Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Packet
Downtown Dover Partnership Board. 22 de febrero de 2023.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
7:30 a.m.
City of Dover Conference Room
Welcome
Agenda
Minutes (December 2022)
Police Report
Property updates
SP PF FS EF
Executive Committee/Staff Updates
i. Annual Report
ii. DDP Annual Funding Request to City
iii. |. Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan
7. DODP Critical Improvements Program (CIP)
i. CIP Recommendation of Applicants — Rick Ferrell, Chair, CIP Review Panel
Note: Applicants to the Critical Improvements Program must recuse themselves from discussions
involving CIP applications.
Rail Haus beer garden (92 Ventures LLC)
Proposed food mart (J & G Holdings)
Proposed food opportunity and two apartments (Otis Brooks)
Coney Island Grill and two apartments (Zil Properties LLC)
Pe iS iS
8. Other Business
9. Board member updates (if time allows)
10. Public Comment
11. Adjourn
Next DDP board meeting:
Wednesday, March 22, 7:30 a.m. City of Dover Conference Room
Agenda items as listed may not be considered in sequence. Pursuant to 29 DEL. C. 10004(e)(2), this agenda is subject to
change to include the addition or deletion of items, including executive sessions, which arise at the time of the meeting.
Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Agenda — February 22, 2023
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MINUTES
ATTENDANCE: Mike Harrington, Mayor Robin Christiansen, Todd Stonesifer, Donny Legans, Pete
Bradley, Dave Hugg, Rick Ferrell, Councilman Ralph Taylor, Sergeant Jennifer Lynch, Mary Ellen Gray,
Senator Trey Paradee, Linda Parkowski
STAFF: Jordan Resh, Diane Laird, Tina Bradbury
CALL TO ORDER
Stonesifer called the meeting to order at 7:33 a.m.
Police Report
Sergeant Lynch shared that she has updated the method of reporting crime downtown. She shared that
from Nov 1 — Nov 28 there were multiple pages of crime reports, including loitering and domestic
dispute, totaling to 409 total complaints from 8 CAD grids and encompassing a larger range of
downtown. Lynch noted that narrowing the reported information to downtown specifically would be
strenuously time consuming.
Lynch noted that she has access to the addresses of crimes, but withheld the information from the
handout to protect privacy.
Lynched added that 81 complaints were paper complaints that lead to police reports. Lynch noted that
this is lower than the typically monthly average.
Lynch shared that Project Safe Neighborhood patrols specifically for downtown (Manchester and Simon
Circle). Lynch added that the vehicle is stocked for next week and will most likely be replenished after,
pending approval.
Lynch noted that in response to robbery control for the holidays, units are patrolling all businesses in
Dover and assigning extra duties for officers through the season.
Stonesifer suggested differing work to Councilman Taylor and Mayor Christiansen for help with
reporting month to month. Councilman Taylor responded that the goal is to gather quality of life crimes
to better respond to downtown’s needs, and that Lynch’s report was sufficient.
Councilman Taylor shared that DDP volunteer, Officer Kerry shared a similar sentiment that collecting
the data is a lengthy process. Sergeant Lynch responded that her current method was not difficult, but
to give more specific information would be, such as only reporting quality of life crimes.
Laird noted that the DDP is interested in trends and types of crimes that occur more regularly than
others.
Lynch commented that “hot spot” maps tell concentration of crime, but do not indicate types of crimes.
Mayor Christiansen suggested working with Rob Scott to develop better reporting.
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Lynch shared that unlike other units, the drug unit will often collect information until enough is gathered
for a search warrant, surveillance, and other next steps. Lynch added that drug-related follow ups may
not be reported publicly, but the unit is processing cases.
Councilman Taylor suggested generating a CAD system that will separate Downtown Dover crimes on its
own. Sergeant Lynch offered to discuss with Chief Kerry methods of reporting and gathering
information, and will provide a follow up at the next meeting.
