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PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE AGENDA OCTOBER 13, 2014 - 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. BENCHMARKS ESTABLISHED FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (Committee action not required) 2. REVIEW OF DRAFT DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPLICATION AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 2014-13 IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION AS A DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (Staff recommends endorsement of the Draft Downtown Development District application, acknowledging that staff will continue to refine the application prior to final presentation to City Council, and adoption of Resolution No. 2014-13 as submitted) 3. UPDATE - RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT (Committee action not required) 4. ADJOURNMENT BY 4:50 P.M. /tm S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Committee-Agendas\2014\10-13-2014 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.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISIONAL VISION Within the Department of Public Services, the Economic Development division has been charged to improve the quality of life in Dover by attracting and retaining quality jobs, supporting a vibrant town center, and creating an atmosphere that encourages and fosters business growth. MAJOR PROGRAMS DOWNTOWN DOVER PARTNERSHIP (DDP) Objective: Provide administrative and other staff support to the Downtown Dover Partnership so that the organization can foster grass roots driven downtown redevelopment. Measures: 1. Number of events where DDP is either the lead organizer or partner in event. 2012-2013 Actual 2013-2014 Actual 2014-2015 Projected Results >Ten events held in Downtown >Fifteen events held in >Thirty events held in Downtown where DDP is either the lead Downtown where DDP is either where DDP is either the lead organizer or partner. the lead organizer or partner. organizer or partner. 17 events YTD 19 events YTD 14 events YTD 2. Set and reach an annual fundraising goal for the DDP. 2012-2013 Actual 2013-2014 Actual 2014-2015 Projected Results Raise >$25,000 for DDP activities DDP received notification from Organization Committee is being $7,100 YTD IRS that Main Street Dover, Inc. restructured and will set DDP has reactivated Main Street is an active 501c3 organization fundraising goal for FY15 Dover and applied for reinstatement of its 501c3 status 3. Monitor downtown merchant and business owner satisfaction. 2012-2013 Actual 2013-2014 Actual 2014-2015 Projected Results Increased survey response rate Survey was not conducted. Increase survey response rate and maintained above average Merchants Committee established and maintain above average rating. as standing committee of DDP rating

DOWNTOWN DOVER BUSINESS GROWTH Objective: Promote Downtown Dover as a location for new businesses, and provide support to existing businesses to ensure they survive. Measures: 1. Monitor number of businesses opened in the Downtown Target Area. 2012-2013 Actual 2013-2014 Actual 2014-2015 Projected Results ≥Six new businesses open in ≥Six new businesses open in ≥Six new businesses open in Downtown Target Area – 7 Downtown Target Area – 15 Downtown Target Area - 4 ≥Four net new businesses open in ≥Four net new businesses open in ≥Four net new businesses open in Downtown Target Area –5 Net Downtown Target Area –5 Net Downtown Target Area – 4 2. Work with property owners and entrepreneurs to fill vacant commercial spaces on Loockerman Street with viable businesses. 2012-2013 Actual 2013-2014 Actual 2014-2015 Projected Results >Four vacant commercial spaces ≥Four vacant commercial tenant ≥Four vacant commercial tenant filled - Four spaces filled - Four spaces filled - Four CITY-WIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Objective: Promote Dover as a location for business growth. Measures: 1. Maintain an unemployment rate for the City of Dover that is lower than national and state averages. 2012-2013 Actual 2013-2014 Actual 2014-2015 Projected Results 8.9% unemployment rate in June 8.3% unemployment rate in June 8.6% unemployment rate in 2013 2014 August 2014 2. Monitor number of contacts with small businesses and with out-of-town companies interested in locating in Dover. 2012-2013 Actual 2013-2014 Actual 2014-2015 Projected Results ≥20 contacts with potential small ≥20 contacts with potential small ≥20 contacts with potential small businesses; 18 Actual businesses; 23 Actual businesses – 9 YTD Ten contacts with out-of-town ≥Ten contacts with out-of-town ≥Ten contacts with out-of-town companies interested in locating companies interested in locating companies interested in locating in Dover 7 Actual in Dover 13 Actual in Dover -3 YTD

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015 1. 1. Complete the infrastructure construction for the Garrison tract. This objective is a part of the Citywide Economic Development program and advances the critical success factors of Economic Development and Job Growth. Infrastructure construction 35% complete Measures: a. Secure DEDO’s assistance in marketing the Garrison Tract to site selection companies that contact DEDO regarding locations in Delaware. Discussed site selection process with Jeff Stone from DEDO. b. Continue to assist Calpine and Matrix during construction phase. Ongoing. c. Assist Uzin Utz in meeting construction timelines. Site preparation completed, mixing towers under construction, timeline is on schedule. 2. Promote citywide economic development initiatives. This objective is a part of the Citywide Economic Development program and advances the critical success factors of Economic Development and Job Growth. Measures: a. Attract two additional prospects to the Garrison Tract by June 30, 2015. Ongoing. b. Continue to improve working relationship with Kent Economic Partnership by providing quarterly updates to the Partnership and working with the Partnership’s Economic Development Committee. This measure is ongoing with no set completion date. c. Attract prospect to the Aero Park by June 30, 2015. d. Update the Job Growth Report of the City’s twelve largest employers including Dover Air Force Base and State Government and provide to Council. Report prepared for Council in July 2014. e. Meet semi-annually with plant managers/owners of the largest employers in the City of Dover to include the Base Commander of Dover Air Force Base. Attended Plant Managers Association September Meeting f. Partner with Kent Economic Partnership to develop a strategy for Food Innovation District in Dover. Ongoing monthly meeting with Steering Committee g. Develop City of Dover Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy that will be included in the State of Delaware overall comprehensive economic development strategy. 3. Advance initiatives of the Downtown Dover Partnership. This objective is a part of the Downtown Dover Partnership program and advances the critical success factors of Economic Development and Job Growth. Measures: a. Develop a recruitment strategy to attract new business to downtown with the assistance of the Recruitment Subcommittee of the Economic Development Committee. This is an ongoing project. b. Update the marketing brochure which includes a current vacant property list and a map of the downtown district as part of a business recruitment package. Brochure will be provided to commercial realtors and be accessible on the Downtown Dover Partnership website. This is an ongoing project.

c. Assist DDP and local realtors to attract a buyer for the Acme site. Ongoing d. Continue providing information and support to NCALL for the “Restoring Central Dover” initiative. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ORGANIZATION CHART FISCAL YEAR 2014 Mayor Economic Development Economic Develop. Director (William Neaton) 1 Main Street Coordinator (Ed Perez) 1 Administrative Assistant (Beverly Jackson) 1

ACTION FORM PROCEEDING: Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Planning & Inspections DATE SUBMITTED: October 6, 2014 PREPARED BY: Ann Marie Townshend, AICP, Director of Planning and Community Development SUBJECT: Review of Draft Downtown Development District Application REFERENCE: N/A RELATED PROJECT: N/A APPROVALS: N/A EXHIBITS: Draft Resolution #2014-13; Draft Application and District Plan EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: N/A AMOUNT BUDGETED: N/A FUNDING SOURCE (Dept./Page in CIP & Budget): N/A TIMETABLE: Downtown Development District application is due on November 1, 2014. Approval of a completed application is needed at the City Council meeting on October 27, 2014 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Endorsement of the Draft Downtown Development District application, acknowledging that staff will continue to refine the application prior to final presentation to City Council, and adoption of Resolution #2014-13 as submitted. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS The Delaware General Assemby enacted the Downtown Development District Act in June 2014. Under this law, the Governor will designate three Downtown Development Districts in the first round of designations, one from each county. Development projects within designated Districts will be eligible for a 20% rebate for project costs over $25,000. Dover is well positioned to submit a successful application for Downtown Development District designation, as we have a number of redevelopment incentives in place. In addition, we have two master plan documents, The Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book and Restoring Centeral Dover, that complement each other in support of revitalizing the downtown. The Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee has previously reviewed the proposed District boundary and some proposed incentives that would be enacted if the City is designated as a Downtown Development District. The draft application is attached for the Committee’s review. Staff will continue to refine the submission prior to submitting it for the City Council packet of October 27, 2014.

Downtown Development District Program How to Use this Application Form This application is a Microsoft Word document that has been modified. The text in the document is “locked” meaning that you can’t edit it. The fields where you are supposed to enter information are “open” allowing you to type or paste information into these fields. The fields that can be edited are in gray. First, we recommend that you save this document with a unique file name that includes the name of your jurisdiction. An example would be “DDD-Application-Dagsboro.” Then you can work on the document without fear of overwriting it, and when you send it to us we will know who it came from (and we won’t be in danger of overwriting it). Some of the fields are informational in nature, such as places to type in the name and address of your jurisdiction. It should be relatively straightforward to type this information in and save it. Some of the fields are check boxes, which are similarly straightforward. Many of the fields are questions that ask you to respond in either 100 or 750 words. You might find it helpful to write and edit your responses in a separate Word document and then paste them in to the application once they are complete. The 100 word statement is to be used internally for review and in printed materials where we need a concise description of each proposed District. Almost all other questions are suggested to be no more than 750 words, which is about a page and a half of text (using 12 point font). In these responses it is important to clearly and concisely answer each question. Your District Plan can go into much more detail about each topic, and it is appropriate and expected that you will reference your District Plan in these 750 word responses. There is no penalty for exceeding 750 words, but if you find that you are writing much more than 750 words please consider putting the additional information in your District Plan. There are numerous attachments mentioned throughout this application. The most obvious one will be the District Plan. The application also asks for various maps, spreadsheets, letters of support, resolutions and data to be attached associated with particular questions. Please compile all of the attachments into one Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) document. It would be wonderful if you could include a table of contents, and organize these attachments in the order of the questions. It is likely that when you are done with the application form (Word document) and the attachments (.pdf document) the combination of both documents will be larger than 15mb, which is the limit for external email in the State system. In these cases, we will arrange for you to have access to a sftp file transfer site to upload your documents. Email the OMB Application Team at OMB_APP_Team@state.de.us to request an account and a password to upload the file. You must include the following information in your email in order for the OMB Application Team to process your account access: Name, Company, Email Address, and Phone Number. OSPC will provide technical assistance with Census data and GIS mapping if requested by local governments that can demonstrate the need for the assistance. We will provide assistance to all local governments on the technical aspects of completing this application and transmitting / uploading finished applications. To request assistance or if you have questions about any part of this application or the program in general please contact your Circuit Rider Planner at the Office of State Planning Coordination, (302) 739-3090.

