 / 41

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City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Please use a drop down bo... 30 / 41

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City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment 0% Farms Acorn 10% 20%Baltray30% 40% Barrister 50% Place 60% 70% Bay Tree 80% 90% 100% Bicentennial Village Blue Hen Apartments Brandywine Apartments Cannon Mill Capital Green Cedar Chase Apartments Chatham Court Apartments Clearfield Apartments Clearview Meadow Country Club Apartments Country Village Apartments Cranberry Run Crossgates Downtown Dover Dover East Mobile Home Park East Lake Gardens Eden Hill Farm Edgehill Emerald Pointe English Village Fairview Farthing Woods Four Seasons Fox Hall 33 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment English Village Fairview Farthing Woods Four Seasons Fox Hall Fox Hall West Fox Hall West Addition Fox Meadows Governors Square Apartments Greens of Dover Hampton Square Heatherfield Heatherfield East Hidden Creek Hidden Oaks Independence Village Kings Cliff Mobile Home Park Lake Club Apartments Lexington Glen Liberty Court Lincoln Park Lynnhaven Mallard Pond Manchester Square Maple Glen Mapleton Square Marsh Creek Mayfair Meadows at Dover Millcreek Morris Estate Morris Estates 2 Northwest Dover Heights Nottingham Meadows Oak Shadows Oakmont park Oakridge Patriot Village Persimmon Park Place Pine Grove Apartments Pine Grove Farms South Presidential Courts Retreat River Chase Apartments Riverside Mobile Home Park Schoolview Seskinore Sherwood Sherwood 2 Silver Lake Overlook Silver Lake Townhouses Silver Mill Apartments Simon Circle Somerset Park Stonebrook East Stonebrook West Stoney Creek Stover The Beeches The Hamlet Towne Point Towne Point Apartments Turnberry University Courtyard Village of Westover Vondaway Walker Woods Wedgewood Westfield Westminster White Oak Farms White Oak Farms Apartments Wild Meadows Woodbrook Woodcrest Woodmill Apartments Other not listed 34 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Non-City Residents Please use a drop down bo... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Camden-Wyoming Carlisle Village Cheswold Felton-Harrington Hartly-Marydel Little Creek-Leipsic Magnolia Rodney Village Royal Grant Other not listed Dover Residents Acorn Baltray Barrister Bay Bicentennial Blue Hen Brandywine Cannon Capital Cedar Chatham Clearfield Clearview Country Country Farms Place Tree Village Apartments Apartments Mill Green Chase Court Apartments Meadow Club Village Apartments Apartments Apartments Apartments Please 2.42% 0.00% 0.00% 2.82% 4.84% 0.00% 1.21% 0.81% 0.00% 0.00% 0.40% 0.00% 0.40% 0.40% 0.00% use a 6 0 0 7 12 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 drop down box to select where you live. 35 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Non-City Residents Camden- Carlisle Cheswold Felton- Hartly- Little Magnolia Rodney Royal Other Total Wyoming Village Harrington Marydel Creek- Village Grant not Leipsic listed Please use a 25.84% 1.12% 3.93% 4.49% 5.62% 0.56% 8.99% 1.69% 1.12% 46.63% drop down box 46 2 7 8 10 1 16 3 2 83 178 to select where you live. 36 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q27 How many are in your household? Answered: 413 Skipped: 93 1-3 4-7 8 - 12 13 or more 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses 1-3 61.74% 255 4-7 38.98% 161 8 - 12 0.73% 3 13 or more 1.21% 5 Total Respondents: 413 37 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q28 What is your HOUSEHOLD income? Answered: 362 Skipped: 144 Less than $10,000 $10,000 - $14,999 $15,000 - $24,999 $25,000 - $34,999 $35,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $74,999 $75,000 - $149,999 $150,000 - $199,999 $200,000 or more 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Less than $10,000 2.21% 8 $10,000 - $14,999 1.10% 4 $15,000 - $24,999 3.59% 13 $25,000 - $34,999 4.97% 18 $35,000 - $49,999 13.54% 49 $50,000 - $74,999 22.93% 83 $75,000 - $149,999 43.65% 158 $150,000 - $199,999 6.63% 24 $200,000 or more 6.08% 22 Total Respondents: 362 38 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q29 What is your age? Answered: 403 Skipped: 103 18 - 34 35 - 54 55 - 74 75 - older 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses 18 - 34 18.11% 73 35 - 54 50.12% 202 55 - 74 28.78% 116 75 - older 3.97% 16 Total Respondents: 403 39 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q30 What is your gender? Answered: 412 Skipped: 94 Gender Male or Female 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Male Female Gender Male Female Total Male or Female 38.83% 61.17% 160 252 412 40 / 41

City of Dover Recreational Needs Assessment Q31 What is your race? Answered: 419 Skipped: 87 41 / 41

OUR VISION FOR VITALITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER LEADERSHIP STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS The Restoring Central Dover Plan was made possible by generous funding Debbie Armstrong, United Way from the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation, SPEER Trust, the City of Dover, Paul Bernat, Dover Police Chief NeighborWorks America, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and Dianne Bogle, Capital School District NCALL Research, Inc. The plan process was led by NCALL Research, Justina Brewington, Dover Housing Authority Inc. and a commited Steering Committee comprised of local stakeholders, Shelly Cecchett, Greater Kent Committee elected officials, residents, and service providers. David Clendaniel, Dover Federal Credit Union Susan Cooper, Dover Presbyterian Church PLANNING TEAM Elizabeth Daniels, Neighborhood Representative Wallace Dixon, Dover City Council INTERFACE STUDIO LLC V LAMAR WILSON ASSOCIATES Tenish Gregory, CenDel Foundation Scott Page, Principal Lamar Wilson, Principal Pastor Will Grimes, Solid Rock Baptist Church Leah Murphy, Principal Tracey Harvey, City of Dover, Planning and CDBG Rapheal Randall, Urban Designer Clay Hammond, Delmarva Black Chamber of Commerce Kent Hurst, Wesley College ABOUT NCALL Chanda Jackson, Neighborhood Representative Jeanine Kleimo, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing The National Council on Agricultural Life and Labor Research Fund, Inc. Herb Konowitz, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (NCALL), based in Dover, Delaware, was incorporated in 1955 and began Bishop Marion Lott, House of Pride providing housing development services in 1976; added homeownership Mike Metzing, Bayhealth education and counseling in 1989; became a U.S. Treasury-certified Joe Myer, NCALL Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2004 in order to Bill Neaton, City of Dover, Economic Development provide housing and community facility lending; launched financial literacy Ed Perez, Downtown Dover Partnership training in 2005; added default & foreclosure prevention counseling at Maggie Pleasant, NCALL the end of 2007; and was selected as the Kent County partner for the Delcina Ramsey, Public Ally $tand by ME® financial coaching initiative in 2012 and became lead Mary Reed, Dover Presbyterian Church organization for the Restoring Central Dover planning initiative in 2013. Ida Rios, Neighborhood Representative NCALL has become a leader in affordable housing development and Michael Rogers, Interdenominational Ministerial Association services in Delaware, creating affordable housing alternatives and helping Reuben Salters, Inner City Cultural League families statewide to access and maintain homeownership. Ami Sebastian-Hauer, Dover Housing Authority Pauline Smith, Neighborhood Representative Karen Speakman, NCALL Roy Sudler, Neighborhood Representative Jocelyn Tice, Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity Ann Marie Townshend, City of Dover, Planning and CDBG www.ncall.org Amy Yarnell, Wesley United Methodist Church (302) 678-9400 363 Saulsbury Road Dover, DE 19904 2 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Restoring Central Dover, “Our Vision for Vitality,”is an initiative that grew out of the CenDel Foundation’s Safety Task Force and broadened into a community wide effort to work at revitalization planning for central Dover. The planning process has been amazing and very engaging. Thank you to Steering Committee members who invested so much time, energy, and enthusiasm throughout the past year and worked through the thoughtful and exciting recommendations herein. Thank you to Interface Studio for your expertise and guidance in crafting this creative blueprint. Thank you to residents who assisted with the community survey, attended the Community Leadership Institute, helped organize block parties, and put their heart into this effort. This plan looks at affordable housing, business development, strong community, and infrastructure needs for central Dover to become a vibrant business corridor and community as our State Capital. The plan is meant to be a living document that guides our implementation steps both now and years to come. No doubt there will be changes and modifications as efforts evolve, as new partnerships and collaboration takes place, and as new funding becomes available. The recommendations within this plan will be evaluated regularly with the goal of making them even more applicable and achievable. With the completion of this plan, Restoring Central Dover will transition into the implementation phase. Central Dover has a wealth of assets and some very real needs. We believe this plan will enable central Dover to become even a more wonderful place to live, work and play. As you view this plan and its vision, please think about what role you might play to make it a reality, whether it be your leadership, support, or funding. Sincerely, Joe L. Myer, Chair Restoring Central Dover OUR VISION FOR VITALITY RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 3

INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE PLAN In 2013, a “Central Dover Neighborhood Planning” collaboration was convened between NCALL, the CenDel Foundation/Greater Kent Committee, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, and the City of Dover (including the Downtown Dover Partnership and Dover Police Department) to address the high-priority needs of low-income Central Dover residents with the goal of achieving long-term benefits by way of affordable housing, neighborhood safety and desirability, opportunities for economic growth, and essential services for children and families. With generous support from the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation and other sources, NCALL and its partners initiated the Restoring Central Dover planning process and recruited a steering committee comprised of local stakeholders, elected officials, residents, and service providers to lead a community-driven vision with the goal of ultimately establishing a solid community infrastructure that will result in long-term and successful revitalization and meaningful opportunities for residents. Over the course of the year-long process, concerned residents, community groups, neighborhood-based institutions, city representatives, and local businesses were engaged in generating ideas for a better community and the ways in which we can all help to achieve that vision together. As this vision began to take shape, plan leadership recognized the need for this initiative to focus on where efforts should be placed within the next five years to establish a foundation for longer-term positive change. With an eye towards truly Restoring Central Dover, this plan is centered on short- term incremental strategies founded on the idea that revitalization is about 01 Restoring Central Dover planning area reinvesting in both people and in place. This plan is intended to: > Empower community members as agents of change in Central Dover > Bring resources to support the needs of disadvantaged residents and > Strengthen neighborhood streets and expand affordable housing families options > Revitalize Loockerman Street as a vibrant commercial corridor and > Raise the profile of Central Dover to attract new residents, businesses, asset to adjacent neighborhoods and investment > Coordinate the efforts of the city, nonprofit organizations, churches > Expand economic opportunity and ensure that the revitalization of and residents to make the most of resources Central Dover benefits all residents > Assure informed funding decisions and secure resources for neighborhood investments 4 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document represents extensive hours of work volunteered by the in the target area have been brought up to housing code through the many residents, stakeholders, and local leaders dedicated to envisioning homeowner rehabilitation program. a path towards Restoring Central Dover. The planning process itself was a critical step towards plan implementation, as the members of the The City of Dover’s Comprehensive Plan and annual CDBG Action plan’s leadership recognize that they will be agents of change in Central Plan have led to an increased emphasis on building codes and Dover and will continue to collaborate in realizing the goals and objectives their enforcement, resulting in the demolition of several dilapidated outlined in this plan. properties, the construction of some new buildings (including affordable apartments) in the business district, and the upgrading or renovation PLANNING CONTEXT of other properties. To a great extent, the success of Restoring Central Dover will rely upon close coordination with the City’s own ongoing A number of planning initiatives have been completed or are currently planning initiatives and allocation of resources. underway in and around Central Dover that have helped and will continue to help guide the City and local partners in bringing about positive change. > ECONOMIC INCLUSION STUDY OF DOVER This plan seeks to reinforce and incorporate the results of these prior Commissioned by the DelMarVa Black Chamber of Commerce planning efforts while providing an overarching vision for Central Dover (DBCC), the City-funded Economic Inclusion Study of Dover is coordinated with ongoing planning processes. Each of the following currently underway and is is modeled off of a similar analysis of plans provided valuable insight and direction to the development of these Pittsburgh, PA concluding that, among other contributing factors, recommendations. racial equity and inclusion are cornerstones of sustained development and successful, healthy economies for that particular region. The COORDINATION WITH ONGOING INITIATIVES: Restoring Central Dover plan and the prospects of it leveraging public It is important to realize that Restoring Central Dover is one among and private resources present a unique opportunity to advance both multiple initiatives currently underway that will bear great relevance to agendas by linking economic inclusion as a policy and practice with implementation efforts emerging from this process. Part of the mandate community revitalization as a goal. for this plan is to ensure active coordination with these other activities: FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS > CITY OF DOVER BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLANS As demonstrated above, there is a lot of ongoing planning work intended During the Restoring Central Dover planning process, the City of Dover, to bring local partners together and improve Central Dover. To be truly the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the effective, this work must also build upon the foundation set by the plans Delaware Department of Transportation released drafts of updates and strategies that have come before. These include: to the City’s bicycle and pedestrian plans. The community expressed great interest in addressing a range of mobility issues as a part of > DOVER TRANSIT CENTER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN AND Restoring Central Dover, and the feedback and recommendations put DESIGN BOOK [JAN 2011] forth in this document are intended to serve to further inform the City’s The Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book efforts to plan for improving alternative transportation in Central Dover. provided the City of Dover with a design and planning strategy to guide development around the new Dover Transit Center and to improve > CITY OF DOVER CDBG ACTION PLAN transportation infrastructure in Central Dover. The planning area Since the City of Dover became an entitlement community to receive included a portion of the Restoring Central Dover boundary south of CDBG funding in 1995 to present, there has always been an emphasis Loockerman to South Street. The plan was focused primarily on long- in the city’s annual plan to address the needs in the Downtown Target term physical development scenarios and is considered an important Area. The top priorities that were determined by the stakeholders companion piece to Restoring Central Dover, which is centered on in the community were: housing needs, infrastructure needs, public what needs to happen in the short term in order to position Central service needs, homeless needs and public facility needs. As a result of Dover for longer-term investment and positive change. the needs determined in the city by the stakeholders, several homes RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 5

The Dover Community Partnership PLANNING PROCESS The planning process was designed to be both data-driven and people- driven. This required us to: LISTEN through a variety of Community Outreach & Engagement activities—a key component of the plan and the basis for the THE DOVER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP recommendations. REVITALIZATION PLAN JANUARY, 2009 COLLECT & ANALYZE DATA to provide a comprehensive picture of the challenges Central Dover faces today. > DOVER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP REVITALIZATION COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT PLAN [JAN 2009] Restoring Central Dover: Our Vision for Vitality was conceived as a The Dover Housing Authority formed the Dover Community true, community-driven plan that will serve as a unified voice for local Partnership in 2003 to address concentrated poverty and housing residents, business owners, institutions, youth, community leaders, and issues. The general consensus was that the homeownership rate political representatives, among others. As such, the planning process was and economic opportunities in the area were poor and an initiative designed to not only engage the public, but also help to build a sense of was needed to address the issues. The resulting Dover Community community among the area’s diverse constituency. Partnership Revitalization Plan [covering a 20-block area now within the Restoring Central Dover boundary and comprising about 12% of To create a plan grounded in the realities of Central Dover requires an this effort’s planning area] set forth a set of strategies geared toward: open and ongoing public dialog. The process informed and brainstormed with residents and stakeholders using a range of outreach tools including: - Creating a safe environment for current and future residents to live, work, and play. Monthly Steering Committee meetings conducted throughout the - Providing a range of housing opportunities that address the process brought together stakeholders to guide all aspects of the project. needs of the homeless to homeowners. Special care will be The Steering Committee is comprised of local residents, community taken to ensure that housing initiatives do not displace current leaders, elected officials, and representatives from local institutions. residents but instead enhance their living conditions. - Supporting the efforts of the Downtown Dover Partnership to Ten confidential one-on-one interviews with a sample of residents, promote the public welfare of the residents of the City of Dover community leaders, business owners, service providers, and City officials. via the development of the economic, cultural and historic resources of the downtown area. Three focus groups to discuss unique concerns and perspectives regarding the future of Central Dover. The focus groups brought together These objectives were considered a jumping off point for Restoring Central leaders of the faith-based community, social service providers, and Dover, the outcomes of which harmonize well with this previous effort. The representatives of the business community to discuss their perspectives overlap in leadership between the Dover Community Partnership and the and ideas for Central Dover. Restoring Central Dover steering committee, as well as the synergies between the two efforts, should capitalize on opportunities to collaborate An interactive open house to publicly launch the plan and invite in bringing needed resources to the Central Dover community. community members in to provide their opinions on the community. At the beginning of May 2014, the open house utilized the 1st floor community room of Bayard Plaza on Loockerman Street and was open seven times 6 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

over the course of nine days. The planning team created temporary window installations on both sides of Loockerman to draw attention to the open house and filled the interior with information, a photo suggestion booth and other exercises designed to get residents thinking creatively. At least 177 residents participated in this event. The input provided by residents at the open house led to many of the strategies in this plan. A number of collaborative maps were used to help residents pinpoint specifically where they had concerns about their community. A large-scale collaborative map was used in the open house that asked residents to identify mode-specific transportation issues. Residents were also engaged in public realm mapping to identify hotspots for crime, illegal dumping, poor lighting and flooding. A “do-it-yourself” budget exercise at the open house allowed participants to allocate play money in multiple denominations to piggy banks representing general budget categories, such as “transportation networks” and “housing and neighborhoods.” Community members wrote their big ideas for Central Dover on a dry erase board, which they posed next to for a snapshot in the “photo suggestion booth” at the open house. A resident perception survey to collect the perceptions and concerns of residents across all of the Central Dover neighborhoods. Community volunteers that administered the survey received 224 completed surveys representing 18% of households in Central Dover. Following the open house, a final public meeting was held in July 2014 to allow the community to review preliminary recommendations and participate in an exercise designed to set priorities among the range of ideas presented to determine where limited funds and resources should be directed. RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 7