AGENDA & MINUTES
Stonesifer removed topic number 5 from the agenda.
Councilman Taylor motioned to approve the agenda. Bradley seconded, and the board voted
unanimously to approve the agenda.
Councilman Taylor motioned to approve the minutes. Mayor Christiansen seconded, and the board
voted unanimously to approve the minutes.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/STAFF UPDATES
Budget
Bradbury noted that in line 41, two charges of rent were entered, and that line 52 represents the REAP
funding awarded to Otis Brooks for Tastee’s Chicken & Seafood.
Bradbury noted that there will be another checking account opened for the $1.475 million awarded
from the State Reinvestment Fund.
Insurance
Bradbury shared that the insurance provider scheduled an audit of DDP’s properties and reported
deficiencies in some. Renovations are scheduled to be complete in the next week or two, and then the
insurance provider will come for a reevaluation. Insurance renewal is scheduled for June/July.
Bradbury shared that the deficiencies included potholes in parking lots (which will receive a cold patch
until full repairs can be scheduled in warmer weather), a lack of key access to tenants to access the
water room, lighting, and signage concerns.
Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan
Stonesifer shared that the plan is nearly complete and that a small group has been developing revisions
(Stonesifer, Laird, Bradbury, Hugg, and Parkowski) page by page. Stonesifer noted that the review is
highly critical and will extend the delivery time, but the document itself will be significantly improved.
Stonesifer shared that the DDP is scheduled to give a presentation of the final master plan at the next
board meeting on January 18 at 8:30 a.m. at the Dover Public Library to allow for a larger audience size
and better visuals.
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Grants in Hand
Stonesifer shared that the DDP received 3 grants
$100,000 grant in aid from legislature
Community Reinvestment Fund from State of Delaware — funds for site acquisition (200,0008S will
strategically purchase based on Strategic Plan and will need to supplement with other funds) and
Critical Improvements ($1.275 million)
Critical Improvements Program
Stonesifer shared that he and Laird developed a task force to establish rules and regulations for
distributing grant funding. Stonesifer announced that Rick Ferrell of Retail Market Answers provides
consulting for Downtown Development Districts (DDD) (with experience in 20+ downtowns throughout
the state), will chair taskforce. Stonesifer added that Dave Hugg and Mary Ellen will serve on the
taskforce as well.
Ferrell shared that he has a soft spot for Dover and is excited to work on the project, and noted the
involvement of additional taskforce member, Ken Anderson, previously the Director of Small Business
for the DE Division of Small Business (formerly the Delaware Economic Development Office). Ferrell
noted that the taskforce met last Friday to review 19 pre-applications. Ferrell shared that he expects the
program will be fully subscribed for the amount of funding awarded from the state.
Ferrell noted that the taskforce worked to be judicious about delivering a fair process. Ferrell shared
that he has experience with True Access Capital and JP Morgan Chase to distribute ARPA funds and
develop major projects in two years. Ferrell added that if the projects come to fruition, they will be
transformative for the perception and experience of downtown. Ferrell added that the goal is the
opposite of vacancy and opening up chronically vacant buildings.
Ferrell shared that the pre-application period was established so projects can be completed by Dec.
2024. He added that the first step in the process was to establish priorities for applications given the
limited amount of funding (high, medium, and low priority). High priority projects focused on
commercial occupancy and life safety conditions (sprinklers, ADA compliance).
Ferrell noted that the taskforce will have a more detailed process with several high priority applications.
Ferrell shared that in the next steps, City of Dover Zoning and Planning will be consulted to ensure
projects are actionable, and tweak them as necessary. He continued that applicants will then be asked
to secure bids, with a goal of three per applicant. Ferrell noted that the taskforce understands it is
currently difficult to find multiple contractors, and will be flexible as needed. Next, applicants will need
to provide proof of site control and a sources and uses statement to provide the taskforce with a sense
of where the money is coming from and the total capital investment from the property owner.