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Section I Completed applications will be General Guidelines considered by the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues (the Committee). The Committee will make The Downtown Development Districts recommendations to the Governor, who Act of 2014 (the Act) was enacted by the will then designate between one and General Assembly in order to: three Downtown Development Districts in the current program year. Additional • Spur private capital investment in Districts may be designated in future commercial business districts and program years. The number of Districts other neighborhoods; is limited to 15 at any one time. District • Stimulate job growth and designations last for 10 years, and the improve the commercial vitality Committee can consider up to two five of such districts and year extensions. neighborhoods; • Help build a stable community of Selection as a Downtown Development long term residents by improving District will entitle private construction housing opportunities; and projects within the identified District to • Assist local governments in receive grants to offset 20% of their strengthening neighborhoods capital construction costs. There are a while harnessing the attraction host of other benefits that will be that vibrant downtowns hold for described in more detail in other talented people, innovative small materials. Grant funds will be businesses and residents from all administered by the Delaware State walks of life. Housing Authority (DSHA). Local governments1 that wish to take Applications must be addressed to the advantage of this program must identify Office of State Planning Coordination as a downtown district in their community follows: and apply for designation. To make an application for designation this form Mrs. Constance C. Holland, AICP must be completed, supporting materials Director must be attached, and the entire packet Office of State Planning Coordination submitted to the Office of State Planning 122 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, S. Coordination as detailed herein in order Dover, DE 19901 for the request to be considered. 1 Municipalities and counties are eligible to Application Due Date for apply for Downtown Development District FY15 Cycle: designation. Throughout this document, the terms “local government” and “applicant” refer November 1, 2014 to either the municipality or county that is presenting the application. Released: August 1, 2014 2

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District plan and land use regulations support the Section II application for the District. Specific Requirements The Act identifies three components of Local governments must identify the application for designation as a proposed Downtown Development District: Districts in accordance with the Act. Districts must include a traditional • The need and impact of the mixed-use downtown area, commonly District designation; known as a Central Business District • The quality of the District Plan (CBD)2. Districts must be no more than • The quality of the local 85 acres in area for jurisdictions with a incentives offered population under 9,0003 persons, no more than 170 acres in area for Each of these components will now be jurisdictions with a population between described in more detail. 9,000 and 30,000 persons, and no more than 225 acres in area for jurisdictions Need and Impact: The applicant must with a population over 30,001 persons. describe the need for the economic Applicants are encouraged to incentives that will be available in geographically concentrate the designated District. The need must be incentives to the greatest extent possible. documented through the use of relevant data and other methods. The conditions The size and shape of the proposed of the local economy, income, poverty, District must make sense from an urban homeownership rates, prevalence of planning and revitalization perspective. vacant or abandoned buildings and other The applicant must fully describe the metrics may be used to make the case rationale for choosing the boundaries as that the proposed District is in need of a part of this application. Guidelines for the incentives. preparing District boundaries are found elsewhere in this application. In addition, the applicant must describe the potential positive impacts that are A map of the District is required as a likely to accrue due to designation as a part of this application. Local District. Applicants are encouraged to governments must also supply maps describe the impacts using both data and showing the future land use and zoning other methods. of the district area, and discuss how the The Need and Impact section will 2 Central Business District: An area around the account for 50% of the consideration downtown portion of the city or town allowing given to scoring each application. for higher intensity residential uses as well as commercial, office, personal services, governmental, and similar uses intended to serve District Plan – The local government the community and surrounding areas of the city must present a District Plan that will be or town. used to guide development activities and 3 Population to be based on the 2010 US Census. Released: August 1, 2014 3

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District revitalization efforts in the District. The Local Incentives – The local District Plan is to be a detailed government must detail a package of description of the overall strategy for the local development incentives that will development of a proposed district. apply within the proposed District. These incentives may include, but are The applicant must demonstrate that the not limited to, a reduction in fees or District Plan is consistent with the local taxes; regulatory flexibility; permit government’s certified Comprehensive process and licensing reform; special Plan and the Strategies for State Policies zoning districts; or exemptions from and Spending and any other local local ordinances. These incentives may planning documents or studies that are either be currently in place and in use by applicable. Additionally, if other the municipality or county or they may governmental, non-governmental and/or be proposed for implementation upon quasi governmental organizations are designation as a District. involved with revitalization efforts in the downtown area they must be identified Upon designation as a District the local and it must be demonstrated that government is required to implement the coordination of all activities will be part incentive package as described and of the District Plan. proposed for the duration of the District designation. Grant funds will not be The District Plan should clearly and available to projects until the incentive concisely describe the key actions and package is adopted by the local strategies that are in place and / or will government and made available to the be used to guide growth and project developer. Changes to the revitalization efforts in the proposed incentive package must be approved by District. The overall vision of the plan, the Committee. The District designation the clarity of actions to be taken, and may be rescinded by the Committee if proof of the ability and the will of the these conditions are not adhered to. municipality or county and other partners to implement the plan will be The quality of the Local Incentives will key considerations when evaluating this account for 20% of the consideration section of the application. given to scoring each application. Changes to the District Plan must be Section III reviewed by the Committee. District Application Instructions designation may be rescinded if the District Plan is not adhered to. Check List - self-explanatory. The quality of the District Plan will account for 30% of the consideration Information Sheet - The local given to scoring each application. government must supply the jurisdiction's name, mailing address, and phone numbers. The applicant must provide the date of the last update of the Released: August 1, 2014 4

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District comprehensive plan and briefly describe form, along with any relevant supporting the District being proposed. documentation. Map of the Proposed District – The Written Documentation from local government must submit a map of Supporting Organizations – The local the proposed District in sufficient detail government must supply written to clearly identify the boundaries of the documentation from other organizations District and calculate its area. Maps that will be relied upon to implement the should be created with GIS software, District Plan. The documentation must and the associated computer files should be attached to the “Summary of District be made available to aid our review of Plan” form. the proposal. Districts must be contiguous, and be no more than 85 Summary of Local Incentives – The acres in area for local governments with local government must complete this a population under 9,000 persons, no form to summarize the local incentive more than 170 acres in area for package to be made available within the jurisdictions with a population between District upon designation. The local 9,000 and 30,000 persons, and no more ordinances (or other regulations or than 225 acres in area for jurisdictions documentation) enabling and governing with a population over 30,001 persons. these incentives must be attached to this There are guidelines detailed elsewhere form, along with any relevant supporting in this application that must be followed documentation. In the case of incentives when preparing the proposed District proposed upon designation, the draft boundaries. Applicants must also supply ordinances must be attached. maps showing the future land use and zoning of the district area, and discuss Legislative Body Resolution – The how the plan and land use regulations local government must attach an adopted support the application for the District. resolution from the jurisdiction’s legislative body that indicates the local Summary of Need and Impact – The government’s desire to apply for local government must complete this designation as a District, and the local form to summarize the need for District government’s willingness to adhere to designation and the potential positive the District Plan and the Local impact of the district. Supporting Incentives for the duration of the District documentation should be attached to this designation. form. Summary of District Plan – The local government must complete this form to summarize the District Plan for the proposed District. Copies of the District Plan or Plans must be attached to this Released: August 1, 2014 5

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Application Cover Sheet and Check List Jurisdiction Name: City of Dover Date of Application October 27, 2014 Date Received Check List for Application Materials Application Cover Sheet and Check List. Information Sheet. Map of the Proposed District (GIS files encouraged). Map of Future Land Use in Proposed District (GIS files encouraged) Map of Zoning in Proposed District (GIS files encouraged) Summary of Need and Impact (with attachments). Summary of District Plan (with attachments). Written Documentation from Supporting Organizations. Summary of Local Incentives (with attachments). Legislative Body Resolution. Released: August 1, 2014 6

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Information Sheet Municipality / County: City of Dover ______________________________________________ Contact Person for Application Proposed District Administrator (if different) Name: Ann Marie Townshend Name: Address: PO Box 475, Dover, DE 19903 Address: Phone: 302-736-7196 Phone: Email: atownshend@dover.de.us Email: Signature Date Signature Date Date of certified Comprehensive Plan Adopted February 9, 2009 - Certified April 24, 2009 Population of the municipality or county (as per 2010 US Census) 36,041 Population of proposed District (based on 2010 US Census Block data) 1,989 Area of proposed District in acres 220 Brief description of the proposed Downtown Development District (100 words or less) Note: this description will be used as a summary for internal review and in printed materials The proposed Downtown Development District encompasses the heart of Dover's downtown Central Business District and the adjoining residential neighborhoods. The proposed District is prime for redevelopment, but presents significant challenges as well. The proposed District includes the area bounded by Mary Street to the north, Water Street to the south, the railroad tracks to the west, and State Street/Governors Avenue to the east. It also includes the portion of Lincoln Park east of Cherry Street. Lincoln Park is a historically African-American middle class neighborhood immediately west of the railroad tracks. The east side of this neighborhood has experienced a deterioration of the housing stock in recent years due to high concentrations of rental properties. Released: August 1, 2014 7