PUTTING THE PLAN TOGETHER To understand the underlying trends and socio-economic characteristics of Central Dover, the planning team utilized The Reinvestment Fund’s [TRF] Policy Map data sets. This data on population, race, income, housing and other aspects of the community was augmented where necessary with other US Census information, parcel data provided by the City of Dover, Dover Police Department crime data, and other datasets. In addition to the base data described above, the planning team conducted a parcel by parcel survey of every property in the Central Dover study area. The survey collected detailed information on each property, including land use and condition but also recorded physical observations regarding housing, businesses, parks, roads, maintenance, safety , and so on. The planning process consisted of three phases: 1. RESEARCH & EXISTING CONDITIONS During the first phase of work, which was defined by research and data collection, the planning team explored and documented the physical and economic conditions in Central Dover through: > A GIS parcel by parcel mapping of land use, building condition and vacancy data to create an up-to-date land use map > An in-depth examination of the physical environment to assess the existing commercial and retail mix, the quality of the natural environment, local traffic and circulation patterns, the transit system, and pedestrian / bicycling amenities > Research using Policy Map and the Census to evaluate demographic and socioeconomic changes within the community over time > A review of existing planning documents whose boundaries overlap with those of the study area > The launch of a public outreach initiative beginning with the door-to- door resident survey and followed by the public open house designed to get a handle on the qualitative aspects of the neighborhood > The facilitated discussion of specific concerns raised during the process to date over a series of three focus groups > A series of one-on-one interviews to review our work and discuss possible solutions with key stakeholders and funders > Processing the information collected during the analysis to identify opportunities and challenges for the future of Central Dover > Review of this information by the Steering Committee 02 Land use survey map and breakdown Existing land use was one of the data points collected during the parcel-by-parcel physical survey conducted during Phase I of Restoring Central Dover. SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 8 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2. PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS 3. FINAL MASTER PLAN During the second phase of the process, the planning team worked closely During the third phase of work, the planning team refined the with community partners to develop well-tailored recommendations in recommendations, incorporating the input collected from members of response to the research findings and community input collected in Phase the Steering Committee and the general public at the end of Phase II. I. Phase II resulted in: The analysis and revised implementation recommendations are packaged together in this report to guide the next steps in coming weeks, months, > A list of goals and objectives based upon public input and years. > A series of preliminary recommendations for achieving such goals and balancing observed trends and projections with desired outcomes The Central Dover area, its network of involved neighborhood institutions > Presenting the preliminary recommendations to the community for and leaders, and all interested community members will assume feedback and critique at a public meeting, along with a prioritizing responsibility for the revitalization plan, its acceptance by the City of Dover, exercise and its implementation. RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 9

03 Central Dover Landmarks SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 10 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A SNAPSHOT OF CENTRAL DOVER WELCOME TO CENTRAL DOVER and below average building conditions [E]. This area has been targeted by the city in recent years to bring housing up to code and demolish Dover, the capital city of the first state, is centered on the area referred hazardous structures. to as Central Dover, comprised of a number of distinct areas clustered around the historic Loockerman Street commercial corridor. Let’s start off The Norfolk Southern rail line divides the Dover Housing Authority’s by getting our bearings in Central Dover: Simon Circle and Lincoln Park neighborhoods and surrounding primarily residential streets to the west. Loockerman, once a thriving traditional main street [A], is anchored by Dover City Hall and the Dover Library on the east end and a recent The Green, a historic park located in the old downtown Dover area, was commercial development at the west end, where Loockerman connects to during colonial times a center of civic life and activity, and is now used for Route 8 (an important gateway to Central Dover) via Forrest Street. The large scale events. 79 historic buildings contribute to the Dover Green corridor features primarily two and three-story historic buildings [B], some Historic District—many of these buildings are now being used for law, with active ground floor commercial uses, but some with vacant storefronts. finance, and other professional offices [F]. The Wesley College campus [C], which serves about 2,500 students, is The Southern portion of the study area is defined by a number of large located just north of the Loockerman corridor. The campus is surrounded footprint public, government and medical uses such as Bayhealth [G], as by residential blocks featuring larger houses (some which have been well as senior housing and commercial offices. The block structure results converted to office uses) with predominantly well maintained historic in a much looser urban fabric, in contrast to the more pedestrian-friendly architecture [D]. scale found north of Loockerman. This area is a significant center of employment in Dover, but feels physically disconnected from Loockerman Just north of Loockerman between Governors Avenue and West Street lay and adjacent neighborhoods. a few blocks of distressed residential streets with concentrated vacancy [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 11

EXISTING CONDITIONS TAKE-AWAYS The analysis of existing conditions conducted in Phase I of Restoring vitality relies on short-term stabilization of deteriorated blocks, strategies Central Dover led to some important conclusions that formed the basis, to retain existing residents as well as attract new neighbors along with community input, for the drafting of recommendations. The should be a priority of Restoring Central Dover. broad stroke highlights of the opportunities and challenges among these follow. More detail can be found in the full plan. VACANCY There has been comparatively modest population growth and vacancy POPULATION DYNAMICS IN CONTEXT remains a challenge in Central Dover. As an overall percentage of Central Dover is predominantly African American (59%), with the number parcel area, vacant land and buildings comprise 13% of Central Dover. of African American residents increasing by 6% between 2000 and 2010. The aggregated area of vacant land in Central Dover is equal to 25 The 12% increase in population overall in Central Dover [Fig 04] is on par football fields. The effects of vacancy impact perception and can hinder with the City of Dover’s 14% increase; but the population of Kent County reinvestment, especially when concentrated on individual blocks [Fig 05]. increased 28% over the same period, far outpacing local growth. The At the same time, these clusters of vacancy are also opportunities for rate of population growth in the Central Dover area continues to decline infill development. relative to the rates in other areas in the City and County. As long-term 04 Change in population and racial breakdown, 2000-2010 05 Map of vacant land and buildings SOURCE: 2000 & 2010 US Census SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 12 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BUILDING CONDITIONS The parcel survey included rating buildings on a scale according to their apparent condition as observed from the street, with an “A” rating given to buildings in “Excellent” condition, through an “F” rating given to buildings in “Very Poor” condition [Fig 07]. Some patterns emerge in concentrations of buildings in below average condition relative to the study area overall [Fig 06], which coincide with concentrations of vacant buildings and land. These distressed residential streets speak to the need not only for infill development, but targeted home repair assistance to preserve existing housing stock where possible. COMMERCIAL SERVICES Though the land use survey counted a number of commerical uses in the study area, most of them are concentrated in the southern end and are offices and other commercial typologies that don’t serve the daily needs of Central Dover’s residents. Local residents typically travel outside of Central Dover to more suburban/auto-oriented commercial developments situated along Route 13 or Route 8. For existing residents without a car, this is a significant distance to travel to access services and goods or retail jobs. The Loockerman commercial corridor is an opportunity to bring commercial services within walking distance of Central Dover residential neighborhoods. However, the challenges to overcome in revitalizing the corridor include perception of safety, high vacancy 06 Surveyed building conditions It should be noted that because the building condition survey typically relies on judgments based only on and tenant turnover rates, and a lack of readily leasable spaces due to what is visible from the street, it is fair to say that the survey results overestimate the condition of buildings, deferred maintenance and lack of property owner resources to rehabilitate as defects on the sides and rears of buildings are often not visible. SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 properties. 07 Building condition ratings criteria Bayard Plaza, a recent mixed use development on Loockerman Street SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 13

Capitalizing on housing development opportunities on or within walking 09]. The preservation of and increased access to affordable distance of Loockerman would help change perception of this struggling housing will be key to providing housing opportunities to Central Dover commercial corridor, as well as bring a denser customer base to support residents. commercial revitalization. Recent developments along Loockerman, such as the large new office building at the west Loockerman gateway, the mixed Add to those factors a high unemployment rate [10% in 2010] and lower use development at Bayard Plaza, and the recruitment of The Delaware educational attainment levels, and it becomes clear that many members of EZ-Pass Customer Service Center and Division of Motor Vehicles Call the Central Dover community face a number of challenges that will require Center, can be leveraged to continue to build momentum and critical the continued expansion of local services to meet the needs of mass along Loockerman. of residents. SOCIOECONOMIC CHALLENGES CRIME AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY Some Central Dover residents have faced disadvantages in life that have One of the most prominent major quality of life issues that arose in placed them at the margins. The area’s weighted average median income, community discussions during the Restoring Central Dover process—and $34,730 is 27% lower than the City of Dover’s $47,754. More than half of one that impacts efforts to retain residents and businesses as well as families in Central Dover are headed by a single female householder [Fig 08], compared to one in three families with single female householders city-wide. Many Central Dover residents face considerable housing cost burdens, with a significant portion of the study area showing 81% or more of renters paying more than 30% of their income towards gross rent [Fig 08 Household characteristics 09 Percent cost-burdened renters The concentrated college student population is classified in the “non-family” group by the Percent of renter households for whom gross rent is 30% or more of household income. Census, which likely explains why the non-family share in Central Dover is 11% higher Gross rent is the contract rent plus the estimated average monthly cost of utilities. than that of the City of Dover. The rate of 53% of families being headed by single female SOURCE: American Community Survey, 2007-2011 householders refers only to the 47% of households that are considered a “family” and does not include students. SOURCE: 2010 US Census 14 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

attract new ones—was crime and perception of safety. When asked what they liked least about Central Dover, 42% of resident survey participants identified “Safety in the community,” which received the greatest number of “least liked” responses by a margin of 12%. Crime data from the Dover Police Department shows that the number of violent crimes per 1,000 persons in the Central Dover area rose from 6.16 per person in 2011, to 22.76 per person in 2013, a nearly 400% increase over a three year period [Fig 10]. In 2013 alone, nearly all forms of reported crimes in the plan were 3- to 5-times that of Dover overall [Fig 11]. These figures were alarming to the Central Dover community and plan leadership, and indicates a clear need to bring more resources to ensure the safety of the Central Dover community. 10 Change in violent crime rates, 2011-2013 SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 11 2013 Crime rate breakdown: Central Dover and City-wide SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 15

OUR VISION FOR VITALITY This plan represents our community’s vision for restoring the vitality of Central Dover. It offers a range of achievable strategies, implemented over a five year period, designed to lay the foundation for future opportunities to fully realize Central Dover’s potential as a place to live, work, and play. GOAL AREAS A range of strategies towards achieving our vision for vitality are organized in three goal areas designed to achieve: 1. A STRONG COMMUNITY 2. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 3. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 16 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 A STRONG COMMUNITY

BUILD COMMUNITY CAPITAL Community support is critical to implementing the goals of this plan. Working to strengthen community cohesion through the cultivation of neighborhood groups will not only provide spaces for residents to enjoy each other’s company as well as address issues collectively. It will also encourage them to root themselves in Central Dover, as well as attract new residents looking for a deeper sense of community. ESTABLISH RESIDENT-LED CIVIC GROUPS DEVELOP AND DISTRIBUTE COMMUNITY SHORT TERM CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS Initial Action Steps: Determine existing groups, organize leadership, SHORT TERM hold meetings, and develop leadership. Initial Action Steps: Assemble dates, publish and distribute. DEVELOP COMMUNITY BUILDING EVALUATE LEVEL OF ACCESS TO COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP WITH ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS FACILITIES FOR SERVICES SHORT TERM INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Overtures to Wesley and Bayhealth; Discussions Initial Action Steps: Create inventory of existing facilities; Evaluate with Wesley about their Strategic Plan and BayHealth on their Community current usage and determine areas where needs are not being met by Impact Plan; Implement community building partnership. existing facilities. CREATE ANNUAL DEVELOP COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR “CELEBRATING CENTRAL SERVICES DOVER” BLOCK PARTY LONG TERM SHORT TERM/ANNUALLY Initial Action Steps: Explore the development of community facilities Initial Action Steps: Develop timeframe fall or spring; Assemble partners as community social service needs are identified; Predevelopment and and sponsors; Plan and hold event. feasibility work leading to development phase; Construction of Community Facilities. EXPAND ON “COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP DAYS” SHORT TERM Initial Action Steps: Convene prior partners; Envision new plan going forward and hold events. 18 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY Expanding efforts to make an at-risk community safe is imperative for any neighborhood revitalization initiative. Without a viable plan for reducing crime, attempts to attract investment, businesses, and new residents can be inhibited or even rendered impossible. Reducing illicit activities in Central Dover will greatly benefit current residents and improve efforts to attract investment, businesses, and new residents. ESTABLISH COLLABORATIVE/COMMUNITY EXPAND SURVEILLANCE CAMERA NETWORK POLICING INTERMEDIATE TERM SHORT TERM Initial Action Steps: Cost estimate for expanded system; Seek Initial Action Steps: Form citizen oversight committee on community community buy-in; Seek funding for expanded surveillance cameras. policing; Create neighborhood watch network. IMPROVE LIGHTING IN TARGETED AREAS DEPLOY POLICE FOOT AND BIKE PATROLS INTERMEDIATE TERM SHORT TERM/ON-GOING Initial Action Steps: Research and develop scenarios for resident Initial Action Steps: Convene meeting to discuss options with partners; assisted porch lighting program; Work with Sustainable Energy Utilities Develop action plan and seek funding and deploy. and install street lighting in poorly lit areas. PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 19

ENGAGE YOUTH IN COMMUNITY Finding ways to involve youth in the revitalization and stewardship of Central Dover will not only provide activities for young people to take part in or simply provide employment opportunities. This will help reinforce the need for their active participation in shaping their community and keep them accountable to sustaining it and protecting Central Dover’s vitality. SUSTAIN AND EXPAND YOUTH CREATE YOUTH OUTREACH AND PROGRAMMING EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT CENTER SHORT TERM SHORT TERM/INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Evaluate existing youth programming level of Initial Action Steps: Complete construction of facilities; Develop service; Seek resources to expand programming where needed. programming and curriculum; Examine access to broader community recreational assets and improve transportation to these assets for youth in Central Dover. ESTABLISH POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE SHORT TERM PROVIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Initial Action Steps: Dover Police Department is planning to establish PAL; Market PAL to community; Implement the program. VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Examine Youth Build or similar programs for feasibility; Develop intern and mentoring opportunities in year 3, 4 and 5. 20 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXPAND ADULT AND FAMILY SERVICES Restoring Central Dover must include strengthening support for residents who live on the margins by providing opportunities for them to actively pursue improving their employment situations. According to the American Community Survey, approximately 46% of Central Dover households earn less than $30,000 annually. STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AND RELATED SERVICES INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Target housing towards families with children; Convene partners and develop plan; Develop housing. ESTABLISH A FAMILY SERVICES COLLABORATIVE SHORT TERM Initial Action Steps: Steering Committee facilitate initial meetings; Collaborative then establishes its ongoing agenda. EXPAND FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES SHORT TERM/ON-GOING Initial Action Steps: Strategize ways to enagage the community residents; Identify site for workshops in the plan area; Refer to NCALL’s on-going programs. Change in median household income SOURCE: 2000 U.S. Census, American Community Survey, 2007 - 2011 PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 21

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2 POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT

STRENGTHEN EXISTING HOUSING Neighborhood building conditions shape perception of neighborhood character and potential. Distressed buildings falling into disrepair, especially when concentrated, can make streets appear unsafe, deterring new residents and investors. Developing strategies to help maintain and improve housing stock is essential to ensuring long-term neighborhood vitality and encouraging reinvestment in Central Dover. EXPAND ACCESS TO HOUSING REPAIR EXPLORE WAYS TO BOOST HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAMS SHORT TERM/INTERMEDIATE TERM SHORT TERM/INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Bringing together all parties to brainstorm on Initial Action Steps: Examine recent repair program statistics to methods of boosting homeowneship such as employer assisted housing, assess impact program is making in Central Dover and expand outreach incentives, and education and come up with an implementation plan; to homeowners; Meet with partners to determine plan to serve Central Recruit from existing renters and workers commuting to Central Dover Dover and implement; Provide educational resources and training for and provide homebuying education and financial incentives. homeowners in rehabilitation techniques, homeownership responsibliites, and financial management; Consider allowing first time buyers to utilize repair funds when purchasing in Central Dover. INITIATE VOLUNTEER-BASED NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING REPAIR ORGANIZATION INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Meet with potential partners to determine plan for going forward and implement. STRENGTHEN CODE ENFORCEMENT SHORT TERM Initial Action Steps: Work with city to engage an independent consulting firm to assess department efficiency and identify areas for improvement; Work with homeowners and landlords to provide education and financial incentives to maintain housing units; City will be notified by DHA and DSHA when a housing unit or property fails a Section 8/Voucher housing inspection. Housing occupancy and tenure SOURCE: 2010 U.S. Census, 2007-2011 American Community Survey 24 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SUPPORT NEW DEVELOPMENT The Central Dover area has enough vacant land to comprise 25 football fields. Opportunities for residential and commercial development in the plan area are considerable. Removing certain regulatory and property acquisition barriers to development may encourage infill construction. ENCOURAGE GREATER ZONING FLEXIBILITY TO ENABLE INFILL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SHORT TERM Initial Action Steps: Develop zoning overlay for Downtown Redevelopment District to allow condominiums and townhouse styles; Allow some flexibility in setbacks and block standards for architectural and design elements that complement area; Engage neighborhood residents to share ideas for design and neighborhood standards in Central Dover. FACILITATE PARCEL ASSEMBLY AND REDEVELOPMENT INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Explore land banking and land trust options for assembling parcels and redevelopment efforts; Meet with Diamond State Community Land Trust to explore what is possible; Establish a parcel assembly process and make lots available for development. EVALUATE WAYS OF PROVIDING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT SHORT TERM Initial Action Steps: City consider waiving impact fees, lowering permitting fees, and real estate taxes (PILOT) for developers of new housing and especially affordable housing. Infill development opportunity sites From a the full inventory of vacant buildings, vacant land, and parking lots in the Central Dover study area clusters of development opportunity sites within walking distance of Loockerman are identified in orange. Prioritizing development close to Loockerman will reinforce commercial corridor revitalization efforts. SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 25

DEVELOP AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATE INTERMEDIATE TERM CENTRALIZED STUDENT HOUSING OPTIONS Initial Action Steps: Recuit and select housing developers to repair and OFF CAMPUS to build new affordable and market-rate housing for homeownership and rental housing; Secure capital for projects; Undertake predevelopment INTERMEDIATE TERM activities and start the development process. Initial Action Steps: Engage Wesley, City, and DDP to develop list of housing options for students and faculty within Central Dover; Explore off-campus mixed use student housing options linking the campus to PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN ACTIVATING UPPER Loockerman Street; Develop a plan. STORIES ALONG LOOCKERMAN STREET LONG TERM Initial Action Steps: Research existing, successful programs; Pilot financial assistance programs to assist businesses and building owners to enact façade improvements and repairs to help attract residential tenants; Improvements will provide incentives for upper floor renters such as lower utility costs, increased security and other amenities. 26 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

REINVEST IN COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS Loockerman Street, Central Dover’s main commercial corridor of Central Dover, has a unique character and great potential, but currently struggles with high vacancy and turnover rates. Developing a strategy to fill vacancies along Loockerman and recast the corridor as a vibrant and bustling destination will improve the revenue streams and draw visitors from all over Delaware and the tri-state area. BUILD AND EXPAND ON MARKETING/ BRANDING EFFORTS FOR THE LOOCKERMAN STREET CORRIDOR AND CENTRAL DOVER SHORT TERM/INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Review, revise and implement current Downtown Marketing Plan with updated marketing information/materials tailored to potential investors and small business inquiries; Recruit new retail and businesses to locate in Downtown Dover. ACTIVATE VACANT STOREFRONTS SHORT TERM Initial Action Steps: Coordinate the implementation of creative work by area youth and displays by nonprofit organizations in the vacant store fronts; Encourage pop-up stores and incubator businesses by providing free rent incentives. ADDRESS CONCENTRATED LOITERING SHORT TERM Conceptual visualization of temporary vacant storefront Initial Action Steps: Revisit licensing requirements and zoning installation restrictions as well as a direct approach to nuisance business owners about ways to change their business’ image. PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 27