Ferrell added that applicants will be encouraged to leverage other available funds including their own
money and state and city incentives to stretch the available funding.
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Ferrell noted that a goal of this part of the process is to explain where the money is from and distribute
the funding to priority projects that are most likely to be fully completed.
Parkowski asked if the pre-applications exceed budget, and Ferrell responded that the projects do
exceed budget, and noted they do not have concrete numbers because the projects have not gone to
bid. Ferrell responded that the projected costs of the projects exceed $100,000’s over, but less than a
million.
Parkowski asked if the program is a grant that does not need to be paid back. Ferrell responded that the
program is a grant and should act as a catalyst to reinvigorate private investment. Ferrell added that
once a letter of intent is filed, the taskforce will start to vet and better define estimated costs. Ferrell
added that if there is more subscription than funding available, the task force will narrow down ona
pro-rata basis to get projects moving. Ferrell added that 75% of total project costs was projected, but
the taskforce may have to provide less and that the language of the application reminds applicants that
there is no guarantee for funding is and that available funding will be distributed to best benefit
downtown development.
Harrington asked if property owners would have to pay for improvement up front, and then be
reimbursed. Harrington added that some people do not have the ability to borrow money for
improvements, and suggested a construction loan and/or consideration of this. Ferrell responded that
as a DDD business development coach, he encourages interested applicants to avail themselves to DDD
funding, historic credits, and other sources of funding. Ferrell added that he want to see “capital stack” -
how applicants will leverage resources and an openness to technical assistance to help secure necessary
funding to complete projects.
Stonesifer noted that technical assistance will provide applicants with opportunities for additional
funding and business coaching that they can utilize after funding is depleted too.
Parkowski asked if the program allows applicants to get funding in stages or to use for deposits. Ferrell
responded that there is no restriction to embedding this in the program, but that the goal is to leverage
all resources and work together to find solutions when/if they occur.
Laird shared that to ensure the projects are completed, the DDP is availing money to private enterprises
that meet its goal of improving buildings and ensuring that they are leased in the end. Laird added that
they want to be careful about distributing funding before those goals are met, especially to ensure
buildings are leased. Laird noted that reimbursement at the end is common for similar state and local
funding opportunities. Senator Paradee noted that they want to demonstrate public good at the end of
the project completion.
Stonesifer shared that in his experience, funding is awarded once project is complete to ensure that
funding is used on the project and not misused. Stonesifer noted the feedback provided, and suggested
the taskforce consider a response. Parkowski added that she would not want applicant to withdraw
from the process because they are not able to secure additional funding for the projects, and to keep
the program flexible to address this problem if it arises.
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Bradbury noted that the program is not a loan and DDP is not an authorized lender, so the financing is
more regulated than in some other programs.
Laird added that of a applicant is unable to provide 25% of their own funds, that they may avail
themselves of a loan to complete their project.
Ferrell added that if there are concerns of finalizing the deal, the feedback will be taken into
consideration and that ideally there is enough equity available that people who are typically not willing
to work with traditional lenders may now want to. Ferrell suggested the taskforce partner with a lender
who can simplify the process and handle all applicants’ loans as needed. Ferrell added that he is willing
to seek creative solutions to any problems they may face.
Parkowski motioned to authorize the Critical Improvements Program taskforce to create a rules and
regulations for distributing funding. Councilman Taylor seconded, and the motion opened for discussion.
Councilman Taylor asked how much Ferrell was paid for his participation, and Ferrell responded that he
is not charging DDP for his services, but disclosed that he is compensated by the state for his role with
DE State Housing Authority for his work with the DDD program.
Senator Paradee noted that the rules should be clearly defined and suggested that the committee of 4-5
people include one with financial acumen.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the motion.