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Map of the Proposed Downtown Development District Instructions: Prepare a map of the proposed Downtown Development District. The map must clearly show the boundaries of the District. The area of the proposed District, in acres, must be calculated from the boundaries designated on the map. The following guidelines must be adhered to when preparing the boundaries of the proposed District: • The maximum size of the District is 85 acres for local governments with populations below 9,000, 170 acres for local governments with a population between 9,000 and 30,000, and 225 acres for local governments with populations over 30,001 (population as per the 2010 US Census). • Districts must be contiguous. • Districts must include the streets and right-of-ways within it. These count towards the maximum acreage. • Enclaves within District boundaries are not acceptable. • Prioritizing, phasing and /or timing of redevelopment activities in different geographic areas of the District is acceptable, and will be considered favorably when it can be demonstrated that this will concentrate the incentives to achieve specific revitalization goals. • If any portion of the proposed District is in the floodplain, the FEMA floodplain map must be included as a layer on the map. Contact OSPC for technical assistance if needed. Attach the map of the proposed Downtown Development District Attach a map showing the future land use in the proposed District from the municipality’s or county’s certified Comprehensive Plan. Attach a map showing the zoning or land use regulations that apply to lands within the District. Discuss how the plan and land use regulations support the application for the District. It is encouraged that the map(s) be created using GIS software. If the municipality or county is able to use this software, please submit digital files to our office to supplement the application and aid us in our review. Please contact OSPC if you need assistance and / or to arrange to electronically transfer the files. District Boundaries Map Attached GIS data is available and will be electronically transferred to OSPC Name of person who created the map: Jeremy Gibb Phone 302-736-7025 Email jgibb@dover.de.us Released: August 1, 2014 8

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Map of the Proposed Downtown Development District - continued Describe the rationale for choosing the boundaries of the proposed District (please limit your response to 750 words or less). The proposed District was chosen based on a number of factors. The City's Downtown Redevelopment Target Area (Target Area) is defined in Dover Code. This Target Area is over 400 acres, so we knew that we needed to shrink the area for our District. In determining how to shrink the area, we focused primarily on Need and Impact. We removed areas where the need is not as great and where the beneficiaries would be institutional users. Areas that are within the City's Target Area defined by code but not within the proposed District boundary include the State of Delaware complex, the east side of The Green, Wesley College, and Bayhealth Medical Center. The proposed District includes the traditional Central Business District along Loockerman Street, the commercial and residential neighorhoods radiating from Loockerman Street, and the eastern portion of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. These areas include old buildings which have deteriorated over time, vacant land, and a variety of socioeconomic challenges. Attach a map showing the future land use of the District from the local government’s certified Comprehensive Plan. Map Attached GIS data is available and will be electronically transferred to OSCP Attach a map showing the zoning or land use regulations that apply to lands within the District Map Attached GIS data is available and will be electronically transferred to OSPC Released: August 1, 2014 9

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Map of the Proposed Downtown Development District - continued Discuss how the plan and land use regulations support the application for the District (Please limit your response to 750 words or less). The Land Development Plan (Map 12-1 from the 2008 Comprehensive Plan) shows most of the area within the proposed Downtown Development District as a Land Use Classification of "Mixed Use," which would allow for a variety of zoning designations. The eastern portion of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, just west of the railroad tracks, and the northwest residential area of the District are shown as "Residential Medium Density." The far northwest corner, principally the area where Teal Construction is located (West Street, south of Mary Street), is identified as "Industrial and Public Utilities." The Transit Center, located at the corner of Water and South Queen Streets, and properties owned by Wesley College in the northeast portion of the District are identified as "Institutional." All zoning in the District complies with the Land Use Classifications in the Land Development Plan. The proposed District includes a number of different zoning classifications. The commercial district surrounding Loockerman Street is principally C-2 (Central Commercial Zone), which allows for a mix of commercial and residential uses. There is no parking requirement associated with this zone, and properties can be built with without building setbacks. This zone was developed with the intent of allowing for traditional downtown development and uses. The residential areas within the District are principally RG-1 (General Residence Zone). This zone allows primarily one-family detached residences. The bulk standards allow for smaller setbacks and greater lot coverage than the One-Family Residence zones. Many of the RG-1 properties within the proposed District are legal, non-conforming with regard to the current bulk standards. There is a provision within the RG-1 Zone that allows for administrative waivers of bulk standards for lots that do not conform with current minimum lot size and dimension requirements. This allows for many of the small lots to be developed without needing to apply to the Board of Adjustment for a variance. Within the RG-1 Zone, many single-family detached homes had previously been converted to roominghouses or apartments. In 2003 and 2006, the City of Dover changed the provisions of the zone to prohibit roominghouses and the conversion of single family homes to apartments. These amendments also to apply restrictions for student housing. There are still many legal-nonconforming apartment houses and student homes. There are also illegal roominghouses that the Department of Planning and Inspections idenfies and addresses through routine housing inspections. The Restoring Central Dover Plan identifies the need to evaluate the RG-1 Zone to allow for a variety of housing types. The Planning Office has begun working on the development of infill standards and the ability to construct different housing styles within the RG-1 Zone; although these amendments are not imminent. The area along State Street is largely RGO (General Residence and Office), which allows for a variety of residential and office uses. Other zones within the District include C-1A (Limited Released: August 1, 2014 10

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Commercial), C-2A (Limited Central Commercial), IO (Institutional and Office), C-3 (Service Commercial), and RG-4 (General Residence Zone for Multi-Story Apartments). The eastern portion of the District and the central portion of the District are also located within the Historic District Zone. This Zone is subject to the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone and also to oversight by the Historic District Commission for exterior improvements to buildings and properties. Within the Historic District Zone, exterior improvements are subject to an Architectural Review Certificate, which is approved by the City Planner, the Historic District Commission, or the Planning Commission, depending on the degree of the proposed improvement. The Standards and Guidelines help to protect the historic character of the downtown; however, the presence of the Historic District Zone also adds a layer of review for new construction that adds additional time to the review of new development. The Planning Office is evaluating options for amending the process to allow for a more streamlined review without sacrificing the integrity of the Historic District. The goals of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, in several chapters and in the Land Development Plan, support the application for the Downtown Development District. A copy of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Goals is attached with the related goals highlighted. Are there other special overlays, districts, or areas that intersect the proposed District? Examples of such special areas include historic districts, BID taxing districts, etc. Please describe any of these special areas and how they will interact with the proposed Downtown Development District. Include maps, if applicable. (Please limit your response to 750 words or less). There are a number of boundaries that intersect the proposed District. These include: the Downtown Redevelopment Target Area, the Business Improvement District, and the Historic District Zone. Maps are provided for each of these boundaries and how they relate to the proposed district. The Downtown Redevelopment Target Area is the geographic area defined in Dover Code of Ordinances (Appendix C) where the City offers redevelopment incentives. If successful in achieving the Downtown Development District designation, the City will review this boundary to determine how to incorporate the proposed District boundary. The boundary of the Business Improvement District includes three zones, where commercial property owners pay a Business Improvement District Tax that helps to support downtown revitalization efforts. The Business Improvement District Tax supports the operations of the Downtown Dover Partnership, which serves as Dover's Main Street organization. The Historic District Zone is the area of the City where specific guidelines and design standards are applied to ensure that the historic character of the area is preserved. There has been discussion about modifying the boundaries of the Historic District Zone, but even if modified there will always be a portion of the proposed Released: August 1, 2014 11

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District District within the Historic District Zone. The proposed District also includes two Historic Districts on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as sites and buildings individually listed on the National Register. A portion of the First State Heritage Park is also located within the proposed District, including a number of State museum sites. Released: August 1, 2014 12

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of Need and Impact 50% Instructions: Complete this form to document the need for the District designation and its potential to positively impact your community. Attachments of data and other documentation are required. There is no specific page or word limit on the information that can be attached, however please be aware that applications that provide clear and concise documentation that is directly related to the need and impact of the District proposal will be scored the highest. Please describe the need for the Downtown Development District designation in your community (please limit your response to 750 words or less). Dover's downtown was once a thriving hub of activity, including bustling businesses and well- kept residences. Like many downtowns, suburbanization and the prominance of auto oriented strip malls of Route 13 have left the downtown underutilized and deteriorating in some areas. A lot of energy in the last two decades has focused on downtown revitalization. There have been a number of successes along the way, but success has been spotty and often centered east of Governors Avenue. A number of factors have created impediments to achieving real success in downtown revitalzation. Two of the most prevelant include the deterioration of building stock and costs associated with renovation of buildings that have been neglected for decades, and the deterioration of the downtown neighborhoods due to neglected housing stock, low homeownership rates, and crime. True downtown revitalization cannot be realized without addressing the deterioration of the downtown neighborhoods that abut the Central Business District. Failure to address this deterioration not only jeopardizes revitalization of the Central Business District, but it also jeopardizes the stability of other residential neighborhoods just outside of the downtown area. Because the challenges are so significant, the costs of revitalization are high. Developers, builders, and potential property owners are often deterred from investing in the downtown because the cost of renovating or building on a property often exceeds the value of the property with the improvements. Prospective businesses are undercapitalized to complete building renovations necessary to make their shops code compliant, purchase their equipment and inventory, and pay expenses until they are able to turn a profit. There is a sense that it is easier and less expensive to build new somewhere else. Prospective homeowners are deterred by perceptions of safety and crime, as well as a high residental rental rate, and the deteriorated condition of much of the housing stock. This leaves much of the housing inventory in the downtown area as marginally compliant rental properties, many of which are owned by absentee or unresponsive landlords. Released: August 1, 2014 13