EXPAND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RECRUIT MAJOR LOCAL EMPLOYERS TO PROGRAMS FOR NEW AND EXISTING BUSINESS ESTABLISH SATELLITE OFFICES ON OWNERS COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS INTERMEDIATE TERM INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Continue the implementation of Downtown Dover Initial Action Steps: Implement a recruitment initiative focusing on Partnership Technical Assistance Program (Small Business Development relocating smaller operations and targeting specific, mid-size available Workshops, Intake Assessment, Loan Programs, incentives, and space and/or vacant office spaces within the downtown corridor. referrals); Examine and pilot other possible programs that could be implemented. 28 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ENSURE EQUITABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The racial and ethnic composition of Central Dover has grown more diverse over the past decade. From 2000 to 2010, the plan area saw a 12% increase in total population, from 3,323 to 3,735 residents. During that period, the percentage of those identifying as persons of color increased by 6%, with the European American cohort dropping from 41% to 34%. DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Explore potential pilot programs such as “Ice House” Entrepreneurship Program and Small Business Development Program Phase I; Implement a pilot program. COMPLETE ECONOMIC INCLUSION STUDY INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Implement recommendations from study that is presently underway upon approval of committee. Worker inflow & outflow SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 29

30 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3 AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE

IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE Much of the Central Dover area is a fairly walkable urban fabric, however, the contextual land use patterns and low-density development standard in the region result in a pervasive reliance on cars for personal transportation. The community’s hopes for improved alternative transportation options resulted in a number of recommendations towards improving mobility and achieving more balanced streets. EXPAND AND ENHANCE TRANSIT SERVICES INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Learn what transportation studies have been done for the plan area and if needed, request that an in-depth transportation accessibility study for Central Dover; Advocate for better bus routes and better times of operations to serve Central Dover with DelDOT; Change name of bus route 109 to Central Dover. IMPROVE BUS STOPS AND TRANSIT DEPOT INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Meet with the community to determine placement of additional bus shelters; Construct additional bus shelters within the target area; Improve the Dover Transit Center with seating, shelter, public rest rooms and real-time schedule displays. ADVOCATE FOR A REGIONAL TRANSIT CONNECTION STUDY LONG TERM Initial Action Steps: Initiate conversation with DelDOT regarding status of study regarding the feasiblity of a commuter rail services from Wilmington to Dover; Examine feasibility of additional bus service from Dover to other DE destinations. Potential regional rail connection SOURCE: DelDOT, 2011 Delaware State Rail Plan 32 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

WORK TO SUBSIDIZE YOUTH AND FAMILY TRANSIT ACCESS INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Examine other subsidized transit programs for low- income families and youth; Seek ways to reduce the cost to low-income riders in Central Dover and implement a process with the State Social Service Dept. and Dept. of Labor to reduce bus transportation costs for Central Dover residents. BUILD ON EXISTING BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE LONG TERM Initial Action Steps: Support the proposed network of existing and improvement ideas for the bicycle network in Central Dover, especially the enhanced through-access on Route 8 and Loockerman Street; Examine the possiblities for bike lanes such as the right-of-ways on Route 8 for a separated bicycle infrastructure as well as a North - South bicycle route through Dover. IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIVITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Repair all broken and eroding sidewalks in Central Dover; widen where possible. CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE PARKING STUDY FOR CENTRAL DOVER SHORT TERM Initial Action Steps: Examine the parking study conducted by the City of Dover/DDP to determine if the allocation and number of parking spaces for business employees vs customers is adequate; Conduct another study if necessary and implement recommendations such as developing a map of the parking areas, a parking ap and/or electric signage. Existing and proposed Forest Street/Route 8 right of way configuration PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 33

ENHANCE OPEN SPACES AND EXPAND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE The Central Dover community shared a wealth of ideas for improving parks and creating more green space. Investing in Central Dover’s public gathering spaces and green infrastructure will bring several benefits, including raising the profile of the neighborhood and attracting new residents, businesses, and visitors. DEVELOP PROGRAMMED RECREATION SPACES INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Examine existing and other options for recreational spaces in Central Dover for best use according to community needs; Upgrade, and make the existing parks in the plan area accessible and user friendly. STRATEGICALLY DEVELOP POCKET PARKS ON VACANT LOTS INTERMEDIATE TERM Initial Action Steps: Create pocket parks where vacant land exists that could be used for recreation, relaxing or community gardens. CREATE A WEST LOOCKERMAN GATEWAY PARK LONG TERM Initial Action Steps: Determine site owner’s willingness to partner; Develop plan for the park and construct the park. Potential pocket park opportunity sites 34 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ENABLE PLAY STREET DESIGNATION LONG TERM PROJECTED PLAN Initial Action Steps: Meet with the residents to identify the streets and best times during the year to close off a street as a play street; Work with IMPLEMENTATION COSTS the City to determine the procedure for turning a street into a play street during summer months; Establish the procedure; Establish and publicize the schedule or calendar of when certain blocks of each street would be A STRONG COMMUNITY $8,090,000 a play street. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT $21,070,000 AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER AND INFRASTRUCTURE $4,185,000 MANAGEMENT ON WATER STREET LONG TERM TOTAL IMPLEMENTATION Initial Action Steps: Contact the City to learn what the plans are for stormwater improvements along Water Street and advocate for the COST: $33,345,000 integration of green stormwater management. PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 35

OUR VISION FOR VITALITY

RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER LEADERSHIP STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS The Restoring Central Dover Plan was made possible by generous funding Debbie Armstrong, United Way from the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation, SPEER Trust, the City of Dover, Paul Bernat, Dover Police Chief NeighborWorks America, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and Dianne Bogle, Capital School District NCALL Research, Inc. The plan process was led by NCALL Research, Justina Brewington, Dover Housing Authority Inc. and a commited Steering Committee comprised of local stakeholders, Shelly Cecchett, Greater Kent Committee elected officials, residents, and service providers. David Clendaniel, Dover Federal Credit Union Susan Cooper, Dover Presbyterian Church PLANNING TEAM Elizabeth Daniels, Neighborhood Representative Wallace Dixon, Dover City Council INTERFACE STUDIO LLC V LAMAR WILSON ASSOCIATES Tenish Gregory, CenDel Foundation Scott Page, Principal Lamar Wilson, Principal Pastor Will Grimes, Solid Rock Baptist Church Leah Murphy, Principal Tracey Harvey, City of Dover, Planning and CDBG Rapheal Randall, Urban Designer Clay Hammond, Delmarva Black Chamber of Commerce Kent Hurst, Wesley College ABOUT NCALL Chanda Jackson, Neighborhood Representative Jeanine Kleimo, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing The National Council on Agricultural Life and Labor Research Fund, Inc. Herb Konowitz, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (NCALL), based in Dover, Delaware, was incorporated in 1955 and began Bishop Marion Lott, House of Pride providing housing development services in 1976; added homeownership Mike Metzing, Bayhealth education and counseling in 1989; became a U.S. Treasury-certified Joe Myer, NCALL Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2004 in order to Bill Neaton, City of Dover, Economic Development provide housing and community facility lending; launched financial literacy Ed Perez, Downtown Dover Partnership training in 2005; added default & foreclosure prevention counseling at Maggie Pleasant, NCALL the end of 2007; and was selected as the Kent County partner for the Delcina Ramsey, Public Ally $tand by ME® financial coaching initiative in 2012 and became lead Mary Reed, Dover Presbyterian Church organization for the Restoring Central Dover planning initiative in 2013. Ida Rios, Neighborhood Representative NCALL has become a leader in affordable housing development and Michael Rogers, Interdenominational Ministerial Association services in Delaware, creating affordable housing alternatives and helping Reuben Salters, Inner City Cultural League families statewide to access and maintain homeownership. Ami Sebastian-Hauer, Dover Housing Authority Pauline Smith, Neighborhood Representative Karen Speakman, NCALL Roy Sudler, Neighborhood Representative Jocelyn Tice, Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity Ann Marie Townshend, City of Dover, Planning and CDBG www.ncall.org Amy Yarnell, Wesley United Methodist Church (302) 678-9400 363 Saulsbury Road Dover, DE 19904 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

Restoring Central Dover, “Our Vision for Vitality,”is an initiative that grew out of the CenDel Foundation’s Safety Task Force and broadened into a community wide effort to work at revitalization planning for central Dover. The planning process has been amazing and very engaging. Thank you to Steering Committee members who invested so much time, energy, and enthusiasm throughout the past year and worked through the thoughtful and exciting recommendations herein. Thank you to Interface Studio for your expertise and guidance in crafting this creative blueprint. Thank you to residents who assisted with the community survey, attended the Community Leadership Institute, helped organize block parties, and put their heart into this effort. This plan looks at affordable housing, business development, strong community, and infrastructure needs for central Dover to become a vibrant business corridor and community as our State Capital. The plan is meant to be a living document that guides our implementation steps both now and years to come. No doubt there will be changes and modifications as efforts evolve, as new partnerships and collaboration takes place, and as new funding becomes available. The recommendations within this plan will be evaluated regularly with the goal of making them even more applicable and achievable. With the completion of this plan, Restoring Central Dover will transition into the implementation phase. Central Dover has a wealth of assets and some very real needs. We believe this plan will enable central Dover to become even a more wonderful place to live, work and play. As you view this plan and its vision, please think about what role you might play to make it a reality, whether it be your leadership, support, or funding. Sincerely, Joe L. Myer, Chair Restoring Central Dover OUR VISION FOR VITALITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 1 PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS 15 INTRODUCTION 2 ONE A STRONG COMMUNITY 17 Purpose of the plan............................................................................................................2 1. Build community capital........................................................................19 Planning context.................................................................................................................3 2. Increase public safety.............................................................................23 Planning process................................................................................................................4 3. Engage youth in community............................................................27 Putting the plan together.............................................................................................6 4. Expand adult and family services.................................................29 A SNAPSHOT OF CENTRAL DOVER 9 TWO POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 31 Welcome to Central Dover.......................................................................................9 5. Strengthen existing housing..............................................................33 Existing conditions take-aways..........................................................................10 6. Support new development...................................................................37 7. Reinvest in commercial corridors................................................41 OUR VISION FOR VITALITY 14 8. Ensure equitable economic development............................45 THREE AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 47 9. Improve transportation infrastructure.........................................49 10. Enhance open spaces and expand green infrastructure..57 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

APPENDICES 61 APPENDIX A: IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH 61 Capacity to implement: challenges and opportunities....................62 Priority action items......................................................................................................62 Implementation matrices..........................................................................................65 APPENDIX B: EXISTING CONDITIONS 73 Census data.......................................................................................................................74 Other data sources.....................................................................................................83 Physical survey................................................................................................................95 Neighborworks resident survey......................................................................101 Open house public input.....................................................................................107

RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT OUR VISION FOR VITALITY

INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE PLAN In 2013, a “Central Dover Neighborhood Planning” collaboration was convened between NCALL, the CenDel Foundation/Greater Kent Committee, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, and the City of Dover (including the Downtown Dover Partnership and Dover Police Department) to address the high-priority needs of low-income Central Dover residents with the goal of achieving long-term benefits by way of affordable housing, neighborhood safety and desirability, opportunities for economic growth, and essential services for children and families. With generous support from the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation and other sources, NCALL and its partners initiated the Restoring Central Dover planning process and recruited a steering committee comprised of local stakeholders, elected officials, residents, and service providers to lead a community-driven vision with the goal of ultimately establishing a solid community infrastructure that will result in long-term and successful revitalization and meaningful opportunities for residents. Over the course of the year-long process, concerned residents, community groups, neighborhood-based institutions, city representatives, and local businesses were engaged in generating ideas for a better community and the ways in which we can all help to achieve that vision together. As this vision began to take shape, plan leadership recognized the need for this initiative to focus on where efforts should be placed within the next five years to establish a foundation for longer-term positive change. With an eye towards truly Restoring Central Dover, this plan is centered on short- term incremental strategies founded on the idea that revitalization is about 01 Restoring Central Dover planning area reinvesting in both people and in place. This plan is intended to: > Empower community members as agents of change in Central Dover > Bring resources to support the needs of disadvantaged residents and > Strengthen neighborhood streets and expand affordable housing families options > Revitalize Loockerman Street as a vibrant commercial corridor and > Raise the profile of Central Dover to attract new residents, businesses, asset to adjacent neighborhoods and investment > Coordinate the efforts of the city, nonprofit organizations, churches > Expand economic opportunity and ensure that the revitalization of and residents to make the most of resources Central Dover benefits all residents > Assure informed funding decisions and secure resources for neighborhood investments 2 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

This document represents extensive hours of work volunteered by the in the target area have been brought up to housing code through the many residents, stakeholders, and local leaders dedicated to envisioning homeowner rehabilitation program. a path towards Restoring Central Dover. The planning process itself was a critical step towards plan implementation, as the members of the The City of Dover’s Comprehensive Plan and annual CDBG Action plan’s leadership recognize that they will be agents of change in Central Plan have led to an increased emphasis on building codes and Dover and will continue to collaborate in realizing the goals and objectives their enforcement, resulting in the demolition of several dilapidated outlined in this plan. properties, the construction of some new buildings (including affordable apartments) in the business district, and the upgrading or renovation PLANNING CONTEXT of other properties. To a great extent, the success of Restoring Central Dover will rely upon close coordination with the City’s own ongoing A number of planning initiatives have been completed or are currently planning initiatives and allocation of resources. underway in and around Central Dover that have helped and will continue to help guide the City and local partners in bringing about positive change. > ECONOMIC INCLUSION STUDY OF DOVER This plan seeks to reinforce and incorporate the results of these prior Commissioned by the DelMarVa Black Chamber of Commerce planning efforts while providing an overarching vision for Central Dover (DBCC), the City-funded Economic Inclusion Study of Dover is coordinated with ongoing planning processes. Each of the following currently underway and is is modeled off of a similar analysis of plans provided valuable insight and direction to the development of these Pittsburgh, PA concluding that, among other contributing factors, recommendations. racial equity and inclusion are cornerstones of sustained development and successful, healthy economies for that particular region. The COORDINATION WITH ONGOING INITIATIVES: Restoring Central Dover plan and the prospects of it leveraging public It is important to realize that Restoring Central Dover is one among and private resources present a unique opportunity to advance both multiple initiatives currently underway that will bear great relevance to agendas by linking economic inclusion as a policy and practice with implementation efforts emerging from this process. Part of the mandate community revitalization as a goal. for this plan is to ensure active coordination with these other activities: FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS > CITY OF DOVER BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLANS As demonstrated above, there is a lot of ongoing planning work intended During the Restoring Central Dover planning process, the City of Dover, to bring local partners together and improve Central Dover. To be truly the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the effective, this work must also build upon the foundation set by the plans Delaware Department of Transportation released drafts of updates and strategies that have come before. These include: to the City’s bicycle and pedestrian plans. The community expressed great interest in addressing a range of mobility issues as a part of > DOVER TRANSIT CENTER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN AND Restoring Central Dover, and the feedback and recommendations put DESIGN BOOK [JAN 2011] forth in this document are intended to serve to further inform the City’s The Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book efforts to plan for improving alternative transportation in Central Dover. provided the City of Dover with a design and planning strategy to guide development around the new Dover Transit Center and to improve > CITY OF DOVER CDBG ACTION PLAN transportation infrastructure in Central Dover. The planning area Since the City of Dover became an entitlement community to receive included a portion of the Restoring Central Dover boundary south of CDBG funding in 1995 to present, there has always been an emphasis Loockerman to South Street. The plan was focused primarily on long- in the city’s annual plan to address the needs in the Downtown Target term physical development scenarios and is considered an important Area. The top priorities that were determined by the stakeholders companion piece to Restoring Central Dover, which is centered on in the community were: housing needs, infrastructure needs, public what needs to happen in the short term in order to position Central service needs, homeless needs and public facility needs. As a result of Dover for longer-term investment and positive change. the needs determined in the city by the stakeholders, several homes RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 3

The Dover Community Partnership PLANNING PROCESS The planning process was designed to be both data-driven and people- driven. This required us to: LISTEN through a variety of Community Outreach & Engagement activities—a key component of the plan and the basis for the THE DOVER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP recommendations. REVITALIZATION PLAN JANUARY, 2009 COLLECT & ANALYZE DATA to provide a comprehensive picture of the challenges Central Dover faces today. > DOVER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP REVITALIZATION COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT PLAN [JAN 2009] Restoring Central Dover: Our Vision for Vitality was conceived as a The Dover Housing Authority formed the Dover Community true, community-driven plan that will serve as a unified voice for local Partnership in 2003 to address concentrated poverty and housing residents, business owners, institutions, youth, community leaders, and issues. The general consensus was that the homeownership rate political representatives, among others. As such, the planning process was and economic opportunities in the area were poor and an initiative designed to not only engage the public, but also help to build a sense of was needed to address the issues. The resulting Dover Community community among the area’s diverse constituency. Partnership Revitalization Plan [covering a 20-block area now within the Restoring Central Dover boundary and comprising about 12% of To create a plan grounded in the realities of Central Dover requires an this effort’s planning area] set forth a set of strategies geared toward: open and ongoing public dialog. The process informed and brainstormed with residents and stakeholders using a range of outreach tools including: - Creating a safe environment for current and future residents to live, work, and play. Monthly Steering Committee meetings conducted throughout the - Providing a range of housing opportunities that address the process brought together stakeholders to guide all aspects of the project. needs of the homeless to homeowners. Special care will be The Steering Committee is comprised of local residents, community taken to ensure that housing initiatives do not displace current leaders, elected officials, and representatives from local institutions. residents but instead enhance their living conditions. - Supporting the efforts of the Downtown Dover Partnership to Ten confidential one-on-one interviews with a sample of residents, promote the public welfare of the residents of the City of Dover community leaders, business owners, service providers, and City officials. via the development of the economic, cultural and historic resources of the downtown area. Three focus groups to discuss unique concerns and perspectives regarding the future of Central Dover. The focus groups brought together These objectives were considered a jumping off point for Restoring Central leaders of the faith-based community, social service providers, and Dover, the outcomes of which harmonize well with this previous effort. The representatives of the business community to discuss their perspectives overlap in leadership between the Dover Community Partnership and the and ideas for Central Dover. Restoring Central Dover steering committee, as well as the synergies between the two efforts, should capitalize on opportunities to collaborate An interactive open house to publicly launch the plan and invite in bringing needed resources to the Central Dover community. community members in to provide their opinions on the community. At the beginning of May 2014, the open house utilized the 1st floor community room of Bayard Plaza on Loockerman Street and was open seven times 4 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

over the course of nine days. The planning team created temporary window installations on both sides of Loockerman to draw attention to the open house and filled the interior with information, a photo suggestion booth and other exercises designed to get residents thinking creatively. At least 177 residents participated in this event. The input provided by residents at the open house led to many of the strategies in this plan. A number of collaborative maps were used to help residents pinpoint specifically where they had concerns about their community. A large-scale collaborative map was used in the open house that asked residents to identify mode-specific transportation issues. Residents were also engaged in public realm mapping to identify hotspots for crime, illegal dumping, poor lighting and flooding. A “do-it-yourself” budget exercise at the open house allowed participants to allocate play money in multiple denominations to piggy banks representing general budget categories, such as “transportation networks” and “housing and neighborhoods.” Community members wrote their big ideas for Central Dover on a dry erase board, which they posed next to for a snapshot in the “photo suggestion booth” at the open house. A resident perception survey to collect the perceptions and concerns of residents across all of the Central Dover neighborhoods. Community volunteers that administered the survey received 224 completed surveys representing 18% of households in Central Dover. Following the open house, a final public meeting was held in July 2014 to allow the community to review preliminary recommendations and participate in an exercise designed to set priorities among the range of ideas presented to determine where limited funds and resources should be directed. RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 5