Marketing and Promotions
Bradbury shared a stimulus for downtown businesses, the Yiftee gift card program presented at the
Main Street Conference. “Downtown Dover Dollars” launched Nov. 26 for Small Business Saturday, with
a DDP contribution of $3,000 to provide free gift cards for the purchase of one (BOGO). Bradbury added
that the DDP is submitting for county, community, grant, and corporate sponsors to continue to
purchase bonus cards. Gift cards can be purchased at DowntownDover.com. Bradbury added that the
program will continue through next year if funding is secured from additional sources. Bradbury noted
that the program has no charge for merchants.
Vendetti asked for information on the program to be shared with the Central Delaware Chamber of
Commerce.
OTHER BUSINESS
Rail Haus Presentation
Legans shared that his business, Rail Haus, at 92 N. West St. is being rezoned for land use changes, and
announced that the City of Dover approved the building and site plans. Legans added that he is
construction ready and working with Tidemark Construction.
Legans added that he is presenting at the Biggs Museum today as the final step for his EDGE Grant
application, a program that provides a 3:1 match for funding.
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Legans noted that Rail Haus will be family, kid, and animal friendly. He added that the building was
purchased in 2020 with the goal of location downtown. Because he required additional outdoor space,
he could not use a site on Loockerman St, but is within the DDD. Legans added that he plans to pursue
DDD funding as well.
He added that the footprint of the building is remaining the same, with inside renovations. He noted
that EDGE funds, if approved, will add a sandpit, bocce court, cornhole, and improving the outdoor
space.
He noted that the property has an active rail line behind it, and visitors will be able to see and feel the
train passing. He added that the Senator Bikeway passed through the front of the property, and Rail
Haus will provide 35 bike stalls. Legans shared his goal is to boost quality of life in a designated target
area.
Legans shared the building design from a designer in Fishtown Philadelphia and noted that the project
will not increase the footprint of building, but will use shipping containers to load kitchen (chefs kitchen
inside) and one as an additional bar to supplement current building footprint.
Legans shared that there was a strip of land along rail track that wasn’t fenced in, so they will use it to
provide 25 off-street parking spots and become one of the few bars downtown that will offer parking
spaces. Legans provided QRs that linked to visuals for the project, information on a community survey
response of 360 respondents, and a Google Earth rendering to see scope of downtown.
Legans predicted a April 2023 opening for Rail Haus.
Legans shared that the space is designed to be interactive, including the kitchen in the shipping
container. He planned to run power to the opposite end of the property to allow for food trucks, with a
plan to incorporate a smart QR system to allow for patrons to purchase food from Rail Haus’ kitchen and
participate food trucks seamlessly.
Legans added that Rail Haus plans to be opened year round, and will be the only year round beer garden
in Delaware. He added that the building will have large TVs for sporting events and smart heating for
indoor/outdoor fluidity.
Legans added that his DDD application is prepared for when portal opens this afternoon and he is
pending approval for his EDGE Grant and CIP applications.
Legans noted that Double Diamond Recycling was located on his property line by 25 feet, and the
tenants had paid $1 to remain on site. Legans shared that his offer to purchase the building was
approved 2 months ago, and planned to contact the City of Dover to establish more overflow parking.
Legans added that dog park, Hand Over Your Rover is located across the street and further, that Rail
Haus will have beer, wine, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, pretzels, and bratwurst from Haas.
Board Member Updates
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Councilman Taylor shared that City Council is working on an ordinance to combat loitering so that
reaching loiterers does not lead to a criminal offense. He added that the legislation is delayed so a
council member can discuss the policy with the ACLU.
Bradbury invited the board to the Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade and Hometown Holiday
event.
Senator Paradee shared that DelDOT and DE Transit Corporation wants to change how DART buses
work, and suggested the director recruit a DDP and DSU representative to join the taskforce. He added
that the legislature is out now with meeting taking place leading up to the next legislative session.
Senator Paradee shared that he expects to be Senator Chair of the Joint Finance Committee and Bill
Carson will be House Charge of the committee, adding that this is good for Dover.