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Since 2008, the City has taken a very strong stance on code enforcement and has demolished many of the deteriorated buildings both in the downtown and citywide.While demolition eliminates the blight and safety issues associated with vacant, deteriorated buildings, it does little to revitalize the neighborhood, as it leaves vacant lots. To achieve success in revitalizing the downtown neighborhood, replacing demolished buildings with new, occupied homes or other structures is necessary. The Restoring Central Dover Plan identifies strategies to address both the deterioration in the downtown neighborhoods and the economic revitalization of the downtown business district. Released: August 1, 2014 14

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of Need and Impact – continued 50% Attach relevant data to that demonstrates and documents the need for the Downtown Development District designation. The following table summarizes the required data from the US Census. Input the data into the summary spreadsheet provided, and attach any other written documentation that can summarize the data. Contact OSPC for assistance with the Census data, if needed. Required Data from the US Census The municipality or county as a whole Median Income Poverty Rate Age of Structures % Homeownership % Rental Vacancy Median Home Value The Census Tract(s) that contains the proposed District Median Income Poverty Rate Age of Structures % Homeownership % Rental Vacancy Median Home Value % Low / Mod Income The Census Block(s) that most closely correspond to the proposed District Total Population % Homeownership % Vacancy Summary spreadsheet and other documentation attached Please provide any other data that support the municipality’s application for the District. The following table contains some suggested data sources that can serve to supplement the required data. Please attach any that apply, and any other data that is relevant. Cite the source for each dataset. Suggested Data from a Variety of Sources Blight Condemned Properties Code Violations Crime Statistics Economic Analysis CDBG Program Statistics Market Studies Redevelopment Authority Activities Public Works Projects Education Data Infrastructure Condition or Need Other Additional data and documentation attached Released: August 1, 2014 15

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of Need and Impact – continued 50% Describe how the attached data demonstrates the need for the Downtown Development District designation in your community (please limit your response to 750 words or less). The data provided demonstrate the need for the Downtown Development District in Dover, and specifically in the area chosen for the District. 1. Housing - Based on the data from the 2010 Decennial Census (by Census block), 15.3% of housing units in the blocks comprising the District were vacant. Of the occupied housing units, 84.4% were rental, and only 15.5% were owner occupied (with or without a mortgage). By comparison, the American Community Survey for 2008-2012 shows a homeownership rate within the City of 55.1%. 2. Vacant and Dangerous Buildings - The District includes 49 vacant buildings, 7 buildings that have been declared dangerous by staff or City Council, and 25 lots where buildings have been demolished by either the City or the owner since 2008 due to a dangerous building declaration. A disproportionate number of vacant and dangerous buildings and lots where buildings have been demolished are located within the District and areas immediately surrounding the District. The designated dangerous buildings only reflect the worst of Dover's building stock. Many other buildings are in marginal but habitable condition, as demonstrated by the number of active code enforcement cases within the proposed District. 3. Crime - Map #7 shows crime density within the District. Additionally, the Restoring Central Dover Plan shows several crime density maps, broken down by violent crimes, property crimes, and drug crimes. The highest concentrations of these crimes are within the area bounded by Loockerman, Queen, Division, and State Streets. 4. Poverty and Income - Unfortunately, poverty and income data are not available by Census block so it cannot be directly correlated to the District boundary; however, anecdotally and by looking at the housing statistics and condition, the Downtown Development District includes high concentrations of poverty, homelessness, and low income population. In looking at the block groups comprising the District, which is geographically larger than the District, 56.7% of household are low to moderate income. By contrast, the Census block groups which encompass the City of Dover (although a larger area than the incorporated boundary) show that 44.4% of households are low to moderate income. Describe the potential positive impacts of the proposed Downtown Development District designation in your community. Impacts can include economic, social and / or cultural impacts among others. Attach Released: August 1, 2014 16

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District supporting documentation if applicable (please limit your response to 750 words or less). Downtown Development District designation has the potential to transform Downtown Dover. The City has struggled with downtown redevelopment for over two decades, and we have seen a number of successes. Unfortunately success has been hampered by the costs of downtown redevelopment and the challenges that face the residential neighborhoods of Central Dover, adjacent to the Central Business District. Designation as a Downtown Development District has the potential to address both of these challenges. As it relates to the costs of renovating deteriorated buildings, many of which were built before indoor plumbing and electric, the incentives that would be offered within the District by the State, Kent County, and the City of Dover significantly reduces the costs, allowing projects that would otherwise be infeasible to become feasible. In addition to incentives offered by the State, Kent County, and the City of Dover, the City will work with other partners, such as the Sustainable Energy Utility, NCALL, and the Kent County Association of Realtors to leverage additional resources. The Restoring Central Dover Plan is being developed with the assistance of a grant through the Wells Fargo Foundation. With the completion of the Plan and District designation, additional resources for Plan implementation may be available through the Wells Fargo Foundation. These funds would further leverage the public incentives and private investment. Through leveraging and pooling resources, projects that previously were infeasible may now be possible. As it relates to the residential neighborhoods that comprise the heart of Central Dover, the Restoring Central Dover Plan offers a variety of implementation measures that would address the physical, social and economic challenges that have contributed to the deterioration of these neighborhoods. By infusing resources with clear strategies to improve the housing stock and increase homeownership, the Downtown Development District Plan and designation provide momentum, strategies, and resources that were previously unavailable to the stakeholders in the area. Through partnerships with NCALL, Habitat for Humanity, the Kent County Association of Realtors, Milford Housing Development Corporation, Dover Housing Authority, and Delaware State Housing Authority, the City will be in a position to improve the housing stock and promote homeownership. In addition, the Restoring Central Dover Plan provides a series of economic and safety recommendations that can be implemented by the City of Dover Police Department and others to improve safety in the District. This comprehensive approach is necessary to achieve success. By providing the resources to implement the Plan strategies, a significant impact is not only possible but probable. Released: August 1, 2014 17

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of District Plan 30% Instructions: through this application the municipality or county will be presenting the District Plan that will guide future revitalization, growth and development activities in the District. Upon designation, the local government will be required to adhere to the District Plan in order to qualify for grants and other incentives. Attach the District Plan, and summarize the content, goals, and objectives in the space provided. The District Plan Checklist is provided as a separate document. The proposed District Plan must be prepared in accordance with the Checklist. Attach the District Plan. District Plan Attached. Summarize the content, goals and objectives of the District Plan. (please limit your response to 750 words or less). There have been a number of planning studies over the years that address redevelopment of Downtown Dover. The two principal and most recent plans include the Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book and the Restoring Central Dover Plan, which is currently still in draft form. These plans together comprise Dover's Downtown Development District Plan. The Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan is driven largely by design and the form of downtown redevelopment. By contrast, the Restoring Central Dover Plan addresses many of the social challenges that have been identified as obstacles to downtown redevelopment. This is the first plan in recent years that focuses on the social and economic issues that confront the downtown area. The following goals and objectives are addressed in both plans, although with slightly different focus. 1) Mixed use development 2) Retail uses within the Central Business District 3) Increase the number/percent of owner-occupied homes 4) Increase the density of development 5) Build on vacant lots 6) Bring buildings close to the street to line the sidewalk 7) Strategic location of open spaces, parks and gateways Both plans provide more detailed strategies for implementation, many of which require collaboration among the private, public and non-profit sectors. Released: August 1, 2014 18

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Released: August 1, 2014 19

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of District Plan – continued 30% Please summarize how the local government envisions itself in a leadership role to guide the successful implementation of the District Plan (please limit your response to 750 words or less). The City of Dover envisions itself in a leadership role and as an active partner in full implementation of the District Plan. Specifically, the City will provide leadership in the following three areas: 1) Leadership and Facilitation - As the City works with stakeholders across all sector, the City is well-positioned to provide leadership among the stakeholders and to facilitate the various implementation activities. In this regard, the City will develop outreach materials and help prospective developer's to navigate the development and/or renovation process, including how to obtain the available incentives. 2) Financial Incentives - The financial incentives offered by the City are important to the success of the Downtown Development District Plan in Dover. The cost associated with rehabilitation of deteriorated buildings and redevelopment in the downtown area is large. The combination of the State's rebate, Kent County's rebate, and the City's incentives significantly reduces the cost of downtown redevelopment projects. The City will administer the City's incentives associated with the District. 3) Regulatory Framework - Several of the implementation strategies relate to the City's regulatory framework, whether it is the issue of site lay-out, zoning changes, or streamlining the permitting/development process, modifications to the City's regulatory framework will be necessary for the success of the program. Many changes have been made to the City's Zoning Ordinance to streamline the development process, but there are additional changes specifically referenced within the Restoring Central Dover Plan. List key implementation strategies for the District Plan. Please also list any known projects or proposals that can be underway within six to twelve months of District designation. Key Priority Projects4 should be identified, if applicable. See the Checklist for more details (please limit your response to 750 words or less). 4 Key Priority Projects are specific projects identified in the District Plan that are considered to be potential catalysts for other redevelopment activity and / or contribute to superior urban design or other benefits to the District. Released: August 1, 2014 20