PUTTING THE PLAN TOGETHER To understand the underlying trends and socio-economic characteristics of Central Dover, the planning team utilized The Reinvestment Fund’s [TRF] Policy Map data sets. This data on population, race, income, housing and other aspects of the community was augmented where necessary with other US Census information, parcel data provided by the City of Dover, Dover Police Department crime data, and other datasets. In addition to the base data described above, the planning team conducted a parcel by parcel survey of every property in the Central Dover study area. The survey collected detailed information on each property, including land use and condition but also recorded physical observations regarding housing, businesses, parks, roads, maintenance, safety , and so on. The planning process consisted of three phases: 1. RESEARCH & EXISTING CONDITIONS During the first phase of work, which was defined by research and data collection, the planning team explored and documented the physical and economic conditions in Central Dover through: > A GIS parcel by parcel mapping of land use, building condition and vacancy data to create an up-to-date land use map > An in-depth examination of the physical environment to assess the existing commercial and retail mix, the quality of the natural environment, local traffic and circulation patterns, the transit system, and pedestrian / bicycling amenities > Research using Policy Map and the Census to evaluate demographic and socioeconomic changes within the community over time > A review of existing planning documents whose boundaries overlap with those of the study area > The launch of a public outreach initiative beginning with the door-to- door resident survey and followed by the public open house designed to get a handle on the qualitative aspects of the neighborhood > The facilitated discussion of specific concerns raised during the process to date over a series of three focus groups > A series of one-on-one interviews to review our work and discuss possible solutions with key stakeholders and funders > Processing the information collected during the analysis to identify opportunities and challenges for the future of Central Dover > Review of this information by the Steering Committee 02 Land use survey map and breakdown Existing land use was one of the data points collected during the parcel-by-parcel physical survey conducted during Phase I of Restoring Central Dover. SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 6 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

2. PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS 3. FINAL MASTER PLAN During the second phase of the process, the planning team worked closely During the third phase of work, the planning team refined the with community partners to develop well-tailored recommendations in recommendations, incorporating the input collected from members of response to the research findings and community input collected in Phase the Steering Committee and the general public at the end of Phase II. I. Phase II resulted in: The analysis and revised recommendations are packaged together in this report, along with an implementation strategy to guide the next steps in > A list of goals and objectives based upon public input coming weeks, months, and years. > A series of preliminary recommendations for achieving such goals and balancing observed trends and projections with desired outcomes The Central Dover area, its network of involved neighborhood institutions > Presenting the preliminary recommendations to the community for and leaders, and all interested community members will assume feedback and critique at a public meeting, along with a prioritizing responsibility for the revitalization plan, its acceptance by the City of Dover, exercise and its implementation. RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 7

03 Central Dover Landmarks SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 8 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

A SNAPSHOT OF CENTRAL DOVER WELCOME TO CENTRAL DOVER and below average building conditions [E]. This area has been targeted by the city in recent years to bring housing up to code and demolish Dover, the capital city of the first state, is centered on the area referred hazardous structures. to as Central Dover, comprised of a number of distinct areas clustered around the historic Loockerman Street commercial corridor. Let’s start off The Norfolk Southern rail line divides the Dover Housing Authority’s by getting our bearings in Central Dover: Simon Circle and Lincoln Park neighborhoods and surrounding primarily residential streets to the west. Loockerman, once a thriving traditional main street [A], is anchored by Dover City Hall and the Dover Library on the east end and a recent The Green, a historic park located in the old downtown Dover area, was commercial development at the west end, where Loockerman connects to during colonial times a center of civic life and activity, and is now used for Route 8 (an important gateway to Central Dover) via Forrest Street. The large scale events. 79 historic buildings contribute to the Dover Green corridor features primarily two and three-story historic buildings [B], some Historic District—many of these buildings are now being used for law, with active ground floor commercial uses, but some with vacant storefronts. finance, and other professional offices [F]. The Wesley College campus [C], which serves about 2,500 students, is The Southern portion of the study area is defined by a number of large located just north of the Loockerman corridor. The campus is surrounded footprint public, government and medical uses such as Bayhealth [G], as by residential blocks featuring larger houses (some which have been well as senior housing and commercial offices. The block structure results converted to office uses) with predominantly well maintained historic in a much looser urban fabric, in contrast to the more pedestrian-friendly architecture [D]. scale found north of Loockerman. This area is a significant center of employment in Dover, but feels physically disconnected from Loockerman Just north of Loockerman between Governors Avenue and West Street lay and adjacent neighborhoods. a few blocks of distressed residential streets with concentrated vacancy [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 9

EXISTING CONDITIONS TAKE-AWAYS The analysis of existing conditions conducted in Phase I of Restoring relative to the rates in other areas in the City and County. As long-term Central Dover led to some important conclusions that formed the basis, vitality relies on short-term stabilization of deteriorated blocks, strategies along with community input, for the drafting of recommendations. The to retain existing residents as well as attract new neighbors broad stroke highlights of the opportunities and challenges among these should be a priority of Restoring Central Dover. follow, with additional more specific references to the analysis threaded through the recommendations chapter. The existing conditions appendix VACANCY includes any remaining elements of research and public input not included There has been comparatively modest population growth and vacancy elsewhere in the document. remains a challenge in Central Dover. As an overall percentage of parcel area, vacant land and buildings comprise 13% of Central Dover. POPULATION DYNAMICS IN CONTEXT The aggregated area of vacant land in Central Dover is equal to 25 Central Dover is predominantly African American (59%), with the number football fields. The effects of vacancy impact perception and can hinder of African American residents increasing by 6% between 2000 and 2010. reinvestment, especially when concentrated on individual blocks [Fig 05]. The 12% increase in population overall in Central Dover [Fig 04] is on par At the same time, these clusters of vacancy are also opportunities for with the City of Dover’s 14% increase; but the population of Kent County infill development. increased 28% over the same period, far outpacing local growth. The rate of population growth in the Central Dover area continues to decline 04 Change in population and racial breakdown, 2000-2010 05 Map of vacant land and buildings SOURCE: 2000 & 2010 US Census SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 10 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

BUILDING CONDITIONS The parcel survey included rating buildings on a scale according to their apparent condition as observed from the street, with an “A” rating given to buildings in “Excellent” condition, through an “F” rating given to buildings in “Very Poor” condition [Fig 07]. Some patterns emerge in concentrations of buildings in below average condition relative to the study area overall [Fig 06], which coincide with concentrations of vacant buildings and land. These distressed residential streets speak to the need not only for infill development, but targeted home repair assistance to preserve existing housing stock where possible. COMMERCIAL SERVICES Though the land use survey counted a number of commerical uses in the study area, most of them are concentrated in the southern end and are offices and other commercial typologies that don’t serve the daily needs of Central Dover’s residents. Local residents typically travel outside of Central Dover to more suburban/auto-oriented commercial developments situated along Route 13 or Route 8. For existing residents without a car, this is a significant distance to travel to access services and goods or retail jobs. The Loockerman commercial corridor is an opportunity to bring commercial services within walking distance of Central Dover residential neighborhoods. However, the challenges to overcome in revitalizing the corridor include perception of safety, high vacancy 06 Surveyed building conditions It should be noted that because the building condition survey typically relies on judgments based only on and tenant turnover rates, and a lack of readily leasable spaces due to what is visible from the street, it is fair to say that the survey results overestimate the condition of buildings, deferred maintenance and lack of property owner resources to rehabilitate as defects on the sides and rears of buildings are often not visible. SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 properties. 07 Building condition ratings criteria Bayard Plaza, a recent mixed use development on Loockerman Street SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 11

Capitalizing on housing development opportunities on or within walking 09]. The preservation of and increased access to affordable distance of Loockerman would help change perception of this struggling housing will be key to providing housing opportunities to Central Dover commercial corridor, as well as bring a denser customer base to support residents. commercial revitalization. Recent developments along Loockerman, such as the large new office building at the west Loockerman gateway, the mixed Add to those factors a high unemployment rate [10% in 2010] and lower use development at Bayard Plaza, and the recruitment of The Delaware educational attainment levels, and it becomes clear that many members of EZ-Pass Customer Service Center and Division of Motor Vehicles Call the Central Dover community face a number of challenges that will require Center, can be leveraged to continue to build momentum and critical the continued expansion of local services to meet the needs of mass along Loockerman. of residents. SOCIOECONOMIC CHALLENGES Some Central Dover residents have faced disadvantages in life that have placed them at the margins. The area’s weighted average median income, $34,730 is 27% lower than the City of Dover’s $47,754. More than half of families in Central Dover are headed by a single female householder [Fig 08], compared to one in three families with single female householders city-wide. Many Central Dover residents face considerable housing cost burdens, with a significant portion of the study area showing 81% or more of renters paying more than 30% of their income towards gross rent [Fig 08 Household characteristics 09 Percent cost-burdened renters The concentrated college student population is classified in the “non-family” group by the Percent of renter households for whom gross rent is 30% or more of household income. Census, which likely explains why the non-family share in Central Dover is 11% higher Gross rent is the contract rent plus the estimated average monthly cost of utilities. than that of the City of Dover. The rate of 53% of families being headed by single female SOURCE: American Community Survey, 2007-2011 householders refers only to the 47% of households that are considered a “family” and does not include students. SOURCE: 2010 US Census 12 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

CRIME AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY One of the most prominent major quality of life issues that arose in community discussions during the Restoring Central Dover process—and one that impacts efforts to retain residents and businesses as well as attract new ones—was crime and perception of safety. When asked what they liked least about Central Dover, 42% of resident survey participants identified “Safety in the community,” which received the greatest number of “least liked” responses by a margin of 12%. Crime data from the Dover Police Department shows that the number of violent crimes per 1,000 persons in the Central Dover area rose from 6.16 per person in 2011, to 22.76 per person in 2013, a nearly 400% increase over a three year period [Fig 10]. In 2013 alone, nearly all forms of reported crimes in the plan were 3- to 5-times that of Dover overall [Fig 11]. These figures were alarming to the Central Dover community and plan leadership, and indicates a clear need to bring more resources to ensure the safety of the Central Dover community. 10 Change in violent crime rates, 2011-2013 SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 11 2013 Crime rate breakdown: Central Dover and City-wide SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER IN CONTEXT 13

OUR VISION FOR VITALITY This plan represents our community’s vision for restoring the vitality of Central Dover. It offers a range of achievable strategies, implemented over a five year period, designed to lay the foundation for future opportunities to fully realize Central Dover’s potential as a place to live, work, and play. GOAL AREAS A range of strategies towards achieving our vision for vitality are organized in three goal areas designed to achieve: 1. A STRONG COMMUNITY 2. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 3. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 14 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS OUR VISION FOR VITALITY I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 15

16 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

1 A STRONG COMMUNITY

18 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

BUILD COMMUNITY CAPITAL Community support is critical to implementing the goals of this plan. Working to strengthen community cohesion through the cultivation of neighborhood groups will not only provide spaces for residents to enjoy each other’s company as well as address issues collectively. It will also encourage them to root themselves in Central Dover, as well as attract new residents looking for a deeper sense of community. ESTABLISH RESIDENT-LED CIVIC GROUPS In order to effect change in their community, residents have to work together. This means collectively developing an organizational model of neighborhood representation and community stewardship. By developing neighborhood groups, those wishing to take part in helping restore Central Dover will be better able to pursue resources to improve their neighborhood, create necessary dialogue about ways forward, and develop programming focused on engaging residents in the pursuit of positive change for their community. The resident survey led by the Central Dover Steering Committee asked neighbors how likely they think other people in the community would provide assistance in a variety of situations [Fig 12]. Roughly half of the responses indicated that Central Dover residents don’t necessarily feel they can rely on their neighbors. There is an opportunity to improve the bonds between neighbors, which could be fostered by individual involvement in neighborhood groups and resident-led initiatives. In Central Dover, there are a number of churches and religious institutions who currently conduct a number of outreach services; and these 12 Resident expectation of assistance from neighbors For a variety of hypothetical situations, surveyees generally felt they would likely receive institutions could be helpful in initiating the establishment of neighborhood help from a neighbor half the time. groups in Central Dover. Utilizing this religious network will also help lay SOURCE: NeighborWorks resident survey the groundwork for a collaborative set of neighborhood groups, working toward similar aims, as well as provide facilities in the interim while these grassroots groups get off the ground. area to determine what established networks can be built on. Existing neighborhood boundaries or affinity areas, such as Lincoln Park, Simon As a first step, develop a list of local neighborhood leaders that will help Circle, Kirkwood/Queen/New Streets, and so on, can serve as jumping to organize and map out existing groups in and adjacent to the plan off points for structuring neighborhood group facilitation and organization. I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 19

DEVELOP COMMUNITY BUILDING the campus and most visible to the general community so as to build excitement and encourage others to want to participate. Such projects PARTNERSHIP WITH ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS could include targeted beautification projects on residential blocks, Historically, Wesley College has been a good neighbor engaged with the garden tours, and public recognitions of particularly well-presented community and it is a goal of this effort to see that continue. Community flower and produce gardens and exterior home renovations. These engagement is an area of focus of the college’s strategic planning process activities would serve as initial steps for creating and sustaining model currently underway. There may be some short-term and longer-term blocks throughout Central Dover. opportunities to connect Wesley with the Restoring Central Dover plan implementation. Local partners can begin laying the groundwork for and Use experiences with Wesley to open up communication channels with opening formal channels of communication between the Wesley College other institutions located in or serving Central Dover to recruit workers from administration, other anchor institutions, and community residents to Central Dover. These companies include but are not limited to: Bayhealth, connect and work on common issues affecting Central Dover. Determine Energizer, Playtex, Kraft, the State of Delaware, other area colleges and where existing resources are available and where new ones are needed universities (DelTech and Del State), and public schools serving the to address community building priorities that emerged from the Restoring community. In addition to exploring workforce development opportunities, Central Dover Plan, including: conversations with managers of these businesses should explore, among other objectives, student internships, summer youth employment, career > Encourage community residents and Wesley College students exploration and vocational programs, and work-study and scholarships. to become “We Care” team members as part of the proposed Neighborhood Watch Network to enhance safety and security on Coordinate and align these activities with schools and the new community a block-by-block basis. Partnerships with local anchor institutions centers under construction and where programming is already underway. could also be helpful in cultivating neighborhood watch groups and coordinating communication between campus security, Dover Police CREATE ANNUAL “CELEBRATING CENTRAL Department patrols, and neighborhood watch activities. > Provide more opportunities for residents to engage with one another DOVER” BLOCK PARTY in social and cultural settings, informal and formal. Central Dover is perceived by some as a section of the city that should be, > Build effective working relationships among neighbors to address for the most part, avoided by those from outside. However, when Central safety and maintenance issues at the block level. Dover residents were asked how likely they would be to recommend the > Educational, vocational, and mentoring programs for children and community as a good place to live, 67% stated they would recommend it. youth working with the schools serving the neighborhood and parents This highlights a disparity between outside perception of Central Dover, of those students. and the view of those living in the neighborhood. If not addressed, this > Community improvement projects focused initially in areas closest to could inhibit reinvestment and revitalization efforts. While efforts should be made to continue and build on the existing events such as First Fridays and the farmer’s market on the Plaza to bring people downtown, one way to improve the view of those living outside Central Dover would be to host an annual block party showcasing what Central Dover has to offer. With an annual block party, residents could show what they love so much about living here. There are opportunities to hold talent shows, market wares made by the community’s ambitious makers and entrepreneurs, allow businesses and social services agencies to talk to residents about what they offer, and so on. Organizers could consider a multiple-location event to encourage unity across neighborhoods within Central Dover. 20 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

EXPAND ON “COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP DAYS” In recent years, the Dover Housing Authority, Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, Wesley College, the Office of Senator Carper, and the City of Dover have organized a “123 = ABC” Community Event. During this event, 500 incoming students, faculty, staff, student athletes, and community members, have worked to improve the curb appeal and streetscape of 20 blocks. Volunteers clean the blocks of trash, plant flowers and shrubbery, and paint curbs. However, resources are not currently available to continue this effort. Wesley and local partners should engage in coordination efforts to resume this event, which could help kick start similar projects led by residents. Recently formed neighborhood groups and established church groups could hold similar events monthly, with the help of sponsors who support the 123=ABC event. DEVELOP AND DISTRIBUTE COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS Produce a regularly updated and distributed listing of information/events/ activities in Central Dover to keep the community informed of what’s going on in Central Dover in general and, in particular, to highlight efforts towards achieving the goals of Restoring Central Dover. The updates could be coordinated with local press, distributed through mass email to subscribers, and have a constant presence online and through social media. EVALUATE LEVEL OF ACCESS TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR SERVICES 13 Community-identified illegal dumping/trash hot spots Two community facilities—Inner City Cultural League’s cultural arts center SOURCE: Public open house input and Solid Rock Baptist Church’s community center—are presently under construction to provide a variety of services to Central Dover. Following the establishment of these new facilities, the City and local partners should evaluate Central Dover’s inventory of community facilities and access to social services to determine whether there is need for additional facilities to improve access within the community to these important services. DEVELOP COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR SERVICES Following a comprehensive evaluation of level of access to community services, explore the development of community facilities where needs are identified. Seek resources for design, property acquisition (if necessary), and construction or renovation. I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 21

14 Aspects of Central Dover least liked by residents Residents identified crime and safety as the least liked aspect of living in Central Dover. SOURCE: NeighborWorks resident survey 22 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY Expanding efforts to make an at-risk community safe is imperative for any neighborhood revitalization initiative. Without a viable plan for reducing crime, attempts to attract investment, businesses, and new residents can be inhibited or even rendered impossible. Reducing illicit activities in Central Dover will greatly benefit current residents and improve efforts to attract investment, businesses, and new residents. As it stands, both residents and visitors have the perception that Central Dover has a serious crime issue. According to the resident survey, 42% said crime and safety issues are what they liked least about living in the community [Fig 15]. This sense of Central Dover being a high crime area is also backed by Dover Police Department crime data, indicating that the plan area has the largest concentrations of crime and illicit behavior citywide and that concentration has intensified by almost 400% from 2011 to 2013 [Fig 10 and 11]. In short, Central Dover is an area in dire need of innovative community-oriented approaches to crime prevention. What follows are a series of recommendations that can help begin reducing criminal activity and help develop better communication between the community and public safety officials. ESTABLISH COLLABORATIVE/COMMUNITY 15 Resident support for a neighborhood watch program SOURCE: NeighborWorks resident survey POLICING Building a stronger relationship between the Dover Police Department and the residents of Central Dover will go a long way in helping improve public safety. Relationship-building can be aided by creating opportunities for the community to not just report criminal activity taking place in the community, establishing a neighborhood watch could deter criminal behavior. but to take part in the decision-making in regards to the type of community 60% of all resident surveyees would like to see a neighborhood policing initiated in the neighborhood. watch formed in Central Dover; and 42% of those respondents would volunteer if it is created. With the help of the Dover Police Department > CREATE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NETWORK as well as local institutions and church groups, organizers could begin With residents using their relationships to hold each other accountable, recruiting members for neighborhood watch groups, and educate neighborhood watch programs have great potential to prevent crime members as to the role the neighborhood watch should play; how and improve safety in Central Dover. Residents in the plan area best to communicate with the police department; what neighborhood- are ready to take an active role in helping restore safe conditions specific crime patterns to look out for; and how to patrol the streets throughout the neighborhood. A number of current residents believe safely. I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 23