Senator Paradee noted that on the Bond Committee, Kent County lost two representatives, which he
indicated to Senate President Dave Sokola.
Senator Paradee added that on Dec. 19", the next report will come out to see how the budget will be
worked, and noted that the last report in October looked promising with a tax revenue increase,
personal income tax increase, and phenomenal corporate revenue. He added that he does not expect
there will be as much funding available as last year, but that the budget will be large.
Gray offered to serve on the transportation taskforce, and Senator Paradee offered to connect her to
the group. Gray added that she has experience with micro- and public transit.
Parkowski suggested advocating for transit spots at locations where people work, and Gray responded
that public transit stops are expective, but micro-transit can complement public transit to bring people
to public stops at a more affordable cost point.
Hugg noted that problems with property owners can be resolved through code compliance, and Gray
added that the goal is not to have fines paid, but to have property owners less likely to commit
violations.
Adjourn
Councilman Taylor motioned to adjourn, and Hugg seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously
to adjourn at 8:51 a.m.
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\ DOWNTOWN
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{ PARTNERSHIP Annual Report
eileen the selection process for most qualified vendor in 2021, the hire of Mosaic Development Partners in early 2022,
and nearly a year of broad community engagement, research, and plan development that builds on plans and progress of
partnering entities, the Capital City 2030: Transforming Downtown Dover! master plan is now complete! This document
suggests at once the culmination of one project, yet more importantly, the beginning of a new era for downtown Dover.
Consider with me just a few soundbites from the plan...
..the team engaged more than 800 residents, business owners, property owners, elected officials, and public and
private stakeholders...
.. areas of focus included key destination points, business attraction and connection, public financial support tools,
architectural strategies, ground floor activation, multi modal transportation, public space, permits and zoning...
..the central premise of a reignited downtown district calls for density and connection to become the engines that
drive change...
. nearly 1000 new residential units, a boutique hotel, centralized parking, more contemporary architecture,
upgraded existing building structures, restaurants with outdoor seating, authentic retail, programmed public spaces,
streamlined government approvals and government-assisted financial incentives...
. we start from a position of strength ...these anchors... government entities, healthcare, and education [that]
employ and/or house thousands of people who currently are not fully engaged with downtown.
To prepare for this exciting transformation, the Downtown Dover Partnership and partnering entities are now prioritizing
implementation recommendations and strategies detailed in the plan. Simultaneously, several important initiatives are
already underway to ready downtown for redevelopment, including the $1.2 M Critical Improvements Grant Program to
get vacant, underutilized, and dated buildings ready for occupancy by business categories that the community, national and
regional trends, and market research indicate are needed - and will be successful - here in downtown Dover. 2023 is
setting up to be a very exciting year—the year to begin a new era for the Capital City of Delaware!
To learn much more, see the insert and visit: www.DowntownDover.com Diane Laird, Executive Director
Shop Eat Explore and Repeat in Downtown Dover!
Our vision for Downtown Dover...
An increasingly vibrant and thriving downtown.
A regional destination.
People of all ages will fill downtown to visit museums and
cultural attractions, have a nice meal, shop at unique retail
stores, and enjoy numerous, varied and playful things to do,
both inside and outdoors.
It’s happening downtown!
“Breakfast at Tina’s” by Theresa Rodriguez, Paint Dover! 2022
Our Mission
The Downtown Dover Partnership is committed to driving
an improved quality of life for the residents and visitors
of Dover, Delaware, through collective collaboration,
= economic development and promotion of downtown
Dover's unique historic properties.
AMERICA
2022 Accredited,
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BUSINESSES ASSISTED—2022
Ethnicity:
African American 21
Caucasian
Hispanic 4
Other
REVOLVING LOAN FUND
First REAP* loan awarded
* Retention Expansion Assistance Program
$5,630 for downtown purchases!