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District The planning documents that comprise the City of Dover's District Plan include a series of implementation strategies. The following are some of the key implementation strategies: - Reinforce key intersections with significant new buildings. (This could also include the renovation and re-use of existing buildings at key intersections.) - Encourage mixed use development that includes residential uses, as defined in the plan. Encourage flexible design criteria - based on the project's collective merits to the downtown area. - Phase structured parking replacement on existing or new surface parking lots to accommodate additioinal developmental density. - Develop overall downtown parking strategy. - Create expedited permitting process. - Work to re-establish Dover Police Department foot and bike patrols. - Expand surveillance camera network. - Improve lighting in targeted areas. - Provide additional transitional housing. - Expand access to housing repair programs and establish rehabilitation revolving loan fund. - Initiated volunteer based neighborhood housing repair organization. - Strengthen code enforcement. - Explore ways to boost homeownership. - Encourage greater zoning flexibility to enable infill housing development. - Evaluate ways of providing financial incentives for development in the Central Dover areas. - Provide assistance in establishing upper-floor apartments along Loockerman Street. - Build and expand on marketing/branding efforts for the Loockerman Street Corridor and Central Dover. - Expand small business development programs for new and existing business owners. There are a number of projects and implementation strategies that can be started, and possibly completed, within six to twelve months of District designation. One of the Strategies is to "reinforce key intersections with significant new buildings." Unfortunately, there are several key intersections where anchor buildings sit vacant. Attracting viable businesses for these vacant buildings at key intersections is at least as important as new construction at key intersections. One building that is prime for a new tenant if the City receives the Downtown Development District designation is the Priscilla Block Building at the northwest corner of State and Loockerman Streets. A strong prospective business has approached the City with interest in the Downtown Development District Program, and has indicated that with the incentives and rebates available under the program, this site is likely to house a new business. Upper-floor apartments on Loockerman Street are also likely to be a short-term success of Downtown Development District designation. Many of the shops on Loockerman Street have active apartments above them. Others have the potential for apartments, but lack the capital necessary for completing the renovations. The promise of the Downtown Development District designation has created interest in this area as well. Released: August 1, 2014 21

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District The addition of new housing units in the Central Dover neighborhoods within the District is also highly likely within six to twelve months of District designation. With partners on-board, including Habitat for Humanity, Kent County Association of Realtors, Dover Housing Authority, and Milford Housing Development Corporation, as well as the availability of land for housing development, there is strong potential for new housing units to be constructed shortly after Downtown Development District designation. Other items that can be addressed in the short-term are: police foot and bike patrols, expansion of surveillance camera network, improvements to lighting, and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to allow for greater flexibilty to spur downtown redevelopment. The Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book identifies some "key projects" that could be catalysts in spurring additional downtown redevelopment. These include redevelopment of the former "Acme Site", which is currently home to a daycare center and auto parts store. This property was purchased by the Downtown Dover Partnership and has the potential to be a mixed use redevelopment project that could lead to additional redevelopment. The Downtown Dover Partnership has been marketing the project and has completed some land planning for the site. Unfortunately, to date a development partner has not ben identified. The added incentives of the Downtown Development District Program could attract a development partner to the site and facilitate a large-scale mixed use redevelopment project that could spur additional redevelopment in the area. Another "key project" is the completion of a building at the Transit Center facility. This has been a subject of discussion since the Transit Center property was acquired. Unfortunately, the economic recession has created challenges with attracting a development partner to make this project feasible. Other "key projects", such as the consolidation of parking lots on North Street and the creation of a plaza at the former Collegian Site on Loockerman Street, have been completed. The construction of the Loockerman Way Plaza provides the opportunity for four building pads along the plaza's hardscape. The designation as a Downtown Development District may create an atmosphere where sale and development of these building pads is possible. Released: August 1, 2014 22

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of District Plan – continued 30% List any other governmental, quasi-governmental or non-governmental organizations that will be involved in the creation and / or implementation of the District Plan. A Main Street organization would be an example of such an organization. For each organization, describe how the local government will coordinate their activities to encourage revitalization and economic development in the District. 1) Downtown Dover Partnership 2) NCALL 3) Habitat for Humanity 4) Milford Housing Development Corporation 5) Dover Housing Authority 6) Greater Kent Committee 7) Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing 8) Kent County Association of Realtors Attach written documentation (in the form of letters of agreement, memorandums of understanding, board resolutions etc) from each of the above listed organizations indicating support for this application to be designated as a Downtown Development District and identifying a willingness to coordinate with the municipal government to implement the District Plan. Written documentation attached from all other organizations Released: August 1, 2014 23

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of District Plan – continued 30% Describe any actions your local government has taken to ensure energy efficient and environmentally sensitive development, and to prepare for flooding and sea level rise, if applicable. How will these efforts be implemented in the proposed District? (please limit your response to 750 words or less). There is very little, if any, area within the proposed District that is affected by floodplains, wetlands, recharge areas, or other natural features. The City of Dover prohibits new construction within the 100-year floodplain, and the City's Zoning Ordinance protects wetlands and buffers around streams. While there is a small area in the Central Business District that is mapped as an excellent recharge area, this area is exempted from Source Water Protection Overlay Zone requirements due to environmental contamination underground from prior land uses. Specifically within the District, implementation of the District Plan will include clean-up and redevelopment of brownfield sites. We would also look to the Sustainable Energy Utility to provide incentives to include energy efficiency improvements with new development and redevelopment or renovation of existing buildings and sites. The City's Zoning Ordinance includes provisions to allow solar and wind energy as accessory uses on properties. The proposed District includes a network of sidewalks along streets and a number of transit stops throughout the District. The City has an active program for replacing sidewalks as they deteriorate. Through implementation of the District Plan, densification of land uses and improvements to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure will help to reduce vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled by having jobs and housing centrally located. Describe how the District Plan is consistent with your certified Comprehensive Plan and the Strategies for State Policies and Spending (please limit your response to 750 words or less). http://stateplanning.delaware.gov/strategies/ The District Plan is consistent with the City of Dover's certified Comprehensive Plan in that it implements a number of goals and objectives related to downtown redevelopment, economic Released: August 1, 2014 24

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District development and housing. The Comprehensive Plan specifically calls for creation of a downtown plan that will improve predictability in the process of downtown redevelopment. The proposed District is entirely within a Level 1 Investment Area as shown in the Strategies for State Policies and Spending. This is the highest priority area for State investment. Therefore, the proposed District and District Plan are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Strategies for State Policies and Spending. Released: August 1, 2014 25

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of Local Incentives 20% Instructions: The municipality or county must complete this form to summarize the local incentive package to be made available within the District upon designation. The local ordinances (or other regulations or documentation) enabling and governing these incentives must be attached to this form, along with any relevant supporting documentation. In the case of incentives proposed upon designation, the draft ordinances must be attached. Attach the Local Incentives. The following table includes suggested local incentives. Please attach any that are relevant, and others that have not been listed. Suggested Local Incentives Fee or Tax Reductions Regulatory Flexibility Permit or Licensing Reform Special Zoning Districts Exemptions from Local Ordinances Streamlined Permitting Other Written documentation attached for all Local Incentives List the Local Incentives that are already in place. Please detail the geographic extent of each incentive (i.e. is the incentive available throughout the entire jurisdiction, or only in certain geographic areas?) Local Incentive In effect since (approx.) Geographic area covered City Impact Fee Waivers 2000/2008 Downtown Redevelopment Target Area Building Permit Fee Waivers 2000 Downtown Redevelopment Target Area Tax Abatement on Value of 2000 Downtown Redevelopment Improvements Target Area First Time Homebuyer Transfer 1996 Citywide Tax Exemption First Time Homebuyer Transfer 2000 Mary Street to Loockerman Tax Exemption for Seller Street & Governors Avenue to West Street Homeowner Property Tax 2000 Mary Street to Loockerman Abatement for Owner Occupied Street & Governors Avenue to Released: August 1, 2014 26

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District West Street Historic Preservation Tax Credit 1998/2000 Historic District Zone Released: August 1, 2014 27

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of Local Incentives - continued 20% List any of the existing Local Incentives that will be modified to have specific benefits to properties in the proposed District. Local Incentive How modified? Geographic area covered Transfer Tax Abatement for Seller Modify boundary to DDD Only of House to First-Time match District boundary Homebuyer/owner occupied in area bounded by Mary Street, Governors Avenue, Loockerman Street & West Street Waiver of City Impact Fees (Water Expand beyond multi- DDD Only & Sewer) story, mixed use Tax Abatement for owner occupied Modify boundary to DDD Only housing in area bound by Mary match District boundary Street, Governors Avenue, Loockerman Street & West Street DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only List the Local Incentives that are new and will be available only in the proposed District. Local Incentive Date enacted (or Geographic area covered proposed date of adoption) Waiver of Business License fee for Spring 2015 DDD Only new businesses for three years Rebate of 50% of transfer tax for Spring 2015 DDD Only qualifying project upon issuance of Certificate of Occupancy Released: August 1, 2014 28

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Architectural services support up to Immediately upon DDD Only $5,000 for renovation for new designation business or business expansion DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only DDD Only Summary of Local Incentives - continued 20% Please describe how each local incentive will be funded. If the incentive involves a reduction or waiver of taxes or fees, or in-kind services (for example, expedited permitting utilizing existing staff resources) please note that here. Local Incentive Funding Source Tax abatement and fee waivers All waived income that the City does not receive due to incentives are a "cost" to the revenue into the General Fund, except the Impact Fee waivers, which are a "cost" to the Water/Wastewater Fund revenues. Architectural Services Support This will be funded through the Downtown Dover Partnership budget. In future fiscal years this may result in a transfer from the City's General Fund to the Downtown Dover Partnership in accordance with the City's approved budget. Released: August 1, 2014 29

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District For each Local Incentive to be provided, please describe the specifics of how the incentive works (details are needed), and how the incentive encourages economic development and revitalization in your community. For the Building Permit and Impact Fee waivers and the abatement of taxes on the value of the improvements, the Dover Code prescribes an application process. Applications are submitted to the Economic Development Office, who reviews the applications in accordance with criteria prescribed in the Dover Code and makes a recommendation to the City Manager. The City Manager issues a letter informing the applicant of the incentives for which they have been approved. The letter is copied to the Department of Planning and Inspections and the Tax Office so that the incentives can be appropriately implemented. For these incentives, the applicant pays 10 percent of the value of the incentive to the Downtown Dover Partnership. For the First Time Homebuyer tax incentives, there are forms that are signed by the buyer and seller at settlement and turned in to the Tax Office. The process for the Historic Preservation Tax Credit is specified in Dover Code. Application is made to the Planning Office prior to the proposed rennovation and the credit is reviewed and approved by the Historic District Commission as a part of the approval of the Architectural Review Certificate. Released: August 1, 2014 30