> FORM A CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Creating a citizen advisory committee will establish that the Dover Police Department is deeply committed to addressing the concerns of the community, and is open to hearing its ideas in regards to how it could adjust policing practices and procedure. Selecting a set of community leaders to review issues will help bring more residents forward to participate in collaborative efforts to help diminish crime in the plan area. Creating more dialogue between the community and police will also serve to educate residents and police alike about the community, improve awareness of policing and crime prevention procedures, and build mutual trust, among other benefits. DEPLOY POLICE FOOT AND BIKE PATROLS Foot and bike patrols are not only recognized as great methods to deploy officers through a neighborhood to prevent crime; they also provide opportunities for officers to build relationships with residents and business owners, which enables information sharing that also supports crime prevention. The Dover Police Department has conducted foot patrols along Loockerman Street in the past, but these were eliminated due to the budget constraints incurred due to the recent economic downturn and dwindling federal and state funding. However, residents and local business owners are calling for a re-establishment of the foot patrols to reduce loitering along Loockerman and drug activity in the Queen/New Street portion of plan area. Officers would be encouraged to check in to each business, and record 16 Known and perceived crime hotspots their visit in a ledger retained by each business owner—a technique used At the public open house, community members identified locations in Central Dover they by some other commercial corridor foot patrons to support face-to-face see as hotspots for crime and illicit behavior [shown in orange dots above]. For the most engagement between police and businesses. Community members also part, perceived hotspots coincide with Dover Police Department crime data hotspots strongly support the establishment of bike patrols along streets identified [generalized and shown in darker areas above]. Perception of high crime rates at The Green and Simon Circle are not necessarily reinforced by reported crime incidents, which as high drug and illicit activity areas in the Central Dover area. could be a factor of lack of crime reporting or simply a perception issue. SOURCE: Dover Police Department & public open house input EXPAND SURVEILLANCE CAMERA NETWORK Since the onset of the economic downturn, police departments around the country have had to expand their capacity with fewer resources to support As a first step, the Restoring Central Dover Steering Committee them. In order to address this issue, the Dover Police Department worked will meet with Dover Police to discuss an implementation strategy, with Advantech, a security camera firm based in Dover, Delaware, to put including mapping out existing neighborhood watch areas in or in place a 24-hour surveillance platform operating primarily in downtown adjacent to the plan area and determining whether existing adjacent Dover. The police department can now monitor crimes as they take place, watch areas could be expanded to include Central Dover or if new and relay real-time information to responding officers about the occurring groups should be established. incidents. 24 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

Department officials report that this has greatly improved capacity to fight crime and they are looking to expand the surveillance camera network to other sections of the city. Currently, the department has a plan to add 21 cameras throughout the city and better integrate the existing camera network into an improved single-user interface located at the Dover Police Department’s Dispatch Center. Working with both the City of Dover and the police department to secure more funding for the network expansion will improve public safety in Central Dover. IMPROVE LIGHTING IN TARGETED AREAS Public safety can be greatly improved by the installation of better lighting in areas known for high criminal activity. Pedestrian-scale lighting along commercial corridors and throughout residential areas can enhance traffic for businesses and increase the number of residents willing to walk at night through their neighborhoods, while simultaneously deterring illicit activity. During the planning process, residents expressed concern about the lack of proper lighting and its connection to criminal activity and vagrancy. Areas identified by residents in serious need of more lighting were Simon Circle, Wesley College, the New/Queen Street section, and portions of South State Street [Fig 17]. Other areas where extra lighting could improve the pedestrian and cycling experience would be along the southern portion of Forest Street to Loockerman, and all of Division Street. > CREATE RESIDENT-ASSISTED PORCH/FAÇADE 17 Community-identified areas in need of improved lighting SOURCE: Public open house input LIGHTING PROGRAM Installing low-cost porch/façade lighting in areas with high concentrations of illicit activity will reduce crime and increase safety for neighborhood residents. Identifying funding sources would be UC BRITE PROGRAM the first step in developing a program which will assist residents with The UC BRITE program provided matching funds for property owners the purchase of motion-detecting or solar power lighting that can be around the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia to purchase affixed to their porches or business façades. and install exterior lighting. The popular program offered assistance to 114 property owners on 58 blocks in the University City area, contributing to a significant improvement in street lighting. The program > INSTALL PEDESTRIAN-SCALE LIGHTING was started in the late 1990s as a collaboration between the energy The typical cobra-style street lamps seen posted along main company and the University of Pennsylvania to improve safety in the thoroughfares in the plan area do not provide sufficient lighting to neighborhood, and later handed over to the University City District [UCD]. deter illegal behavior or enhance the streetscape. Installing pedestrian- Following the success of UC BRITE, in 2009 UCD installed 71 pedestrian lights scale street lighting will better illuminate walkways and public spaces on Baltimore Avenue from 45th to 50th Streets and the University launched while eliminating the gaps between lit areas. a Neighborhood Lighting Initiative to partner with landlords to install new pedestrian lights between Walnut and Spruce and 40th and 43rd Streets. I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 25

18 Community do-it-yourself budget results SOURCE: Public open house input 26 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

ENGAGE YOUTH IN COMMUNITY Finding ways to involve youth in the revitalization and stewardship of Central Dover will not only provide activities for young people to take part in or simply provide employment opportunities. This will help reinforce the need for their active participation in shaping their community and keep them accountable to sustaining it and protecting Central Dover’s vitality. Though youth of ages 17 and under make up only 15% of the Central SUSTAIN AND EXPAND YOUTH Dover population, this figure belies the actual density of youth living in Central Dover compared to the City of Dover. The share of minors is PROGRAMMING skewed by the density of the college student population aged 18 to 24, Involve local elementary and middle schools and the Capital School which comprises 32% of Central Dover’s population. However, there are District, along with youth activity service providers, to comprehensively over 1,000 residents under 18 per square mile living in Central Dover, review after school programming and GED classes available to Central which is much more concentrated than the city-wide youth density figure, Dover’s children and youth to determine where there might be areas of 330 residents under 18 per square mile. Though the youth population is improvement. In the near term, steps should be taken to ensure that youth concentrated here, there are very limited opportunities and spaces readily programming continues at Simon Circle after the Boys & Girls Club leaves accessible to them, and many residents expressed concern about how this the facility. Local partners should approach other youth-oriented nonprofits could push neighborhood youth to engaging in negative behaviors. to determine whether they have the capacity and resources to fill the gap. Feedback heard during the planning process indicated that there is a The residents of Central Dover want more opportunities available to their specific need for services addressing the needs of youth aging out of youth; the neighborhood youth deserve a chance to grow and thrive. This foster care, including housing. was evident during the “do-it-yourself” budget community engagement exercise held at the public open house in May 2014. Participants were ESTABLISH POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE being asked how they would distribute budget resources for City of Dover amongst nine different programmatic categories. Out of the nine Building relationships between local police and neighborhood youth categories, “Youth Programs & Education” ranked as the top priority [Fig through friendly sports competition is an approach to crime prevention and 18]. Also, throughout numerous interviews and stakeholder focus groups, community building that could have a great impact on the levels of illicit many asserted the need for more youth-oriented programming and activity taking place in Central Dover. Re-establishing the Police Athletic services. Therefore, engaging youth has to become an integral component League in Central Dover in partnership with Delaware State University of plan implementation. (who will provide the necessary recreational space), will begin the process of bridging the gap in a positive way between officers and kids in the Ensuring youth have safe and positive ways to learn, socialize, and stay community. healthy will help prepare them for a productive adulthood and strengthen the community as a whole. The following efforts should be pursued, among others, to support and expand youth programming in Central Dover. I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 27

CREATE YOUTH OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT CENTER A number of residents are concerned about the lack of readily-accessible spaces or facilities where youth can congregate and take part in positive activities. To remedy this, Solid Rock Baptist Church plans to open a 4,200-square-foot Community Outreach Center on West Street. The center will offer recreational programs, as well as classrooms featuring advanced technology that tutors will utilize to provide a different and enhanced learning experience for youth. The new outreach center is scheduled to open in 2015. PROVIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH The experience of taking an active role in neighborhood revitalization can have immeasurable impact on a young person’s sense of both self and purpose. Helping rehabilitate housing, as well as reclaiming vacant lots and transforming them into pocket parks, teaches youth transferrable skills and shows them the importance of investing energy in their community. YOUTHBUILD USA YouthBuild USA is one example of a program that seeks to merge community development work with vocational training for at-risk youth. Eligible students learn building construction skills and the process of thorough on-site training while working to complete their high school studies. Currently, there are 264 YouthBuild programs across the country engaging approximately 10,000 young adults per year; and since 1994, over 120,000 YouthBuild students have built over 22,000 units of affordable housing. 28 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

EXPAND ADULT AND FAMILY SERVICES Restoring Central Dover must include strengthening support for residents who live on the margins by providing opportunities for them to actively pursue improving their employment situations. According to the American Community Survey, approximately 46% of Central Dover households earn less than $30,000 annually. Working to reduce barriers of entry inhibiting access to the formal economy as well as providing vocational education opportunities can improve the living conditions of struggling individuals and families, as well as cultivate deeper trust between the neighborhood residents and the social service agencies identifying them as constituents. STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AND RELATED SERVICES Establish and strengthen networking and coordination of housing and family support services among all local providers. This strengthened communication will facilitate broader access to information on available services and eligibility requirements through different media, including informed word-of-mouth, print and broadcast advertising and promotion, and computer/web-based/smart phone technologies. It is critical to support emerging service centers, such as Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, to help program the space and ensure full access to services by residents. Link community residents to educational, employment and financial services that support their healthy growth. Additional transitional housing units in the Central Dover area should avoid geographic concentration, integrate appropriate programming and services targeting children and families, and seek a variety of housing types designed for families of all sizes. 19 Change in median household income SOURCE: 2000 U.S. Census, American Community Survey, 2007 - 2011 I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 29

ESTABLISH A FAMILY SERVICES responsibilities for ensuring quality services and service delivery. > Host community fairs and partner with churches to get the word out COLLABORATIVE about existing and new services. Establish a formal Family Services Collaborative comprised of the providers > Sponsor and facilitate continuing education classes and life skills representing social/human service agencies and programs serving training, especially to enhance life-long learning and skill development Central Dover. The central goal of the collaborative should be to enhance abilities of residents previously incarcerated. communications and coordination among community service providers in > Create more opportunities for peer-to-peer learning through which order to better connect Central Dover residents to available services. The parents, caregivers, and enablers coordinate the support of childhood, services collaborative would: youth and family development. > Link and advertise their services and eliminate any gaps in scope EXPAND FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND and delivery. (Note: the existing 2-1-1 service provides information about available services; however, more advertising of these services HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES is needed to get the word out.) Involve local financial institutions such as NCALL in providing educational > Promote their services, eligibility, performance and outcomes to resources and training for Central Dover residents in the areas of financial residents. management and credit repair, housing counseling and financial coaching > Assess program outcomes and impacts, and use those findings to services, tax preparation, and savings programs such as Individual advocate for resources to fill any existing gaps. Development Accounts. > As an intermediate term strategy where service gaps exist locally, provide transportation options for Central Dover residents to access services outside the area. > Facilitate networking and collaborations among neighborhood service providers to: better coordinate inter-agency services and service delivery; support one another in identifying, competing for and securing capital to finance their programs; and facilitate interagency collection of program data, tracking of performance and measurement of outcomes over time. > Sponsor and hold inter-organizational meetings to discuss roles and WEST PHILADELPHIA SKILLS INITIATIVE The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative [WPSI] provides workforce development for both youth and adults throughout the University City District. Employers include the Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia, Drexel University, Mercy Philadelphia Hospital, the National Board of Medical Examiners, Penn Medicine, the University of the Sciences, and the University of Pennsylvania. WPSI’s youth program prepares local high school students for career opportunities with real world work experience through its summer jobs program, professional internships program, small business after school program, and service learning program. The service learning program encourages young people to design and implement projects in their own community. A past project included a Lancaster Avenue Corridor Management Project in which students surveyed and analyzed local businesses and corridor activity. Adult programs are based on an ‘earn while you learn’ model, where individuals develop skills and transition to full time employment after training. Career paths include certified medical assistance, health information technology, and animal care. These opportunities provide benefits, offer wages that can support a family, and sometimes include subsidized tuition. WPSI also provides career coaching, apprenticeships, and professional development for high school graduates. 30 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

2 POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT

20 Building condition ratings criteria 21 Surveyed building conditions of residential properties It should be noted that because the building condition survey typically relies on judgments based only on what is visible from the street, it is fair to say that the survey results overestimate the condition of buildings, as defects on the sides and rears of buildings are often not visible. SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 32 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

STRENGTHEN EXISTING HOUSING Neighborhood building conditions shape perception of neighborhood character and potential. Distressed buildings falling into disrepair, especially when concentrated, can make streets appear unsafe, deterring new residents and investors. Developing strategies to help maintain and improve housing stock is essential to ensuring long-term neighborhood vitality and encouraging reinvestment in Central Dover. The Central Dover building conditions survey conducted as a part of this planning process indicated that over a third of properties in the study area were found to be in “Fair” condition, meaning that there are highly visible cosmetic defects as well as visible indications of minor structural issues present. Property owners have maintained their buildings fairly well in the majority of the study area, but the map of building conditions reveals concentrations of housing that is in need of repairs and potentially substantial renovations. EXPAND ACCESS TO HOUSING REPAIR PROGRAMS Housing repairs are currently available to a limited number of lower income homeowners annually through the City of Dover’s CDBG program. Help existing residents, particularly low- to moderate-income households preserve the affordability of their homes through the establishment of an expanded housing repair program. Set as a housing priority the preservation of existing and development of more affordable housing for affordable. As repayments are made, the principal is lent out again to new low- to moderate-income residents, focusing on homeownership to enable borrowers, thus the revolving nature of the loan pool to sustain it over time. families to have a stake in their community. Provide educational resources and training for homeowners in the areas of: INITIATE VOLUNTEER-BASED NEIGHBORHOOD > Repair and rehabilitation techniques HOUSING REPAIR ORGANIZATION > Homeownership and financial responsibilities 42% of Central Dover’s housing stock is in either “C” or “D” (Fair or Poor) > Financial management and credit repair condition. With a little professional guidance, resources, and elbow grease, these properties could be restored and improve block perception, helping Establish a rehabilitation revolving loan fund capitalized by CDBG funds at to stabilize residential streets in the area. Central Delaware Habitat for a low interest rate (in the neighborhood of 1%) and attract a foundation, Humanity is interested in bringing their minor repair program currently bank or CDFI to match the initial amount at a low rate of interest so it is operating in Frederica to Dover in late 2015. The program encompasses II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 33

exterior painting/minor exterior repairs per home in which volunteers from STRENGTHEN CODE ENFORCEMENT business, industry and the community pitch in with the owners to take One of the issues residents raised repeatedly as a major concern by on home repair and beautification projects in the neighborhood. There Central Dover stakeholders was the lack of accountability displayed by are also similar mission-based groups active in Central Dover that could some property owners, particularly absentee rental property owners. be partnered with to help restore existing housing. Additionally, MHDC Holding property owners responsible for derelict housing by strengthening currently provides emergency housing repairs and First State CAA operates code enforcement in areas with high concentrations of renters and safety a weatherization / repair program which could be targeted to the area. code violations is essential to ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts in Central Dover. These recommendations provide for an opportunity for Central Dover to link this kind of investment with the proposed model block concept and > Initiate a third party needs assessment to determine whether staffing related community building activities described in the previous chapter. To or technology solutions (such as a web-based permitting and that end, a task force should be created to: development resource center) would help improve code enforcement efficiency. > Identify the nature and extent of any incentives—financial and > Provide educational resources and training to homeowners and technical—needed to bring such a program to the community. landlords to help them make better decisions about their properties. > Bring it to scale over time and ensure that it targets strategic locations > Explore with City and state programs to provide financing incentives consistent with the Restoring Central Dover Plan. for code compliance for rental properties. > Leverage other investments in the blocks targeted and in other > Begin notification to the City of Dover by the Dover Housing Authority initiatives that are priorities and spelled out in the Plan. (DHA) and the Delaware State Housing Authority when Vouchers and > Improve and/or extend partnerships with local government agencies, Section 8 Rental Payments are suspended for a rental housing unit and technical and financial intermediaries to work closer together to due to a failed DHA or DSHA inspection. avoid any duplication of effort in fashioning the program. LANDLORD TRAINING The nationally recognized Landlord Training Program in Portland, OR has been adopted by over 400 cities and counties across the nation, and includes a separate focus on Section 8 housing. The training workshop focuses on keeping rental properties safe and free of illegal activity by training landlords in effective property management and techniques for dealing with illegal activities by tenants. LEARN MORE portlandonline.com/BDS/index The Good Landlord Program in Ogden City, Utah provides incentives for landlords and apartment managers who go through training and implement the lessons on eliminating code violations, illegal activity and public nuisances through discounts on business permits and disproportionate impact fees. Creating a web-based permitting and development resource center could make information more accessible than it currently is in pamphlet form at City Hall. LEARN MORE ogdencity.com/en/doing_business/ 34 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