$5,000 BOGO match by DDP
resulting in
$10,000 downtown sales!
Net gain of 2 downtown businesses
7 closures—9 openings Gender:
Female 26
Male
DESIGN
Disadvantaged Small Businesses:
DDP INVESTMENT OF... Veteran
Anticipate significant E
$24,876 growth in private property Persons with SD
Supported reinvestment and Minority
3 redevelopment in 2023! Focus of Assistance:
Fagade Improvements SBA/EDGE/Other 1
1
Architectural Grant
Facade/Signage/Architectural 10
Downtown Development Districts 11
Seeking downtown location 16
Pop Up at 136 W. Loockerman 8
Loans/Grants/Business Transition
and "
...LEVERAGED $51,000" IN PRIVATE INVESTMENT
N Z Fourth Annual!
e.
@3e
SHOP
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE \ SMALL
Newcomers Reception Nt t tf New partners...
29 Artists The Biggs &
!
OPEN $1,025 Dover Art League!
ARTWORK SALES
405 VIEWS—VIRTUAL EXHIBITION
Pa
FOR BUSINESS Sutilays
MARKETING & PROMOTIONS
PROMOTED, IMPLEMENTED, AND/OR PARTNERED ON EVENTS:
First Saturday’s — Small Business Saturday — Capital City Holiday Celebration
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
The Cendel Foundation, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, City of Dover (Finance, Mayor, Council &
City Manager’s Office, Planning & Inspections, Police, Department, Public Works), Delaware Division of Arts
(DDOA), Delaware State Housing Authority, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community
College, Destination Downtown Dover (D3), Dover Air Force Base, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing,
Greater Kent Committee, Kent County Tourism, Office of State Planning Coordination, DE Small Business
Development Center, True Access Capital.
BOARD MEMBERSHIPS OR COMMITTEE POSITIONS HELD BY DDP STAFF:
City of Dover Economic Development Committee, Dover Days Celebration Committee, Equitable Entrepre-
neurial Ecosystem (Pete DuPont Freedom Foundation), Habitat For Humanity Revitalization, HELP Initiative,
Kent County Tourism, NeighborGood Partners/Restoring Central Dover (Steering Committee)
9,212
FOLLOWERS
29% INCREASE
Over 2021
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MERCHANTS
e Five merchant window decorating contests took place
to beautify downtown, light up windows, and uniquely : : A % Too
display merchandise. eta
Unlock value shopping!
Redesigned Downtown Dover Business Directory.
Held three merchant mixers to increase camaraderie
and communications among business owners. 292
¢ Committee members met with Kent County Tourism to § REGISTERED USERS
explore tourism opportunities. Fomey'sT 60 Doubled over last year!
© Provided weekly communications to promote news, 18
October’s First Place Winner!
grants, training and resources to assist merchants. PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS
PARKING & SAFETY
2021 DOWNTOWN PARKING SOLUTION SAFETY WORKING GROUP
Assessing parking needs and implementation Met bi-monthly for purpose of ongoing collaboration among
—present and future— merchants, City Transportation Safety Advisory Committee,
with Downtown Dover Master Plan. and Dover Police Dept. to address downtown safety concerns.
ORGANIZATION
$1,275 M DE State Bond Bill
© . S 200 K DE State Bond Bill
1% 100 K Grant In Aid
r | | | 3,550 Corporate Sponsors
1,000 DE Division of Arts
502 sm
COMMUNITY
Along with community partners, DDP staff
facilitated administration and dispersement of
funding to victims of the fire at W. Loockerman
and New Streets, and provided technical assis-
tance to three small business owners who were
adversely affected by the blaze.
DSU DOWNTOWN COLLABORATION
VOLUNTEER HOURS Solidified partnership with DSU and aligned
$15 035 efforts to coordinate respective master plans.