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Summary of Local Incentives - continued 20% Summarize the package of Local Incentives, and describe how these incentives will work in concert with the Downtown Development District benefits to encourage revitalization and economic development in your proposed District (please limit your response to 750 words or less). If the City of Dover is selected for the Downtown Development District designation, the City will create a package of information about the various incentives available, including those at the City, County and State level. We will work with our partners in the housing and development community (such as the Kent County Association of Realtors and NCALL) to promote the incentives and inform the public. The Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) will work to recruit new businesses, using the incentives as a selling point. As an example of how this could work in Dover, if a prospective business owner had interest in opening in Dover, typically that person would contact the DDP. The DDP staff or volunteers would provide them with the packet of information describing the incentives available and would answer any questions the prospective business owner might have. If there is a tenant space chosen, the DDP staff would let the prospective business owner know of the architectural services available through the DDP. DDP staff would also refer the owner to the Department of Planning and Inspections for an intitial meeting with the Planning Staff, Building Inspector and Fire Marshal. Once the process was deteremined, the applicant would begin the process of applying for a Building Permit and would complete the incentive paperwork at that time. The combination of Building Permit fee waiver, Impact fee waiver, tax abatement on the value of the improvements, and waiver of Business License fees would be cost savings as the project goes through the process. Upon completion of the project, the applicant would submit the proper paperwork to receive the rebate from the State and Kent County, and if applicable the Transfer Tax rebate. While application for State and Kent County incentives would be completed directly with the appropriate State and County departments, City staff would provide technical assistance to applicants to assist in navigating the application and rebate processes. City staff will also track the value of the incentives available on each project.City staff would work with developers to help them leverage the various resources and incentives available to make their project feasible. Released: August 1, 2014 31

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Released: August 1, 2014 32

Downtown Development Districts Application for Designation as a District Legislative Body Resolution Instructions: Attach a resolution that has been adopted by the legislative body of your municipality or county. The resolution must affirmatively indicate that the legislative body supports the application for designation as a Downtown Development District and is willing to adhere to the District Plan and the Local Incentives for the duration of the District designation. Date of Resolution October 27, 2014 Resolution Number #2014-13 Resolution Attached. Released: August 1, 2014 33

City of Dover, Delaware Downtown Development District Application Index of Attachments Map Number Title Map #1 Downtown Development District Boundary Map #2A Downtown Development District with Existing Land Use per the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Map #2B Downtown Development District with the Land Development Plan per the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Map #3 Downtown Development District with Current Zoning Map #4 Downtown Development District with Dangerous Buildings Map #5 Downtown Development District with Vacant Buildings Map #6 Downtown Development District: Properties with Active Code Enforcement Map #7 Downtown Development District with Crime Density Map #8 Downtown Development District with CDBG Locations Map #9 Downtown Development District with Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan Boundary Map #10 Downtown Development District with Central Dover Study Area Map #11 Downtown Development District with Downtown Redevelopment Target Area Attachment Number Title Attachment #1 2008 Comprehensive Plan Goals Attachment #2 Documentation of Need and Impact – Photographs Attachment #3 Demographic Summary Attachment #4 Existing Incentives Attachment #5 Letters of Support Attachment #6 Resolution #2014-13 Attachment #7 Downtown Development District Plan