EXPLORE WAYS TO BOOST HOMEOWNERSHIP From the existing tenant population of Central Dover and from workers regularly commuting to Central Dover, recruit potentially interested first- The 25% homeownership rate in Central Dover stands in stark contrast time home-buyers by introducing them to counseling programs and to the City of Dover’s 52% homeownership rate. Explore the potential financial incentives available through NCALL as well as from Delaware for employer-assisted homeownership programs modeled off programs State Housing Authority (DSHA) programs and the City of Dover. These such as Delaware’s Live Near Your Work, the University of Pennsylvania’s include: Enhanced Forgivable Loan Program, and Philadelphia’s “Home-Buy-Now” program that provide down-payment and closing costs assistance to NCALL company employees towards the purchase of a home in Central Dover. > Homeownership counseling helps households become mortgage- Start with major institutions and employers such as Bayhealth Medical ready for conventional financing and special federal financing Center, Wesley College, State of Delaware, Kraft Foods, etc. programs, such as FHA and VA mortgage loans. Explore with the City allowing qualified first-time home buyers in Central DSHA Dover to use CDBG home repair program funds to complete basic repairs > Homeownership Loan Program that provides first mortgage financing when purchasing their new home. This, along with other home repair at below-market interest rates to qualified homebuyers. programs and down payment assistance will help boost homeownership > Delaware First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit federal income tax credit rates in the neighborhood. designed to help make homeownership more affordable to qualified homebuyers. Homebuyers who elect to use the federal tax credit are Initiate discussions with the City regarding waiving impact fees and/or eligible to claim a portion of the annual interest paid on their mortgage discounting permit fees to incentivize affordable and market rate housing as a special tax credit. in Central Dover primarily for homeownership. > Second Mortgage Assistance Loan (SMAL) assists income qualified borrowers in the purchase of their own home by providing down- payment and closing cost assistance in the form of second mortgages. > Advantage 3 grant program assists qualified borrowers in the purchase of their own home by providing down payment and closing costs assistance in the form of a grant equal to three percent (3%) of the first mortgage loan amount. CITY OF DOVER > Dover First Start provides down payment and settlement assistance to low and moderate income families who purchase eligible properties in the City of Dover. 22 Housing occupancy and tenure SOURCE: 2010 U.S. Census, 2007-2011 American Community Survey II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 35

23 Resident priority uses for vacant land Residents identified new housing development as a top priority among ways to reuse the plan area’s vacant lots. SOURCE: NeighborWorks resident survey. 36 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

SUPPORT NEW DEVELOPMENT The Central Dover area has enough vacant land to comprise 25 football fields. Opportunities for residential and commercial development in the plan area are considerable. Removing certain regulatory and property acquisition barriers to development may encourage infill construction. Encouraging more affordable and market rate housing and mixed use development can help better unify the urban fabric by eliminating vacant lots, as well as bring in new residents and businesses. ENCOURAGE GREATER ZONING FLEXIBILITY TO ENABLE INFILL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT The City of Dover is in the process of revisiting the zoning code to make redevelopment projects easier to get off the ground. This will require a new framework that will steer infill development with new guidelines and standards about acceptable building typologies and uses. Development of duplexes and townhouses—residential typologies that would be appropriate for the urban character of Central Dover—are currently not allowed within the zoning regulations. Developing a zoning overlay covering the Downtown Redevelopment District that identifies townhouse and duplex developments as acceptable conditional uses could speed up the approval process and encourage residential development. There could 24 Aggregated vacant land area SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 also be allowances made as part of the Planned Neighborhood Design code, which would provide more flexibility in terms of setbacks and other block standards in exchange for architectural elements that complement the character of the area. Encourage neighborhood residents to be part of setting the neighborhood and infill standards. properties hold can be challenging. 10% of all currently vacant lots are owned by the City of Dover, meaning the majority of properties are held FACILITATE PARCEL ASSEMBLY AND privately, and in some cases, property owners are resistant to selling their holdings because of a perceived or anticipated investment and building REDEVELOPMENT boom in downtown Dover. In order to encourage investment in the plan Though there are 207 vacant properties in the Central Dover plan area area, the City should explore the following innovative mechanisms, among (73 vacant buildings and 134 vacant lots), realizing the potential these others, to facilitate parcel assembly and redevelopment. II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 37

LAND BANK A land bank is “a public authority created to efficiently hold, manage and develop tax-foreclosure property” and can be utilized as a planning tool for long-term community development. Land banks use legal and financial tools to put vacant, abandoned, and/or tax delinquent properties back into the market for productive uses; and in most cases, because vacant, abandoned, and/or tax delinquent properties are found within older/economically depressed communities, the land bank encourages redevelopment in these blighted areas. Across the country, municipalities are establishing or reviewing the potential of land banks to reclaim blighted areas. A land bank can also be established by a private organization in coordination with the City of Dover. Central Dover could follow suit and create a land bank as part of its revitalization efforts. LAND TRUST A community land trust is a non-profit, community-based organization that works to provide perpetually affordable home ownership opportunities. The land trust acquires land and removes it from the speculative, for-profit, real estate market. The land trust then holds the land it owns “in trust” forever for the benefit of the community by ensuring that it will always remain affordable for homebuyers. The land trust provides permanently affordable housing by owning the land of a particular property but selling the home on the land to an income-qualified buyer. The homeowner then leases the land from the land trust through a 99-year, renewable ground lease. Local housing advocates and other partners should open dialogue with the City, potentially consulting the Diamond State Community Land Trust, about whether or not this approach would serve Central Dover well. 25 Infill development opportunity sites From a the full inventory of vacant buildings, vacant land, and parking lots in the Central Dover study area (above left), clusters of development opportunity sites within walking distance of Loockerman are identified in orange (below left). Prioritizing development close to Loockerman will reinforce commercial corridor revitalization efforts. Proposed development typologies include infill housing, mixed use campus development, and potential longer-term transit-oriented development, pending establishment of regional rail connections discussed in the following chapter. SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 38 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

EVALUATE WAYS OF PROVIDING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT Property acquisition and construction costs are higher in Dover than in neighboring areas—without commensurately higher rents or sales prices. In order to attract developers to the Central Dover area, the City should consider waiving City impact fees and/or discount permit fees and real estate taxes to incentivize housing in general and affordable housing in particular. DEVELOP AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS Recruit and select housing developers such as NCALL, MHDC, Central Delaware Habitat and others to develop affordable and market rate housing for homeowners in Central Dover. For example, Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity serves Kent County targeting families with incomes at and below 60% of area-wide median income. Their program holds and services all the mortgages on completed homes sold to first-time homebuyers. Habitat for Humanity is currently pursuing financing and other needed resources to build homes in Central Dover and NCALL has executed support letters indicating the project is consistent with the ongoing planning process. The targeted properties are located on Kirkwood and Queen Street. 26 Barriers to homeownership 63% of surveyed residents report that they would not consider buying a house in Central Dover. Highlighting the need for more affordable housing in Central Dover, slightly more than half of renters identified their personal financial situation as the primary reason why they have not yet bought a home. SOURCE: NeighborWorks resident survey Habitat for Humanity II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 39

PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN ACTIVATING UPPER STORIES ALONG LOOCKERMAN STREET There have been a number of initiatives aimed at filling vacant commercial spaces along Loockerman Street. Though businesses along Loockerman have strengthened in recent years, Loockerman still has the potential to become a vibrant commercial district. One way to push it in that direction would be to encourage residents to live along the corridor in upper story apartments so they can be at the center of momentum building in Central Dover. Property owners should be supported in their efforts to create high quality housing with good tenants. Assistance can come in the form of permitting and design assitance to convert upper stories, as well as potentially relaxed regulations to facilitate conversion, as long as such flexibility does not compromise safety standards. Coordinating with the Downtown Dover Partnership, local partners should seek to establish financial assistance programs for basic systems repair and façade improvements for owners who cannot afford them on their own. Such improvements lower utility costs and enhance security for tenants, while also lowering operating costs and enhancing the property value for landlords. The upper buildings of some buildings more readily lend themselves to other uses, especially where a second means of egress cannot be created to support residential units above the first floor. Upper story artist studios, small offices, and coworking spaces would bring increased activity to Loockerman, as well as support existing businesses along the corridor. EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATE CENTRALIZED STUDENT HOUSING OPTIONS OFF CAMPUS Wesley College is an anchor educational institution with 2,100 students situated in the northeastern section of the plan area. The college has been looking for ways to deepen its relationship within the community it is embedded in. Neighborhood residents would like Wesley to take a bigger role in helping revitalize the neighborhood and encourage students to become a part of the community fabric. One way to do this would be to expand off-campus mixed use student housing offerings linking the campus to Loockerman. Mixed use development with ground floor retail in this area would also make it more pedestrian-friendly and encourage students to frequent stores on the Loockerman commercial corridor. 40 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

REINVEST IN COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS Loockerman Street, Central Dover’s main commercial corridor of Central Dover, has a unique character and great potential, but currently struggles with high vacancy and turnover rates. Developing a strategy to fill vacancies along Loockerman and recast the corridor as a vibrant and bustling destination will improve the revenue streams and draw visitors from all over Delaware and the tri-state area. Presently, there are 16 vacant buildings, 6 partially vacant commercial spaces, and 2 vacant lots on Loockerman alone that can be repurposed and re-imagined. The vacancy rate changes monthly as two new retail shops opened in September 2014. Developing a strategy to not only fill vacancy in commercial areas, but also recast corridors like Loockerman as vibrant and bustling consumer attractions, will not only improve the reve- nue streams of existing businesses, but will also draw visitors from all over Delaware and the tri-state area to experience the newly restored Central Dover and its small business-oriented retail corridor. BUILD AND EXPAND ON MARKETING/ BRANDING EFFORTS FOR THE LOOCKERMAN STREET CORRIDOR AND CENTRAL DOVER Marketing will play a big role in helping change the perception of the Loockerman Street Corridor. A review and potential revision of the current marketing tag line, “Historically Happening,” as well as the Downtown Market Plan should be completed in the near term. Identifying who the various customer groups and business types Central Dover should be targeting will help shape the type of marketing and branding plan necessary to draw- in the retail and entertainment that will position Loockerman to become a vibrant and lively commercial district. Recruitment of the needed retail and businesses will need to occur as well. Marketing materials and social media efforts tailored to potential residents, investors, and businesses 27 Vacancy and utilization of areas zoned for commercial uses should be developed to promote reinvestment in the area. SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 ACTIVATE VACANT STOREFRONTS II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 41

Though there a number of new businesses popping up along Loockerman Street, high vacancy and turn-over rates are persistent issues. With downtown revitalization efforts already underway, one approach to quickly turn around the negative effects of vacancy along commercial corridors is to develop an interim strategy that transforms empty commercial spaces into temporary gallery spaces showcasing the creative work of youth living in Central Dover or displays about area nonprofit organizations. Many of the commercial spaces along Loockerman have large display windows, providing an opportunity to brand the corridor as a creative place, add color and interest to the streetscape, and establish exhibition venues for emerging artists. Temporary storefront installations could also be an opportunity to merge commercial corridor revitalization with social services through an art therapy program such as the Creative Vision Factory in Wilmington, Delaware. In addition, the City and its partners should encourage “pop- up” stores and incubator businesses for a three month trial with three months free rent, which would serve to both activate gaps in the corridor and create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small retailers to establish themselves in Central Dover. ADDRESS CONCENTRATED LOITERING 28 Conceptual visualization of temporary vacant storefront installation The vitality of Central Dover’s commercial corridors relies on perception of the area. Some businesses in the vicinity of Loockerman are generating activities that deter customers and new businesses. Though such operations generate revenue for the City, in Central Dover they contribute to loitering and exacerbate vagrancy in the area. The perception is that the loitering and vagrancy leads to high crime incidents. Revisiting licensing CREATIVE VISION FACTORY requirements, zoning restrictions, and potential ordinances regarding The mission of the Creative Vision nuisance businesses as well direct approaches to such business owners Factory in Wilmington, Delaware, is about how to change their business’ image and patronage, will be useful to support artistic endeavors of those in protecting the commercial viability of Central Dover, and will ensure that with behavioral health disorders and the negative impact of nuisance businesses will be minimized over time. encourage their participation in the local artistic community through exhibitions and workshops. The factory EXPAND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT recognizes the value of creativity and expression in assisting in the promotion PROGRAMS FOR NEW AND EXISTING BUSINESS of recovery. Michael Kalmbach, who OWNERS developed the Factory, feels it can serve as a path to employment. The Small business owners like those who own the boutiques and specialty communal workspace is free to those shops along Loockerman are entrepreneurs who have taken a risk to with behavioral health disorders and open to the community for a open an enterprise to sell a product or service they believe the community minimal monthly membership fee. wants or needs. Sustaining new and existing small businesses can be a difficult task in today’s fast paced economy. There are opportunities to LEARN MORE thecreativevisionfactory.org help prepare burgeoning entrepreneurs and long-time business owners 42 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

for the constant fluctuation of the market and consumer taste. Currently, RECRUIT MAJOR LOCAL EMPLOYERS TO the Downtown Dover Partnership offers some business assistance in the form of information on “loan programs, available incentives and grants, and ESTABLISH SATELLITE OFFICES ON available spaces” in the downtown area. A network exists among the COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS small business assistance providers to coordinate efforts; this collaboration Dover is home to several notable private corporations and institutions. Kraft, should continue and an expansion of the services offered will improve the Playtex, Proctor and Gamble, Wesley College, and Bayhealth-Kent General stability of Central Dover’s commercial base and broaden its diversity and are some of the major local employers within city boundaries. Encouraging offerings. these major employers to relocate their smaller operations and/or divisions to unoccupied commercial spaces within the plan area such as the new E-ZPass location on Loockerman Street will bring more employees into the downtown areas to shop and eat, which will strengthen Loockerman as a commercial corridor and encourage continued revitalization in surrounding areas. II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 43

29 Top employers in Dover SOURCE: Kent Economic Partnership, Inc 44 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

ENSURE EQUITABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The racial and ethnic composition of Central Dover has grown more diverse over the past decade. From 2000 to 2010, the plan area saw a 12% increase in total population, from 3,323 to 3,735 residents. During that period, the percentage of those identifying as persons of color increased by 6%, with the European American cohort dropping from 41% to 34%. While the plan area’s population has grown more diverse, it appears employment opportunities have not. In 2010, the unemployment rate for Central Dover was approximately 10%; and while over 3,500 employees work within the plan area, only 1% actually resides and works in Central Dover. Truly restoring Central Dover must involve community and business leaders working together to confront the lack of access and disparity Central Dover’s people of color are currently facing. DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Linking Central Dover residents with the skills they need to compete for quality jobs will support both regional economic strength and local vitality. Equalizing economic opportunity requires the cooperation of private, public, and nonprofit sectors. The nature of this collaboration and partnership brings benefits to all participants: local residents secure family wage jobs and employers’ participation in building a skilled workforce ensures their own success. A critical part of this effort will be to leverage existing major employers to drive growth and boost local employment. Invite local business and industry to help address the unemployment and underemployment issue in Central Dover. Among the ideas and initiatives to explore include: > Mechanisms that promote job growth and better enable African 30 Worker inflow & outflow SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics Americans and other disenfranchised individuals to overcome systemic barriers to living wage employment. > Development of industry partnership programs between employers and workforce representatives with targeted recruitment efforts in II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 45

Central Dover. > Investments in: - Prisoner and ex-offender education programs as part of workforce development. - Youth workforce and internship programs. - Entrepreneurship and capacity building programs for minority- and women-owned business enterprises. > Corporate and institutional policies that increase workforce diversity (especially at management levels), and the hiring of ex-offenders. Explore potential pilot programs with the DelMarVa Black Chamber of Commerce modeled after Incubator Without Walls and the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program. Incubator Without Walls (IWOW) is a program for developing a skilled workforce to help power economic growth and the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program promotes entrepreneurship working with young adults to achieve learning objectives. COMPLETE ECONOMIC INCLUSION STUDY As a first step towards ensuring diversity within business opportunities, complete and publish the City-funded Economic Inclusion Study of Dover – commissioned by the DelMarVa Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC) that is modeled off of a similar analysis of Pittsburgh, PA concluding that, among other contributing factors, racial equity and inclusion are cornerstones of sustained development and successful, healthy economies for that particular region. The lack of minority participation in a number of high- profile and large construction projects (in the Central Dover community and the Dover region in general) recently and over time prompted DBCC to bring the need for such an analysis to light publicly and to seek partners to help sponsor and fund it. The Restoring Central Dover plan and the prospects of it leveraging public and private resources present a unique opportunity to advance both agendas by linking economic inclusion as a policy and practice with community revitalization as a goal. 46 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

3 AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE

31 Mode of travel to work: Central Dover versus City of Dover SOURCE: 2007-2011 American Community Survey 48 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE Much of the Central Dover area is a fairly walkable urban fabric. However, the contextual land use patterns and low-density development standard in the region result in a pervasive reliance on cars for personal transportation. The community’s hopes for improved alternative transportation options resulted in a number of recommendations towards improving mobility and achieving more balanced streets. The worker inflow and outflow, as well as travel mode to work data also suggest the same. More than 3,500 workers come into the Central Dover area from areas outside and 84% of workers living in Central Dover use a personal vehicle to get to work. There are a number of reasons to make a concerted effort to improve and expand levels of service for alternative transportation options in Central Dover, including: > As costs of owning and maintaining a car continue to trend upward, improving public transportation infrastructure will expand access to the city and provide stability for Central Dover’s low-income residents looking to broaden their opportunities. > Enhanced public transportation and more balanced streets will improve quality of life for Central Dover’s senior population and those with physical disabilities. > Investing in alternative transportation can help boost economic development efforts by attracting new residents and businesses who are attracted to these amenities. > Promoting walking and biking can help fight the childhood obesity epidemic and encourage healthier lifestyles in general. The following recommendations seek to improve mobility and establish more balanced streets in the Central Dover area. EXPAND AND ENHANCE TRANSIT SERVICES Central Dover residents and stakeholders were vocal about the need for expanded DART bus services. Though only 3% of Dover residents use 32 Community-identified public transit issues public transit, this may be due to the limited routes and times of operation SOURCE: Public open house input provided. According to residents who participated in the May Open House, the bus is simply not an option for individuals working late shifts, with services ending at 9 p.m. and no buses running on the weekends. Also, III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 49

there are no regional routes for workers who are employed in surrounding suburbs or towns. For these reasons, city officials and neighborhood civic groups should be advocating for more routes and better times of operations to ensure all workers who need public transit have a way to their jobs. As a first step, an in-depth transportation accessibility study specifically for Central Dover should be completed focusing on the needs of existing and potential transit users, as well as evaluating current levels of service. This information should be used to form the foundation of decision-making on the part of city officials and transit authorities to improve alternative transportation options and accessibility for Central Dover residents, workers, and visitors. Feedback generated as a part of this process suggested this study should explore: > Establishing a bus line with frequent service along Route 13 and 113 through all three counties > Linking Central Dover residents to employment centers outside the Dover transit depot neighborhood to increase access to job opportunities > Feasibility of extending hours of operations on nights and weekends to better accommodate workers > Potential demand for mid-day routes targeting the elderly and those that have the potential to raise the image and perception of Central Dover. accessing child care Bus shelters should be equipped with clear route maps and schedules, > Whether or not the renaming of lines using place names would help which could also serve as opportunities to raise awareness of locations of improve the user experience by boosting awareness of which lines arts, cultural, and historic destinations and events in the area. serve which locations. For instance, the route 109 service line could be renamed the “Central Dover – Dover Mall” line to readily indicate A comprehensive assessment of existing bus stop infrastructure in Central the two endpoints of the route. Dover should be coordinated with above mentioned transit access study and completed in the near term to determine: The process for this study should include in-depth public outreach and community engagement to ensure that transit service decisions are > Which bus stops need to be improved to meet accessibility standards informed by local demand and feedback. > Whether there are locations along existing routes that should become new bus stops IMPROVE BUS STOPS AND TRANSIT DEPOT In addition to bus shelters, other community members highlighted the In many cases, waiting for the bus in Central Dover can be a trying need for improvements to the Dover Transit Center located along W. Water experience. The lack of proper bus shelters make for very uncomfortable Street. Proposed improvements called for included seating, shelter, public conditions for residents waiting on buses. Some residents have witnessed rest rooms, and real-time schedule displays. Original plans for the Transit “people waiting in ditches…in the rain or extreme weather without cover.” Center called for a second building that would house bathrooms, stores, Providing covered bus shelters for frequently used locations would not only eateries, and office space. These amenities would serve to activate the improve the public transportation experience, they would also increase the Transit Center and improve perception of the area. DelDOT, the State visibility and awareness of the bus stop locations, which can in turn boost of Delaware, and City of Dover should resume conversations about the ridership. Attractive bus shelters also serve well as streetscape amenities feasibility of moving forward with completion of this plan. 50 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