? ani
VALUE OF fal INTERNAL OFFICE MOVE
in preparation for increased activity relating to
master plan implementation and redevelop-
ment efforts, DDP expanded operations to
second floor office space in the Cendel
Foundation Community Building.
VOLUNTEER HOURS $1.580 M
a GRANTS, SPONSORSHIPS RECEIVED*
Preparing for a New Era...
A new era of transformation of downtown requires letting go of some aspects of previous times. To be a bit poetic, it’s important
to “keep the most valued treasures in the attic that portray the essence of a time and place, and make room for new treasures,
new abundance, and refreshing of what has become less valued.” This can mean physical, mental, and even philosophical change.
Change can be challenging. Sentimentals remember what was, and may wish to bring it back. But change can also be invigorating
— new neighbors, new businesses, new buildings, and new modes of getting around! But most importantly, change is essential.
What we have is not working. It is important to consider new generations of leaders investing in the heart of Dover — working,
living, recreating, and enjoying its diversity and the new opportunities that will come as a result of re-envisioning, reinvestment
and redevelopment. We must ensure that we are preparing the foundation now to attract this new generation for years to come.
Post-COVID timing could not be better for the new master plan as we are able to make better decisions considering the many
changes in living and working in 2023 and can anticipate going forward. At the DDP, our focus and workload is transitioning toward
this bigger picture of transforming downtown, while letting go - at least temporarily - of some of the events and activities that
thrived before 2020 when foot traffic was plentiful and days were abuzz with shoppers, visitors, workers coming for lunch, and the
weekly farmers market. But be assured, we will keep the best of what was, while setting the stage for this exciting new era!
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PARTNERSHIP On the horizon!
e Downtown Dover Master Plan: Identify short and long term wins; implement recommendations in the plan:
© Promote plan widely through media/in-person presentations to local groups; hold public presentation March 22.
% Prioritize recommendations, review DDP organizational structure, and hire Projects Director with development
experience to lead implementation of plan.
% Administer Critical Improvements Program with existing buildings; begin dispersement of associated grant funds.
© Seek and secure (public/private/non-profit) funding for planning and implementation of key projects.
© Collaborate with Dover Kent MPO (metropolitan Planning Organization) to finalize planning for 3-4 transportation projects.
© Work with City Council to implement financial programs/incentives (1.e.; Tax Increment Financing, Conduit Bonds, RAISE, others.)
© Work with City of Dover Planning & Inspections to review/update design standards, create expedited approvals.
e Ensure current merchant stability/access to funds and revenue through DDP programs and activities.
e Continue to work collaboratively with local partners to address downtown safety & vagrancy issues.
e Develop a mobile phone app to promote business, events, activities and opportunities in downtown Dover.
e Collaborate closely with DSU leadership to further integrate DSU Downtown into the community.
e Design and install new banners, including DSU banners to ensure visible presence of DSU in downtown.