Downtown Development District Boundary th St N Br Smi rd S r St ad f o Pea Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t NG N St e ri c ania n NQ over at e S ve an A Ave il St Ave t u ee C ec n St ors N Ki N Br rk w o on St St Fult est S sion rd S E Di vi NW ad f o t od S Rid t t t on S gel y Fult wy St St sion W D i v i Kings H S Br adfo ed St W Re ate S rd S t S St od S r k wo t Size: 220 Acres S Ki SW laza tree t r man P est St ock e For Minor A ly Lo es t St St Lincoln St ma n St h St at e S ve ocker rt ad A W Lo E No S St ilro Davis Cir Cherry St Ra S Qu S Go t en Ave een S Ne Gre ors ver n St The r St w St ghte Clare n h St k Ln Slau WN o rt B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa S ning ly St B an at er WW Legend t SW est Parcels St Proposed District th St Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: August 18, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #1 \ddd_maps\proposed_ddd Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District with Existing St Land Use per the 2008 Comprehensive Plan N Br Smi th rd S r St ad f o Pea Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t NG N St e ri c ania n NQ over at e S ve an A Ave il St Ave t u ee C ec n St ors N Ki N Br rk w o on St St Fult est S sion rd S E Di vi NW ad f o t od S Rid t t t on S gel y Fult wy St St sion W D i v i Kings H S Br adfo ed St W Re ate S rd S t S St od S r k wo t S Ki SW laza tree t r man P est St ock e For Minor A ly Lo es t St St Lincoln St ma n St h St at e S ve ocker rt ad A W Lo E No S St ilro Davis Cir Cherry St Ra S Qu S Go t en Ave een S Ne Gre ors ver n St The r St w St ghte Clare n h St k Ln Slau WN o rt B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa Legend S ning Proposed District Institutional & Public Utilities ly St B an Parcels Mixed Use at er Current Land Use Office WW SW Active Agriculture Open Space t Residential est Commercial St Dover Air Force Base Vacant Industrial th St Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: September 9, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #2A \ddd_maps\ddd_with_current_land_use Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District with the Land Development Plan per the 2008 Comprehensive PlanSmith St N Br rd S r St ad f o Pea Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t NG N St e ri c ania n NQ over at e S ve an A Ave il St Ave t u ee C ec n St ors N Ki N Br rk w o on St St Fult est S sion rd S E Di vi NW ad f o t od S Rid t t t on S gel y Fult wy St St sion W D i v i Kings H S Br adfo ed St W Re ate S rd S t S St od S r k wo t S Ki SW laza tree t r man P est St ock e For Minor A ly Lo es t St St Lincoln St ma n St h St at e S ve ocker rt ad A W Lo E No S St ilro Davis Cir Cherry St Ra S Qu S Go t en Ave een S Ne Gre ors ver n St The r St w St ghte Clare n h St k Ln Slau WN o rt B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa Legend S ning Proposed District Mixed Use ly St B an at er Parcels Office Land Development Plan Open Space, Conservation, Recreation WW Active Agriculture Residential High Density t SW Commercial Residential Low Density est DoverAFB Residential Medium Density St Industrial and Public Utilities Train Track Institutional Water th St Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: September 9, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #2B \ddd_maps\ddd_with_future_land_use Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District with Current R-8 Zoning a St Clar RG- IO RG- 1 th S t C-3 Smi IO 1 N Br RG- r1 RG- R- adfo 8 IO r St Mar y St 1 IO Pea N Am vani RG- d St M nsyl 3 Pen n RG- NG IO N St erica RG-1 RG-1 RG- 1 IO over RG-1 1 a te S Ave a Av e NQ nors le RG-1 IO Map t C-1 il St S Cec ueen Ave IO Ln RG- IO RG- M t 1 RG-1 1 rkwo RGO N Ki RG- RG- N Br t RGO 1 on S IO 1 Fult r n St IPM t adfo visio est S IO P en n od S t RG- E Di NW RG- 1 d St Av e RG- RG- 1 S Am R-10 1 RGO gel C-3 1 Ri d ve an A n St RG- eric y St Fulto RG- RGO 1 RG-2 M 1 wy C- St C-1A sion Kings H C-3 1A W Divi RG- RG- C-3 1 C-2A 1 RG-1 S Br ed S t IO C- E Re C-2A 2A RG-1 r C- t adfo RG-1 e ed S 2A C-2A WR d St S St RG- C-3 rkwo S Ki 1 C-2 ate S C-2 t est C-3 RG-1 tree C-2 laza SW od S t nP IO C-2 rma RG-1 Minor St Aly oocke For St RG-1 L est C-2 St C-2A Lincoln St IO C-2 an St C-2 kerm S St rth S t C- ve W Looc C-2 E No ad A RG-1 C-3 3 Davis Cir ilro ate S IO C-2 Ra C-2 Cherry St C-2 een t S Qu vern IO sa Jeru S Go C-2 een IO IO Gr IO RG-1 RG-1 RGO The wS Way S Ne St RG-1 ors er St lem IO C-2A ght Clare k Ln Slau Ave Ban t IO t RGO RG-1 nce S C-3 C- RGO k Ln Ban tgun C- 2A RG-4 Sho 2A Al y ning RGO IO Ban er S t W Wat Legend St est SW Proposed District Zoning IO IO IO TND St Parcels IO Historic District t th S Sou ¯ RGO 1 inch = 500 feet St Date Printed: September 9, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds CPO uee C-1A IO MAP #3 \ddd_maps\ddd_with_current_zoning_2 n Department: Public Works GIS C-3 SQ C-3 City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District with Dangerous Buildings i th S t N Br N St Sm at e S rd S ad f o r ED05-076.08-02-40.00 NG t Pea ED05-068.17-02-05.00 238 N New St n 223 N Governors Ave over St Declared By Council t Declared By Staff Ave ors N Am NQ il St ED05-076.08-02-58.00 e ri c u ee C ec 209 N New St ve an A n St Declared By Staff N Ki rk w o on St g el Fult St Rid vi sion t E Di yS od S ED05-077.05-03-05.00 t ED05-076.08-01-09.00 45 S New St 200 N West St Declared By Council Declared By Staff wy St sion Kings H D i v i W S Br adfo ED05-077.09-01-03.00 t rd S eed S 105 S Queen St WR t Declared By Staff ED05-077.09-01-31.00 110 S New St SW Declared By Council t laza od S man P r k wo est St er For Minor Lo ock S Ki es t St St Lincoln St rma n St h St at e S il ocke Ra rt W Lo E No ve S St Davis Cir Cherry St dA roa ED05-076.12-02-70.00 S Qu S Go t 128 S Queen St en ors Gr e een S Ne ver n Declared By Staff St The r St w St ghte Clare n h St k Ln Slau WN o rt Ave B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa S ning ly St B an Legend at er WW Dangerous Buildings Building Abated by City t SW Proposed District Building Demolished by City est Parcels Building Demolished by Owner St Building Repaired by Owner th St Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: September 19, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #4 \ddd_maps\ddd_with_dangerous_buildings Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District with Vacant Buildings i th S t N Br Sm rd S r St ad f o Pea Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t NG N St e ri c ania n NQ over at e S ve an A Ave il St Ave t u ee C ec n St ors N Ki N Br rk w o on St St Fult est S sion rd S E Di vi NW ad f o t od S Rid t t t on S gel y Fult wy St St sion W D i v i Kings H S Br adfo ed St W Re ate S rd S t S St od S r k wo t S Ki SW laza tree t r man P est St ock e For Minor A ly Lo es t St St Lincoln St ma n St h St at e S ve ocker rt ad A W Lo E No S St ilro Davis Cir Cherry St Ra S Qu S Go t en Ave een S Ne Gre ors ver n St The r St w St ghte Clare n h St k Ln Slau WN o rt B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa S ning Legend ly St B an at er WW Vacant Buildings t SW est Parcels St Proposed District th St Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: September 9, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #5 \ddd_maps\ddd_with_vacant_buildings Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District: Properties with Active Code Enforcement St th N Br Smi rd S r St ad f o Pea Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t NG N St e ri c ania n NQ over at e S ve an A Ave il St Ave t u ee C ec n St ors N Ki N Br rk w o on St St Fult est S sion rd S E Di vi NW ad f o t od S gel t t R id t on S yS Fult wy St t sion Kings H D i v i W S Br t adfo eed S at e S WR rd S t S St od S r k wo t S Ki SW laza tree t r man P est St ock e For Minor A ly Lo es t St St Lincoln St rma n St h St at e S il ocke Ra rt W Lo E No ve S St Davis Cir Cherry St dA roa S Qu S Go t en ors Gr e een S Ne St ver n The r St w St ghte Clare n h St k Ln Slau WN o rt Ave B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa S ning Legend ly St B an at er WW Proposed District t SW est Code Enforcement Cases St Parcels th St Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: September 9, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #6 \ddd_maps\ddd_with_code_violations Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District with Crime Data: 2010-2014 i th S t N Br Sm rd S r St ad f o Pea Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t NG N St e ri c ania n NQ over at e S ve an A Ave il St Ave t u ee C ec n St ors N Ki N Br rk w o on St St Fult est S sion rd S E Di vi NW ad f o t od S Rid t t t on S gel y Fult wy St St sion W D i v i Kings H S Br adfo ed St W Re ate S rd S t S St od S r k wo t S Ki SW laza tree t r man P est St ock e For Minor A ly Lo es t St St Lincoln St ma n St h St at e S ve ocker rt ad A W Lo E No S St ilro Davis Cir Cherry St Ra S Qu S Go t en Ave een S Ne Gre ors ver n St The r St w St ghte Clare n h St k Ln Slau WN o rt B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa S ning ly St B an at er WW Legend t SW Total Incidents 4-6 14-16 Proposed District est Within 200 Feet 6-8 16-18 Parcels St 0 8-10 18-22 St 1-4 10-14 22+ th Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: October 3, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #7 \ddd_maps\crime_data Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District with CDBG Locations i th S t N Br Sm rd S r St ad f o Pea Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t NG N St 207 N West St e ri c n ania ED05-076.08-02-01.00 over at e S Year 2009 ve an A Ave il St Ave t C ec NQ ors est S N Ki u ee NW rk w o n St St on St Fult sion vi E Di t 38 N Kirkwood St t 220 Fulton St od S ED05-076.08-04-12.00 ED05-076.08-05-41.00 Year 2009 Year 2009 t on S Fult S gely wy R id 19 N Kirkwood St o n St ED05-076.08-04-34.00 Kings H i vi si WD t Year 2009 S Br 49 S Kirkwood St t adfo eed S ED05-076.08-06-23.00 WR rd S Year 2009 t t SW od S 217-219 W Reed St laza an P r k wo est er m ED05-077.05-03-03.00 ock S Ki For es Lo t St St Year 2009 Lincoln St rma n St h St at e S il ocke Ra rt W Lo E No ve S St Davis Cir Cherry St dA roa S Qu S Go t en ors Gr e 684 Forest St een S Ne ED05-076.12-02-39.00 St ver n The r St Year 2011,2012,2013,2014 w St ghte Clare n k Ln Slau Ave B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa S ning Legend ly St B an at er Proposed District Elizabeth Murphey School Rehab Parcels Habitat for Humanity Rehab WW Rehab & Infrastructure Improvements Homeowner Rehabilitation Program t SW 2003-2004 Homeownership Assistance Program 2005-2006 MHDC Emergency Home Repairs est CDBG Project Type MHDC Homeowner Rehabilitation Program St 217-219 W Reed St Rental Rehab R C & D Emergency Home Repairs St Dover Interfaith Mission for Homeless th Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: September 9, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #8 \ddd_maps\ddd_with_cdbg Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District With Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan BoundarySmith St N Br rd S r ad f o Pea St Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t Ave N St ors e ri c ania v er n NQ at e S ve N Go an A Ave il St t u ee C ec n St N Ki N Br rk w o on S t St Fult est S sion rd S E Di vi NW ad f o t od S Rid t t gely on St Fult wy St St sion WD i vi Kings H S Br t adfo eed S S St WR rd S t od S tree r k wo t ate S S Ki SW za ma n Pla est St ker For Minor t A ly Looc es t St St Lincoln St rma n St t at e S rt h S Ra ocke W Lo E No ve S St ad A Davis Cir Cherry St ilro vern S Qu t een S Go Gre en S Ne The Ave St St w St hter St k Ln ors n Slau g Clare o rt h B an WN ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa S ning ly St B an Legend at er WW SW Proposed District t est Transit Center Neighborhood Plan Boundary St Parcels th St Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet n St Date Printed: September 9, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds SQ MAP #9 \ddd_maps\ddd_with_transit_center Department: Public Works GIS ue e City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District with Central Dover Study i th S t Area N Br Sm rd S r St ad f o Pea Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t NG N St e ri c ania n NQ over at e S ve an A Ave il St Ave t u ee C ec n St ors N Ki N Br rk w o on St St Fult est S sion rd S E Di vi NW ad f o t od S Rid t t t on S gel y Fult wy St St sion W D i v i Kings H S Br adfo ed St W Re ate S rd S t S St od S r k wo t S Ki SW laza tree t r man P est St ock e For Minor A ly Lo es t St St Lincoln St ma n St h St at e S ve ocker rt ad A W Lo E No S St ilro Davis Cir Cherry St Ra S Qu S Go t en Ave een S Ne Gre ors ver n St The r St w St ghte Clare n h St k Ln Slau WN o rt B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa S Legend ning ly St B an at er WW Proposed District t SW est Central Dover Study Area St Parcels th St Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: September 9, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #10 \ddd_maps\ddd_with_study_area Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Downtown Development District with Downtown Redevelopment Target Area th St N Br Smi rd S r St ad f o Pea Mary v nsyl N Am Pen St t NG N St e ri c ania n NQ over at e S ve an A Ave il St Ave t u ee C ec n St ors N Ki N Br rk w o on St St Fult est S sion rd S E Di vi NW ad f o t od S Rid t t t on S gel y Fult wy St St sion W D i v i Kings H S Br adfo ed St W Re ate S rd S t S St od S r k wo t S Ki SW laza tree t r man P est St ock e For Minor A ly Lo es t St St Lincoln St ma n St h St at e S ve ocker rt ad A W Lo E No S St ilro Davis Cir Cherry St Ra S Qu S Go t en Ave een S Ne Gre ors ver n St The r St w St ghte Clare n h St k Ln Slau WN o rt B an ce St k Ln B an A tgun Sho t te r S E Wa S ning ly Legend St B an at er WW SW Downtown Redevelopment Target Area t est Proposed District St Parcels th St Sou ¯ 1 inch = 500 feet Date Printed: September 9, 2014 File: m:\gis_data\projects\tech_mxds MAP #11 \ddd_maps\ddd_with_target_area Department: Public Works GIS City of Dover, Delaware