ADVOCATE FOR A REGIONAL TRANSIT CONNECTION STUDY Though it is the State capital and is centrally located in Delaware, Dover has no regional rail transit connecting it to Wilmington or other cities along the eastern seaboard. Community leaders and residents in Central Dover see great potential in leveraging Central Dover’s proximity to beaches along the coastline, Dover Downs, and other major destinations by linking Wilmington to the mid-Atlantic passenger rail network. There is the sense that Central Dover is perceived as a “pass-through” or “pass-around” place for the visitors coming through the region. Locating a regional train station and multi-modal hub here would bring visitors to Central Dover itself, which could have great impacts on job development and reinvestment. A central component of DelDOT’s 2011 Delaware State Rail Plan was to provide an implementation framework for both passenger and freight rail improvement initiatives in Delaware. Named as a “High” priority among the proposed studies to initiate in order to continue to explore the feasibility of potential rail improvement projects, a commuter rail link between Kent County and New Castle County could be established along the Norfolk Southern rail alignment [Fig 33]. A passenger rail service along this line would bring travelers to the threshold of the Loockerman corridor, while also providing a regional connection within walking distance of Dover’s cluster of government and justice system buildings. Local partners should push for the completion of this study and advocate for the passenger rail link. Improved east-west regional bus transit connections would better link Dover to beach destinations along the shore less than 20 minutes away, as well as Washington, DC, 2 hours west. These routes would most likely be served by private intercity bus common carriers and a demand study demonstrating sufficient need may be necessary to recruit companies. The scope of this study could be folded into the DART study referenced above. 33 Potential regional rail connection SOURCE: DelDOT, 2011 Delaware State Rail Plan WORK TO SUBSIDIZE YOUTH AND FAMILY TRANSIT ACCESS 46% of Central Dover households make less than $30,000 a year. In model may be found in San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency, many cases, low-income families living in the plan area are likely to spend which currently allows low-income youth to ride public transit for free. The a sizeable portion of their earnings on transportation to work and school. State Social Service Department should explore whether they may be able To help lighten their load, DART and the City of Dover should consider to integrate this subsidy as part of the benefits provided to the families and subsidizing transit costs for low-income families and the elderly. A useful individuals qualifying for specific social services. III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 51

34 Community-identified bicycle network issues SOURCE: Public open house BUILD ON EXISTING BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE Parallel to the Restoring Central Dover planning process, the City of Dover conducted its own city-wide comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian planning process. The ideas related to bicycle and pedestrian improvements as a part of this study are intended to supplement this work with accessibility and public realm improvement ideas specific to the Central Dover area. The map in Fig 35 shows a network of existing and proposed improvements to the bicycle network in the Central Dover area. The network intends to link existing and potential off-street bike trails along Silver Lake Park and Capital Green to the Dover Transit Center and Wesley campus, while also providing enhanced through-access on Division/Route 8 and Loockerman. 35 Proposed bicycle network improvements 52 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

> The generous right-of-way width of Forest Street/Route 8 allows for opportunities to install separated bicycle infrastructure that would both improve bikeability and elevate the image and perception of this main gateway into Central Dover. The existing and proposed typical street sections demonstrate that bike trails separated from the vehicle travel lanes by a 5-foot landscaped buffer could be established without sacrificing level of service for vehicles. Rebranding the corridor as part of a major streetscaping effort such as this, “Forest Street Parkway” or “Forest Street Bikeway,” for example, could promote and highlight it as a local amenity. 36 Existing and proposed Forest Street/Route 8 right of way con- figuration III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 53

> As a main thoroughfare and secondary commercial corridor, there is much room to improve the streetscape along Division Street and make it safer for bikers and pedestrians. While some blocks have been recently repaved, there are some stretches of sidewalks along Division that have eroded entirely. Reconsidering intersection circulation along Division Street could allow for more pedestrian-oriented provisions. Division Street currently requires through-traffic to continually jog over to the right outer edge of intersections, where otherwise there are mid-block on-street parking aisles except at corners. Traffic turning left is given sole access to the left travel lane. This pattern currently precludes the creation of bump-outs, which would make pedestrians more visible and reduce crossing distances. Traffic levels may not necessitate the dedication of the travel lane to left turns only. Local partners should work with DelDOT to explore other alternatives that are more equitable across modes. IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIVITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE For Central Dover’s seniors, getting around on the neighborhood’s sidewalks can be difficult—not just as a result of the mobility challenges of aging, but because many sidewalks are in need of repair. These issues are problematic for other users as well, including physically challenged individuals, and pedestrians pushing strollers or shopping caddies. Many property owners may not be aware of their responsibility to keep adjacent sidewalks in good shape. One result of this has been that the City has taken on the task of repairing or replacing sidewalks in need. A marketing and awareness campaign is needed to encourage property owners to repair their sidewalks. It would be more effective if this campaign included financial assistance to help with making repairs. However, the pervasiveness of broken and eroded sidewalks alongside vacant lots and buildings requires other solutions, as attempts to encourage owners of abandoned properties will likely prove fruitless. The City should be supported with increased resources for sidewalk repair to handle cases where property owners cannot be held accountable for sidewalk condition. In some cases trees may need to be removed and replaced where roots have created hazardous conditions for pedestrians. In addition to keeping Central Dover’s sidewalks in good shape, community 37 Existing and proposed Division Street right of way members highlighted the need for more signage and streetscape configuration improvements to increase visibility of pedestrians and remind motorists 54 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

when pedestrians have the right of way. Specifically mentioned was the CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE PARKING need to protect pedestrians in crosswalks from motorists, especially when they are making left turns through an intersection. In addition to STUDY FOR CENTRAL DOVER targeted enforcement of traffic laws, bumpouts, signage, and striping Parking became a somewhat contentious issue close to the completion enhancements can help improve pedestrian safety. The City and DelDOT of the planning process. Throughout the majority of conversations related should be supported in their efforts to implement improvements resulting to parking, stakeholders reported that parking is only perceived to be a from the City of Dover’s Pedestrian Plan, developed concurrently with the problem, and that only larger-scale events can present issues for those Restoring Central Dover plan. who arrive to the greater Loockerman corridor looking for parking. Some felt that many have the expectation that they or their customers should be able to park on the same block as their destination, but that this is not a realistic expectation. Some offered criticism of public parking spaces being dedicated to particular entities, which reduces their utility overall. Another facet to this is that while there is available parking in the Governors Avenue parking lot, perceptions of safety in this area make this an undesirable location for many to park. Local partners should seek resources to conduct a comprehensive parking inventory and analysis to determine what strategies might be most appropriate for a range of development scenarios along the greater Loockerman corridor area, as well as what improvements can be made to improve perception of safety in existing parking lots. Central Dover is fortunate to have had city leaders with the good sense to situate parking lots behind buildings fronting the Loockerman, rather than creating activity gaps in the commercial corridor by placing parking directly adjacent to the street. However, it can be difficult to judge from the street whether there are parking spaces available in these lots, and, if so, whether they are public or dedicated parking spaces. The parking study should explore the feasibility and desirability of developing a smart phone app that provides real-time map information identifying parking spaces available nearby. Parking lots could also feature electronic signs near the entrance displaying the number of parking spaces publicly available at any given time. An interim solution would be to produce a printed map handout showing locations of parking lots in the Loockerman area and distribute them to local businesses. This would be an easy way for business owners to help their customers find parking available nearby if on-street spaces are not The lack of pedestrian connectivity from Simon Circle to Saulsbury Road Park and Gateway West Shopping Center [above] has forced residents to create their own path. Division available. Street at the rail line [below] is well-traveled by students walking to or from Booker T Washington Elementary, William Henry Middle School, Academy of Dover Charter School, and other schools located off of Forest Street west of the rail line. However, the sidewalk along this busy street is impassable, as it has significantly deteriorated and infrastructure has been located in the middle of the path, leaving little room for pedestrians. III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 55

56 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

ENHANCE OPEN SPACES AND EXPAND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE The Central Dover community shared a wealth of ideas for improving parks and finding space for more green. Investing in Central Dover’s public gathering spaces and green infrastructure will bring several benefits, including raising the profile of the neighborhood and attracting new residents, businesses, and visitors. DEVELOP PROGRAMMED RECREATION SPACES Central Dover community members were vocal about the need to program existing open spaces with equipment and activities to keep neighborhood youth active. Local partners should consider pursuing resources to refresh local parks and play spaces not only to improve them as community amenities, but as a venue for continued community building among residents and neighborhood dialogue. Public input should be a key component of decision making around redesigning and investing in Central Dover’s parks and open spaces. Resources for community-driven design initiatives should be secured to re-envision these community assets. STRATEGICALLY DEVELOP POCKET PARKS ON VACANT LOTS When asked what types of new uses should be prioritized in the reuse of vacant lots in Central Dover, a combined 69% of the responses identified new housing as their top or second priority. 70% identified park and recreation space as their top two priorities, with still others identifying community gardens and open spaces. Temporary improvements to vacant lots could go a long way towards improving perception of the area, especially along and near main thoroughfares like Loockerman and Division. Priority should be placed on residential and mixed use infill development on vacant lots within walking distance of the Loockerman corridor in order to promote the residential density needed to revitalize and sustain this struggling commercial corridor. That said, this study identifies clusters of vacant land at the edge of this quarter mile catchment area that should be explored as opportunities for new open space amenities, including pocket 38 Potential pocket park opportunity sites parks, community gardens, tot lots, playgrounds, and so on. III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 57

CREATE A WEST LOOCKERMAN GATEWAY PARK The recent commercial real estate development at the western gateway to Loockerman at Forest Street retained a large vacant lot for a future phase development. Given the perception issues impacting Loockerman and the need to improve the image of the corridor, this vacant lot is strategically positioned to serve as a temporary gateway park amenity. Low-cost improvements including branding and plantings could go a long way towards making a positive impression for those entering Loockerman from the west. The City and local partners should explore potential improvement scenarios for this lot and surrounding streetscape. This location should also be considered for a bus shelter. ENABLE PLAY STREET DESIGNATION Playstreets are temporary street closings established during the summer months by municipal order to allow kids to play without the interruption of car traffic. This is a very low to no cost way to add safe places for kids to play where parents and neighbors can keep watch over them. Typically, residents can suggest when and where they would like a playstreet created, subject to City approval. The City of Dover should consider establishing 39 Location of potential Loockerman gateway park a playstreets policy and program to enable resident groups to establish playstreets to give neighborhood kids more accessible spaces for play. To establish a playstreet in Philadelphia, for example, an application with signatures from 75% of block residents must be filed with the Department of Recreation by the end of May. These streets can be programmed with equipment such as wading pools and sprinklers, volleyball nets, or basketball hoops, or they can be left for spontaneous play. There are several small residential streets in Central Dover that would be good candidates for playstreets—especially those that are only a block or two long and do not carry heavy through traffic. Establishing play streets could be a component of early initiatives to cultivate neighborhood groups in Central Dover. A Restoring Central Dover event temporarily closed the street 58 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ON WATER STREET Community members identified Water Street as a problematic flooding hotspot during rain events. The City is addressing this issue through underground stormwater infrastructure improvements to increase capacity. There may also be some value in using green stormwater infrastructure at street level to retain excess runoff on Water Street and adjacent streets that drain towards Water Street. Thinking of this infrastructure as an amenity that can be designed into the street along with a stretch of the proposed bike network would allow the City to generate increased community benefits from the public investment. The rain gardens and retention beds would also serve to create a buffer between Water Street vehicular traffic and bicycle lanes. 40 Community-identified flooding areas 41 Existing and proposed Water Street right of way configuration SOURCE: Public open house III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 59

APPENDIX A: IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH

IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH The Restoring Central Dover plan outlines paths for the community to Taking a first step towards that end, as a more formal structure to guide continue to guide change over the next five years. The preceding plan the plan’s implementation, NCALL should create an Implementation narrative describes multiple strategies for the plan’s leadership and Committee that is accountable for tracking the status of initiatives set forth partners to pursue, each recommendation requiring a different set of in the plan and the progress of the different individuals / committees that partners, which enables many proposals to be addressed concurrently. In are overseeing each component. The Implementation Committee should addition, many of the recommendations are tailored to low-cost solutions meet monthly to coordinate and report on implementation achievements. that can be implemented by volunteer efforts and through the existing Each sub-committee / individual must take responsibility for their part of capacity of local organizations. Looking at the range of recommendations implementation, set aggressive schedules and monitor progress. through the lens of phasing, responsibilities, costs, and sources of funds organizes the plan into actionable steps, giving guidance on how and when each initiative should be taken on. PRIORITY ACTION ITEMS The first action item for NCALL is to present this plan to city leadership for The following implementation matrix tables should be actively used, review. The intent is to get the plan recognized by these representatives as updated, and changed to track the implementation progress. It should the designated plan for the Central Dover area and to raise awareness that be noted that the costs are preliminary and will need to be refined as significant strides have been made to improve the community. This should efforts move forward with each recommendation item. Similarly, although occur immediately following the plan’s finalization in October 2014. Further a number of potential funding sources are identified for some items, it is priority actions related to transitioning the plan into the implementation the responsibility of the plan’s leadership to determine the most attainable phase are: source of funds at the time fundraising efforts are underway. > Present the Restoring Central Dover plan to the City of Dover for approval CAPACITY TO IMPLEMENT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES > Present the plan to the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation and submit The implementation of many of these recommendations will require for a Neighborhood Implementation Grant strong local capacity to guide actions, raise funds, organize community members and groups, and coordinate activities. NCALL has demonstrated > Organize a committee structure for implementation its capacity to implement a range of programs, bring resources to the community, and provide community leadership in Central Dover. In taking Committees should be organized at two levels. An Implementation steps toward implementation, this leadership role must be shared with Committee should be set up to provide oversight to a series of city agencies, community nonprofits, and local institutions with which sub-committees tasked with implementing recommendations that NCALL has fostered strategic partnerships. Ideally, in developing roles and fall within the five recommendations areas. The Implementation structure among the community leaders and community based nonprofits Committee should pull from the staff and Board of NCALL, the of Central Dover, these groups will recognize that this plan is just as much Steering Committee that oversaw the plan’s development, and Board theirs to implement as NCALL’s. members from other local partners and institutions. 62 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

The sub-committees should welcome broader participation from residents and stakeholders regardless of their affliations with any one organization. There should be one sub-committee that corresponds with each of the recommendation areas, ideally built upon the Steering Committee working groups assembled during plan development: A Strong Community, Positive Development, and An Integrated Public Realm and Infrastructure. Each sub-committee should be chaired by a member of the Implementation Committee. > Market the plan & expand the local base of volunteers; share the plan with local partner organizations and foundations > Hand-deliver notice of the plan’s completion along with printed copies of the Executive Summary and a digital copy of the full plan to adjacent neighborhood organizations, local partners, city agencies, and foundations. Leave miniature versions of the Executive Summary in local stores, churches, etc. to raise awareness among residents. > Post a digital copy of the plan and executive summary on NCALL’s and the City of Dover’s website and encourage partner organizations to do the same. Ideally, the web page should enable individuals to be able to get in touch with the plan’s leadership if they are interested in learning more or getting involved in implementation initiatives. > Write an op-ed column for the local newspaper and blogs dedicated solely to the need for volunteer assistance with the plan’s implementation. > Seek Downtown District Designation to facilitate and fund affordable housing and business development activities The Downtown Development District Act of 2014 was enacted by the Delaware Legislature to spur private capital investment in commercial business districts; stimulate job growth and commercial vitality; help build stable communities of long term residents by improving housing opportunities; and assist local governments in strengthening neighborhoods and downtowns to be vibrant and attractive to residents from all walks of life. The City of Dover applied for this designation during the first round in 2014. Selection as a Downtown Development District will entitle private construction projects with the identified District to receive grants to offset 20% of their capital construction costs as well as other benefits. IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH 63

> Explore applying for a HUD Choice Neighborhood Grant Use the “Restoring Central Dover Plan” when completed to set context for Dover Housing Authority’s potential application to HUD for a Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant. The grant would be used to support the revitalization of Authority-owned and publicly assisted housing in the 20-square block area of Loockerman to Mary, from State to West. Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants support those communities that have undergone a comprehensive local planning process and are ready to implement their “Transformation Plan” to redevelop the neighborhood. A successful Wells Fargo Regional Foundation grant would serve as part of the required matching funds required by HUD to be considered. Among the key partners that the Dover Housing Authority should include to strengthen its application are: the City of Dover, Wesley College Bayhealth, Dover Community Partnership, Inc., NCALL, and Capital School District. The following implementation matrix tables are sequenced according to the same chapter / recommendation areas that organized the plan itself. It is critical to anticipate that this plan can—and should—be updated in five to ten years. Funding sources, political representatives, community leaders and even some local priorities will change in ways that are impossible to fully predict. This plan serves as a beginning. As different recommendations move forward, priorities should be re-evaluated, and, if necessary, new recommendations should be considered that reinforce the principles set forth during this process. 64 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

1 A STRONG COMMUNITY 1 BUILD COMMUNITY CAPITAL Estimated Non- Estimated Capital Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Cost Cost Steering Committee / NeighborWorks ESTABLISH RESIDENT-LED CIVIC GROUPS Short Term NCALL/ CDHfH/ Dover $5,000 $0 $5,000 America Housing Authority Initial Action Steps - Determine existing groups, organize leadership, hold meetings, and develop leadership DEVELOP COMMUNITY BUILDING Wesley / Steering Wesley / Steering PARTNERSHIP WITH ANCHOR Short Term Committee / NCALL / $2,500 Committee / $0 $2,500 INSTITUTIONS BayHealth NCALL / BayHealth Initial Action Steps - Overtures to Wesley and Bayhealth Discussions with Wesley about their Strategic Plan and BayHealth on their Community Impact Plan Implement community building partnership NeighborWorks CREATE ANNUAL “CELEBRATING CENTRAL Short Term / Steering Committee / DIMH $25,000 America and $0 $25,000 DOVER” BLOCK PARTY annually / NCALL Sponsors Initial Action Steps - Develop timeframe fall or spring Assemble partners ans sponsors Plan and hold event EXPAND ON “COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP Wesley / CDHfH / DHA / WFRF/Partners Short Term $25,000 $0 $25,000 DAYS” City of Dover and Sponsors Initial Action Steps - Convene prior partners Envision new plan going forward and hold events DEVELOP AND DISTRIBUTE COMMUNITY Short Term DDP/ Steering Committee $12,500 DDP $0 $12,500 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITES AND EVENTS Initial Action Steps - Assemble dates, publish and distribute EVALUATE LEVEL OF ACCESS TO Intermediate Family Services $5,000 WFRF $0 $5,000 COMMUNITY FACILITES FOR SERVICES Term Collaborative Initial Action Steps - Create inventory of existing facilities Evaluate current usage and determine areas where needs are not being met by existing facilities Downtown Dover NCALL Loan Fund/ DEVELOP COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR Partnership / NCALL / City WFRF / Service Long Term $15,000 $2,000,000 Bank/Private $2,015,000 SERVICES of Dover / Social Services Provider Funding Collaborative Initial Action Steps - Explore the development of community facilities as community social service needs are identified. Predevelopment and feasibility work leading to development phase. Construction of Community Facilities. 2 PREVENT CRIME AND INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY Estimated Non- Estimated Capital Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Cost Cost IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH 65