Thank y
The Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) values the solid financial and philosophical support of the City of Dover Mayor, City
Council, and City Manager, as well as that of the Dover delegates to the State Legislature. The DDP Leadership further extends
appreciation to key partners and volunteers, including those listed within this report and so many who are unnamed herein, who
inform and carry out the strategies, events, and activities of this organization — a public-private partnership in its truest and
finest sense.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD MEMBERS David Hugg, City Manager
Todd Stonesifer, President Kim Adams Donny Legans
John Van Gorp, Vice President Representative Bill Bush Dawn Melson, Acting City Planner *
Jonathan Street, Secretary Codi Canasa Councilman Fred Neil
Pete Bradley, Treasurer Dr. Michael Casson * Linda Parkowski
STAFF Mayor Robin Christiansen Senator Trey Paradee
Diane Laird, Executive Director Dr. Stacy Downing Councilman Ralph Taylor
Tina Bradbury, Operations Manager Mary Ellen Gray, City Planner Carla Wilson
Jordan Resh, Office Administrator
* Served through June 30, 2022
ASSETS / BALANCE SHEET
June 2022
Cash and investments 812,099
Land & Buildings, Equipment, Accum Deprec. 4,393,882
TOTAL ASSETS 5,205,981
Leases/Sales Contracts, Notes Payable
TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,102,407
Invested: Land/Buildings, Unreserved
DowntownDover.com
101 W. Loockerman St
Suite 2-B
Dover, DE 19904
302-678-2940 FUND BALANCES
TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCES
3,103,575
5,205,981
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( /ransforming Downtown Dover
Capital City 2030
DOVER, KENT COUNTY, DELAWARE
‘January 2023
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
DDP Master Plan
DOWNTOWN DOVER PARTNERSHIP
101 W. Loockerman Street Suite 2B | Dover, DE 19904
302-678-2940 | www.downtowndover.com
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\ DOWNTOWN
DOVER
f PARTNERSHIP
Downtown Dover Partnership
Main Street Dover
101 W. Loockerman Street, Ste 1A
Dover, DE 19904
(302)678-2940
January 30, 2023
Dear Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) Board Members,
After many months of preparation, selection of most qualified vendor, and a year of plan development, we
are pleased to present the downtown Dover master plan: Capital City 2030: Transforming Downtown Dover!
The purpose of undertaking this process was threefold: 1.) address the core of Delaware’s Capital City that
has continued to suffer from physical decline and disinvestment for many years; 2.) to identify needs and
opportunities for redevelopment and reinvestment in this high priority target area; and 3.) to detail
implementation and investment strategies that will guide the community toward an equitable, sustainable,
and economically-sound future, with the goal of transforming this vital core of commerce and housing toward
its highest and best potential by a target date of the year 2030.
While a comprehensive document, the plan should specifically be viewed as a catalyst for redevelopment of
multiple DDP and City-owned properties and areas, addressing commercial, residential, recreational, parking,
transportation, and placemaking opportunities, while simultaneously spurring additional private investment.
Together, we will provide the platform for new generations of leaders to make their stake in downtown —
living, working, shopping, and recreating in a vibrant, thriving, Capital City of Dover.
We extend deep appreciation to funding partners of this plan including Senator Trey Paradee and the
Delaware State Legislature; Kent County Levy Court Commissioners and Administrator; the City of Dover
Mayor, Council and City Manager. We highly value the many community partners, individuals and agencies
listed within the plan that have generously provided time and thought to the process. We enthusiastically
acknowledge Mosaic Development Partners and their team for leading this vital process with vigor, diligence,
expertise and thoughtfulness to addressing the specific needs of Dover. Finally, we recognize fellow members
of the DDP core team that met weekly and moved the process along expeditiously, including Dave Hugg, Dover
City Manager; Linda Parkowski, Kent Economic Partnership Executive Director; and Tina Bradbury, DDP
Operations Manager.
Sincerely,
4G
Di Laird, Exe€utive Djrector
J SS
esifer, Boafd President
NOTE: Documents relating to the downtown Dover master plan, as well as the planning process, may be found
(January 31, 2023) on www.DowntownDover.com or by calling the DDP office at 302-678-2940.
Tédd Sto
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Implementation begins now...
+ Broadly publicize the plan- March 22 public presentation
+ Evaluate DDP organizational capacity and need for development staffing to implement the plan
» City of Dover:
* Planning/inspections process— streamlining
* Design standards
+ Consider support offered by Kent County Levy Court
+ Dover Kent MPO priority projects
* Five-point intersection (W Loockerman and State Street
* Linkages to/from Bayhealth and DSU Downtown
= Consider State legislative requests FY 2024
* Current grants:
* Critical Improvements: $1.2 Mgrant awarded to DDP program is up and running for current property
improvements
™ Site acquisition: $200k
TRANSFORMING DOWNTOWN DOVER: CAPITAL CITY 2030 | Master Pin for Dowrlown Dover | Dover, DE | Dowrtoxn Dover Partresstip