DEVELOP COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR Partnership / NCALL / City WFRF / Service Long Term $15,000 $2,000,000 Bank/Private $2,015,000 SERVICES of Dover / Social Services Provider Funding Collaborative Initial Action Steps - Explore the development of community facilities as community social service needs are identified. Predevelopment and feasibility work leading to development phase. Construction of Community Facilities. 2 PREVENT CRIME AND INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY Estimated Non- Estimated Capital Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Cost Cost Dover PD / City of Dover ESTABLISH COLLABORATIVE/COMMUNITY Human Relations WFRF / Dover Short Term $25,000 $0 $25,000 POLICING Commission / Police Dept. Neighborhood Leaders Initial Action Steps - Form citizen oversight committee on community policing Create neighborhood watch network Dover PD / Downtown DDP / City of Dover Short Term / On- DEPLOY POLICE FOOT AND BIKE PATROLS Dover Partnership / City of $500,000 / Law Enforcement $0 $500,000 going Dover grants Initial Action Steps - Convene meeting to discuss options with partners Develop action plan and seek funding and deploy DDP / City of Dover EXPAND SURVEILLANCE CAMERA Intermediate Dover PD / DDP / $0 $100,000 / Law Enforcement $100,000 NETWORK Term Community Leaders grants Initial Action Steps - Cost estimate for expanded system Seek community buy-in Seek funding for expanded surveillance cameras Intermediate City of Dover / DDP / WFRF/ SEU / City IMPROVE LIGHTING IN TARGETED AREAS $25,000 $2,500,000 City of Dover/SEU $2,525,000 Term SEU/Community Leaders of Dover Initial Action Steps - Research and develop scenarios for resident assisted porch lighting program Work with Sustainable Energy Utilities and install street lighting in poorly lit areas 3 ENGAGE YOUTH IN COMMUNITY Estimated Non- Estimated Capital Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Cost Cost SUSTAIN AND EXPAND YOUTH Steering Committee / Short Term Coordinator's time WFRF PROGRAMMING NCALL Initial Action Steps - Evaluate existing youth programming level of service Seek resources to expand programming where needed Dover PD / Faith Dover PD / Faith ESTABLISH POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE Short Term Dover Police Department $25,000 Communities/ $25,000 Communities/ $50,000 Volunteers Sponsors Initial Action Steps - Dover Police Department is planning to establish PAL Market PAL to community Implement the program WFRF / Short Term / CREATE YOUTH OUTREACH AND Solid Rock Baptist Church / Foundations / Faith Events/ Banks/ Intermediate $250,000 $50,000 $300,000 EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT CENTER Inner City Cultural League Communities/ Foundations Term Events Initial Action Steps - Complete construction of facilities Develop programming and curriculum Examine access to broader community recreational assets and improve transportation to these assets for youth in Central Dover 66 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

PROVIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Intermediate CDHfH / Dover Housing Depts. of Labor and $225,000 $0 $225,000 VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Term Authority / DDP/ Polytech Education Initial Action Steps - Examine Youth Build or similar programs for feasibility Develop intern and mentoring opportunities in year 3, 4 and 5. 4 EXPAND ADULT AND FAMILY SERVICES Estimated Non- Estimated Capital Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Cost Cost Dover Interfaith / DHA / STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND TRANSITIONAL Intermediate Potter Trust/ TD Shepherd's Place / People's $150,000 $2,000,000 HDF/ FHLB/CDFIs $2,150,000 HOUSING AND RELATED SERVICES Term Bank Place Initial Action Steps - Target housing towards families with children Convene partners and develop plan Develop housing ESTABLISH A FAMILY SERVICES Steering Committee / Social Short Term $25,000 WFRF $0 $25,000 COLLABORATIVE Service Agencies Initial Action Steps - Steering Committee facilitate initial meetings Collaborative then establishes its ongoing agenda WRFR/ EXPAND FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND Short Term/ On- NCALL/ Credit Unions $100,000 NeighborWorks $0 $100,000 HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES going /Banks Initial Action Steps - Strategize ways to enagage the community residents Identify site for workshops in the plan area Refer to NCALL's on-going programs TOTAL COSTS $1,415,000 $6,675,000 $8,090,000 IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH 67

2 POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 5 STRENGTHEN EXISTING HOUSING STOCK Estimated Non - Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Estimated Capital Costs Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Costs EXPAND ACCESS TO HOUSING REPAIR Short Term / Intermediate City of Dover /CDHfH / MHDC / CDBG / City of Dover / $125,000 WFRF / Banks $1,875,000 $2,000,000 PROGRAMS Term NCALL Coordinator DSHA / DDD Initial Action Steps - Examine recent repair program statistics to assess impact program is making in Central Dover and expand outreach to homeowners Meet with partners to determine plan to serve Central Dover and implement Provide educational resources and training for homeowners in rehabilitation techniques, homeownership responsibliites, and financial management Consider allowing first time buyers to utilize repair funds when purchasing in Central Dover INITIATE VOLUNTEER-BASED CDHfH / MHDC / Catholic NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING REPAIR Intermediate Term $40,000 Sponsor Organizations $200,000 DSHA / DOE $240,000 Charities PROGRAM Initial Action Steps - Meet with potential partners to determine plan for going forward and implement City of Dover / Independent STRENGTHEN CODE ENFORCEMENT Short Term $5,000 City of Dover $0 $5,000 Consultant Initial Action Steps - Work with city to engage an independent consulting firm to assess department efficiency and identify areas for improvement Work with homeowners and landlords to provide education and financial incentives to maintain housing units City will be notified by DHA and DSHA when a housing unit or property fails a Section 8/Voucher housing inspection EXPLORE WAYS TO BOOST Short Term / Intermediate City of Dover / NCALL / DSHA / $25,000 City of Dover $250,000 $275,000 HOMEOWNERSHIP Term Employers Initial Action Steps - Bring together all parties to brainstorm on methods of boosting homeowneship such as employer assisted housing, incentives, and education and come up with an implementation plan. Recruit from existing renters and workers commuting to Central Dover and provide homebuying education and financial incentives. 6 SUPPORT NEW HOUSING AND MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT Estimated Non - Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Estimated Capital Costs Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Costs ENCOURAGE GREATER ZONING City of Dover / Planning / DDP / FLEXIBILITY TO ENABLE INFILL HOUSING Short Term $5,000 City of Dover $0 $5,000 NCALL DEVELOPMENT Initial Action Steps - Develop zoning overlay for Downtown Redevelopment District to allow condominiums and townhouse styles Allow some flexibility in setbacks and block standards for architectural and design elements that complement area Engage neighborhood residents to share ideas for design and neighborhood standards in Central Dover FACILITATE PARCEL ASSEMBLY AND City of Dover / Planning / DDP / City Of Dover/DSHA/ Intermediate Term $40,000 $500,000 HDF/FHLB/Foundations $540,000 REDEVELOPMENT NCALL DDD Initial Action Steps - Explore land banking and land trust options for assembling parcels and redevelopment efforts Meet with Diamond State Community Land Trust to explore what is possible Establish a parcel assembly process and make lots available for development EVALUATE WAYS OF PROVIDING FINANCIAL City of Dover / Planning / DDP / Short Term $5,000 City of Dover/ DDP $0 $5,000 INCENTIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT NCALL Initial Action Steps - City consider waiving impact fees, lowering permitting fees, and real estate taxes (PILOT) for developers of new housing and especially affordable housing NCALL / CDhfH/ MHDC / DIMH / HDF/ FHLB/ DDD / CDFIs DEVELOP AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS Intermediate Term $100,000 City of Dover/ DDP $12,000,000 $12,100,000 DHA / City of Dover / Banks Initial Action Steps - Recuit and select housing developers to repair and to build new affordable and market-rate housing for homeownership and rental housing Secure capital for projects. Undertake predevelopment activiites and start the development process. 68 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN ACTIVATING UPPER STORIES ALONG LOOCKERMAN Long Term City of Dover / DDP / NCALL $5,000 City of Dover/ DDP $100,000 DSHA/ DDD / CDFIs $105,000 STREET Initial Action Steps - Research exisiting, successful programs Pilot financial assistance programs to assist businesses and building owners to enact façade improvements and repairs to help attract residential tenants Improvements will provide incentives for upper floor renters such as lower utility costs, increased security and other amenities EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATE Wesley College / City of Dover / CENTRALIZED STUDENT HOUSING OPTIONS Intermediate Term $25,000 Wesley College $5,000,000 Wesley College/ Lenders $5,025,000 DDP OFF CAMPUS Initial Action Steps - Engage Wesley, City, and DDP to develop list of housing options for students and faculty within Central Dover Explore off-campus mixed use student housing options linking the campus to Loockerman Street. Develop a plan. 7 ENCOURAGE REINVESTMENT IN COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS Estimated Non - Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Estimated Capital Costs Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Costs BUILD AND EXPAND ON MARKETING/BRANDING EFFORTS FOR THE Short Term / Intermediate Downtown Dover Partnership / DDP / DDO/ Kent Co. $25,000 $0 $25,000 LOOCKERMAN STREET CORRIDOR AND Term Black Chamber Tourism CENTRAL DOVER Initial Action Steps - Review, revise and implement current Downtown Marketing Plan with updated marketing information/materials tailored to potential investors and small business inquiries. Recruit new retail and businesses to locate in Downtown Dover DDP Downtown Dover Partnership / DDP/ City of Dover / City of Dover ACTIVATE VACANT STOREFRONTS Short Term $25,000 $125,000 $150,000 Black Chamber / City of Dover Greater Kent Committee Greater Kent Committee Initial Action Steps - Coordinate the implementation of creative work by area youth and displays by nonprofit organizations in the vacant store fronts. Encourage pop-up stores and incubator businesses by providing free rent incentives ADDRESS CONCENTRATED LOITERING Short term City of Dover / Dover PD / DDP $5,000 City of Dover/DDP $0 $5,000 Initial Action Steps - Revisit licensing requirements and zoning restrictions as well as a direct approach to nuisance business owners about ways to change their business' image. EXPAND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Downtown Dover Partnership / PROGRAMS FOR NEW AND EXISTING Intermediate Term Black Chamber / City of Dover / $60,000 State of DE $400,000 DDP/ DDO/FSCLF/ DDD $460,000 BUSINESS OWNERS FSCLF Initial Action Steps - Continue the implementation of Downtown Dover Partnership Technical Assistance Program (Small Business Development Workshops, Intake Assessment, Loan Programs, incentives, and space referrals) Examine and pilot other possible programs that could be implemented. DDP/ City of Dover/ RECRUIT MAJOR LOCAL EMPLOYERS TO Downtown Dover Partnership / Greater Kent Committee/ ESTABLISH SATELLITE OFFICES ON Intermediate Term $10,000 $0 $10,000 Black Chamber / City of Dover DEDO/ Central DE COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS Chamber of Commerce Initial Action Steps - Implement a recruitment initiative focusing on relocating smaller operations and targeting specific, mid-size available and/or vacant office spaces within the downtown corridor 8 FOCUS ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INCLUSION Estimated Non - Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Estimated Capital Costs Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Costs Downtown Dover Partnerships / Central Delaware DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE Black Chamber / City of Dover / Intermediate Term $100,000 Chamber of $0 $100,000 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Greater Kent Committee/ State of Commerce/DEDO Delaware Initial Action Steps - Explore potential pilot programs such as "Ice House" Entrepreneurship Program and Small Business Development Program Phase I Implement a pilot program Downtown Dover Partnerships / COMPLETE ECONOMIC INCLUSION STUDY Intermediate Term $20,000 City of Dover/ DEDO $0 $20,000 Black Chamber / City of Dover Initial Action Steps - Implement recommendations from study that is presently underway upon approval of committee TOTAL COSTS $620,000 $20,450,000 $21,070,000 IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH 69

3 AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 9 IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE Estimated Non- Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Estimated Capital Costs Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Cost Intermediate DelDOT, City of Dover, EXPAND AND ENHANCE TRANSIT SERVICES $20,000 DelDOT $0 $20,000 Term Steering Committee Initial Action Steps - Learn what transportation studies have been done for the plan area and if needed, request that an indepth transportation accessibility study for Central Dover be completed Advocate for better bus routes and better times of operations to serve Central Dover with DelDOT Change name of bus route 109 to Central Dover Intermediate DelDOT, City of Dover, IMPROVE BUS STOPS AND TRANSIT DEPOT $10,000 DelDOT / City of Dover $750,000 DelDOT / City of Dover $760,000 Term Steering Committee Initial Action Steps: Meet with the community to determine placement of additional bus shelters. Construct additional bus shelters within the target area. Improve the Dover Transit Center with seating, shelter, public rest rooms and real-time schedule displays ADVOCATE FOR A REGIONAL TRANSIT Steering Committee, Long Term $50,000 DelDOT / Federal Govt $0 $50,000 CONNECTION STUDY DelDOT/ DDO/ CDCC Initial Action Steps - Initiate conversation with DelDOT regarding status of study regarding the feasiblity of a commuter rail services from Wilmington Examine feasibility of additional bus service from Dover to other DE destinations DE Dept. of Social Service, WORK TO SUBSIDIZE YOUTH AND FAMILY Intermediate DE Dept. of Social Services / DE Dept. of Social Services / Dept. of Labor, DelDOT, $10,000 $150,000 $160,000 TRANSIT ACCESS Term DelDOT DelDOT Steering Committee Initial Action Steps - Examine other subsidized transit programs for low-income families and youth Seek ways to reduce the cost to low-income riders in Central Dover and implement a process with the State Social Service Dept. and Dept. of Labor to reduce bus transportation costs for Central Dover residents. BUILD ON EXISITING BIKE Long Term DelDOT, City of Dover $20,000 DelDOT, City of Dover $2,000,000 $2,020,000 INFRASTRUCTURE Initial Action Steps - Support the proposed network of exisiting and improvement ideas for the bicycle network in Central Dover, especially the enhanced through-access on Route 8 and Loockerman Street. Examine the possiblities for bike lanes such as the right-of-ways on Route 8 for a separated bicycle infrastructure as well as a North - South bicycle route through Dover IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIVITY AND Intermediate City of Dover and Owners $5,000 City of Dover $500,000 City of Dover and homeowners $505,000 INFRASTRUCTURE Term Initial Action Steps - Repair all broken and eroding sidewalks in Central Dover; widen where possible CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE PARKING Short Term City of Dover / DDP $50,000 City of Dover / DDP $0 $50,000 STUDY FOR CENTRAL DOVER Initial Action Steps - Examine the parking study conducted by the City of Dover/DDP to determine if the allocation and number of parking spaces for business employees vs customers is adequate Conduct another study if necessary and implement recommendations such as developing a map of the parking areas, a parking ap and/or electric signage. 10 ENHANCE OPEN SPACES AND EXPAND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Estimated Non- Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Estimated Capital Costs Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Cost 70 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

Initial Action Steps - Repair all broken and eroding sidewalks in Central Dover; widen where possible CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE PARKING Short Term City of Dover / DDP $50,000 City of Dover / DDP $0 $50,000 STUDY FOR CENTRAL DOVER Initial Action Steps - Examine the parking study conducted by the City of Dover/DDP to determine if the allocation and number of parking spaces for business employees vs customers is adequate Conduct another study if necessary and implement recommendations such as developing a map of the parking areas, a parking ap and/or electric signage. 10 ENHANCE OPEN SPACES AND EXPAND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Estimated Non- Recommendation Timeframe Responsibility / Partners Source of Funds Estimated Capital Costs Source of Funds Total Costs Capital Cost DEVELOP PROGRAMMED RECREATION Intermediate City Dept. of Parks and $20,000 State and City $250,000 State and City $270,000 SPACES Term Recreation Initial Action Steps - Examine existing and other options for recreational spaces in Central Dover for best use according to community needs Upgrade, and make the existing parks in the plan area accessible and user friendly STRATEGICALLY DEVELOP POCKET PARKS Intermediate WFRF/DDP / City and property DDP, City OF Dover $25,000 $250,000 State and City /DDP $275,000 ON VACANT LOTS Term owners Initial Action Steps - Create pocket parks where vacant land exists that could be used for recreation, relaxing or community gardens. CREATE A WEST LOOCKERMAN GATEWAY Long Term City of Dover $5,000 Owner and City of Dover $50,000 Owner and City of Dover $55,000 PARK Initial Action Steps - Determine site owner's willingness to partner Develop plan for the park and construct the park Residents / Steering ENABLE PLAY STREET DESIGNATION Short Term $10,000 WFRF/NeighborWorks $0 $10,000 Committee Initial Action Steps - Meet with the residents to identify the streets and best times during the year to close off a street as a play street Work with the City to determine the procedure for turning a street into a play street during summer months Establish the procedure Establish and publicize the schedule or calendar of when certain blocks of each street would be a play street INTEGRATE GREEN STORMWATER Long Term City of Dover / DNREC $10,000 State and City of Dover $0 $10,000 MANAGEMENT ON WATER STREET Initial Action Steps - Contact the City to learn what the plans are for stormwater improvements along Water Street and advocate for the integration of green stormwater management TOTAL COSTS $235,000 $3,950,000 $4,185,000 IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH 71

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APPENDIX B: EXISTING CONDITIONS OUR VISION FOR VITALITY

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: CENSUS DATA 75

FOR OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 76 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: CENSUS DATA 77

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: CENSUS DATA 79

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: CENSUS DATA 81

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: OTHER DATA SOURCES 83

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: OTHER DATA SOURCES 85

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: OTHER DATA SOURCES 87

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: OTHER DATA SOURCES 89

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: OTHER DATA SOURCES 91

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: OTHER DATA SOURCES 93

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REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: PHYSICAL SURVEY 95

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: PHYSICAL SURVEY 97

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: PHYSICAL SURVEY 99

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: RESIDENT SURVEY 101

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: RESIDENT SURVEY 103

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: RESIDENT SURVEY 105

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RESIDENTS VISITORS WORKERS EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE 107

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE 109

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE 111

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EXISTING CONDITIONS APPENDIX: PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE 113