Attachment #1 – 2008 Comprehensive Plan Goals

Table 1-1: Plan Chapter Goals: Natural Resources Goal 1: Protect the Natural Environment and Environmental Goal 2: Improve Watershed Quality Protection Goal 3: Encourage Green Development and Sustainable Energy Practices Goal 1: Preserve and Protect Historic Resources Historic Goal 2: Provide and Promote Incentives for Preservation Activities Preservation Goal 3: Increase Public Information on Historic Resources Goal 4: Collaborate with Diverse Groups and Governments Goal 1: Proactively Maintain Existing Infrastructure and Expand Public Utilities and Infrastructure When Beneficial Community Goal 2: Enhance Infrastructure to Meet Community Needs Infrastructure Goal 3: Meet or exceed the State and Federal requirements of the NPDES permit and Stormwater Management Plan Goal 1: Provide a System of Interconnected Open Space Areas and Recreational Opportunities Goal 2: The City must be prepared to face and quickly address potential Community disasters both natural and man-made. Services and Goal 3: The City should provide and Maintain high quality police, fire, and ambulance services to all residents, properties, and visitors within Dover. Facilities Goal 4: The City should work to ensure the protection and preservation of its own resources ranging from natural, historic, and cultural including the physical facilities containing these resources. Goal 5: Protect and Preserve the City Owned Resources Goal 1: Preserve and Maintain the Existing Transportation System Goal 2: Increase Coordination with Agencies Goal 3: Develop and Expand Alternate Modes of Transportation Transportation Goal 4: Create Recommendations and Policies for Roadways and Development Goal 5: Air Quality: The Ozone Challenge Goal 1: Attract and Retain High-Paying Quality Jobs by Targeting Large Firms and Businesses to Major Growth Areas in the City Goal 2: Revitalize Downtown Dover as a Vibrant Town Center Integrating the Hospital, the Colleges & Universities, the State and City Governments Economic with Business (Retail and Professional), Housing and Tourism Development Goal 3: Ensure that Zoning Requirements Encourage the Uses Desired and Do Not Create Impediments to Desired Business Growth Goal 4: Create an Environment for Long Term Economic Investment in Dover Focusing on Green Technology and Entrepreneurial Businesses Goal 5: Actively Market Garrison Oak 2008 Comprehensive Plan February 2, 2009 Chapter 1: Introduction Page 7

Goal 1: Encourage Balanced Housing Opportunities for All Income Levels Housing & and Phases in Life Community Goal 2: Preserve Existing Housing Stock Development Goal 3: Provide Safe Livable Neighborhoods Goal 4: Provide Homeownership Opportunities for Low/Moderate Income Source: The 2008 Dover Comprehensive Plan Table 1-2: Land Development Plan Goals To develop and maintain an adequate supply of housing of varying type, size, Residential Land and densities that are aesthetically pleasing and located within neighborhoods designed or redesigned to promote convenience, conservation, and access to Uses the greater community, but which are properly buffered through distance and landscaping from incompatible land uses. Enhance the role of Downtown Dover as a major employment, residential and commercial center as well as the symbolic and cultural heart of the Downtown Dover community, and recognize its unique heritage and historic resources. Provide for mixed use development allowing greatest variation of uses. • Continue to facilitate project development processes for construction in accordance with approved Master Plan Pattern Book and TND concept. • Support efforts to implement the road and walking trail connections linking Eden Hill Farm TND to the existing circulation network. Mixed Use • Encourage quality architecture within the development in accordance with the Pattern Book and intent of the TND Ordinance. • Participate in the planning for the project’s open space areas including the area of the historic farm complex, alleys, and southern portion of the project near Puncheon Run. Maintain and improve the City’s position as a regional commercial center, Commercial Land while providing its citizens convenient access to needed goods and services through well designed and spaced community and neighborhood commercial Uses centers. Maintain and improve the City’s position as a center of government, Government and education, and medicine through support of existing institutions and Institutional Land encouraging well designed campuses that are integrated into the community Uses and have room to expand. Create a more vibrant, growing economy with a broader range of job Employment opportunities through an increase in office and industrial development in Centers appropriate and designated areas. Dover Air Force Create a favorable and compatible environment for Dover Air Force Base Base through a resolute commitment to provide all reasonable planning 2008 Comprehensive Plan February 2, 2009 Chapter 1: Introduction Page 8

Attachment #2 – Documentation of Need and Impact (Photographs)

Attachment #3 – Demographic Summary

City of Dover Summary Demographic Data & Geographic Comparison City of Dover Kent County Delaware Tract 409 Tract 413 Tract 414 Tract 433 DDD (1) Total Population 36,259 162,785 900,131 2,540 2,077 3,283 6,060 1,989 Median Household Income $48,117 $55,786 $60,119 $25,774 $33,500 $35,083 $46,719 Poverty Rate, All People 16.9% 12.4% 11.5% 16.5% 41.9% 26.2% 15.3% % Housing Built 1949 or earlier 10.3% 9.5% 14.4% 40.5% 33.9% 8.5% 15.0% Total Units Built 1949 or earlier 1,476 6,203 58,479 451 344 137 256 Total Units Built 14,338 65,394 405,883 1,113 1,014 1,620 1,709 873 % Homeownership 55.1% 72.9% 72.7% 39.3% 36.1% 38.6% 46.5% 13.2% % Rental 44.9% 27.1% 27.3% 60.7% 63.9% 61.4% 53.5% 71.5% % Vacant Housing Units 13.0% 11.6% 17.7% 20.3% 12.6% 22.5% 16.6% 15.3% Median Home Value $187,500 $205,100 $241,100 $223,400 $162,500 $186,400 $180,100 Source: ACS-2012 5-Year Data (1) Downtown Development District, sum of 2010 Decennial Census data, by Census block

City of Dover Housing and Population DDD Total of Blocks Percentage POPULATION Total 1,989 HOUSING UNITS Total 873 Occupied 739 84.7% Vacant 134 15.3% OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS, BY TENURE Total Occupied Housing Units 739 Owner-Occupied w/ Mortgage or Loan 75 10.1% Owner-Occupied, free & clear 40 5.4% Renter-Occupied 624 84.4% Source: 2010 Decennial Census, SF-1, total of all Census blocks in proposed DDD.

City of Dover Population Below Low/Moderate Income Threshold (FY2014) Census Geography Population Block % <Low/Mod # <Low/Mod Total Tract Group 5-BLOCK GROUP AREA 409 1 52.3% 910 1,739 413 1 56.5% 1,080 1,911 414 1 41.2% 775 1,881 414 2 82.6% 1,115 1,349 433 3 57.9% 825 1,424 Total Area 56.7% 4,705 8,304 20-BLOCK GROUP AREA 405 1 49.0% 1,155 2,357 405 2 75.5% 2,125 2,814 405 2 39.4% 475 1,205 407 1 12.3% 255 2,073 407 2 65.1% 940 1,443 407 3 33.3% 475 1,426 409 1 52.3% 910 1,739 410 1 41.8% 875 2,093 410 2 40.3% 1,400 3,473 411 2 53.9% 345 640 412 1 30.1% 620 2,059 413 1 56.5% 1,080 1,911 414 1 41.2% 775 1,881 414 2 82.6% 1,115 1,349 415 1 33.3% 785 2,357 418 3 22.1% 835 3,778 418 1 37.2% 1,160 3,118 433 1 52.3% 675 1,290 433 2 57.6% 965 1,675 433 3 57.9% 825 1,424 Total Area 44.4% 17,790 40,105 Source: PolicyMap and HUD, 2014 HUD FY CDBG income limit data using 2010 Census geographies

Attachment #4 – Existing Incentives A. Dover Code of Ordinances, Appendix C – Downtown Redevelopment B. Dover Code of Ordinances, Chapter 102 – Taxation, Article III – Realty Transfer Tax (excerpts) C. Dover Code of Ordinances, Chapter 102 – Taxation, Article IV – Abatement of Real Estate Taxes (excerpts) D. Dover Code of Ordinances, Chapter 102 – Taxation, Article V – Tax Credits for Historic Properties

Who we Are... The Downtown Dover Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing our Historic Downtown Business Dis- trict. The DDP works hand in hand with the National Trust for Histor- ic Preservation’s National Downtown Main Street Center and the Downtown Delaware Dover Main Street Initiative to create a variety of programs that serve to Development improve our district. Incentives DDP EVENTS  First Fridays  Second Saturdays  Capital Holiday 101 W Loockerman St, Suite 1A Celebration Dover, DE 19904  Home for the Holidays www.downtowndoverpartnership.com  St Patrick’s Day Parade  Loockerman Way Farmers Market William E. Neaton, Interim Executive Director Phone: 302-678-2940 Fax: 302-678-2132 E-mail: wneaton@dover.de.us Tel 302-678-2940

Downtown Dover Development Incentives WHAT PROJECTS ARE WHAT ARE THE INCENTIVES? DDP INCENTIVES ELIGIBLE? Waiver of Permit Fees Facade Improvement Grant  New construction or renovation  Building, plumbing, mechanical & fire protec-  Matching grants from $250 to projects tion $2500  Located within the target area Impact Fee Waiver These grants are subject to the review and  Fair market value of the materials  Requires multiple story new construction or approval of the DDP Design Committee and to be used and the labor to be per- renovation on one lot the availability of funds. formed on the project exceeds the www.downtowndoverpartnership.com sum of $15,000  Combination of retail, office, residential or commercial services (at least two)  Is for commercial, office or a residential use  Waiver of City sewer and water impact fees DDP PROGRAMS Property Tax Waiver WHAT IS THE TARGET ♦ A variety of financial incentives  10-year waiver of property tax on ♦ Small Business Development AREA? improvements Workshops ♦ Small Business Loans in conjunction  The geographic boundaries of the  10-year period begins with building permit with the US SBA downtown redevelopment area are issuance ♦ Express Technical Assistance defined in the Dover Code and Program include the Business Improvement Contribution to Downtown Dover ♦ Facade Grants to downtown property District. Partnership owners for exterior improvements to  The Dover Code can be accessed at their buildings  10 % of the value of incentives must be http:// www.cityofdover.com ♦ Special events and activities to engage contributed to the DDP Select Quick Links—Municipal the community at large Code A detailed description of these incentives and the redevelopment target area can be found in the A map of the target area is provided Dover Code, Appendix C on rear panel of this brochure.

CITY OF DOVER DOWNTOWN DOVER PARTNERSHIP PO BOX 475 APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT DOVER DE 19903 INCENTIVES PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT I. APPLICANT(S) INFORMATION II. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS: Name: Name of Business: Address: Address: Phone No.: Soc. Sec. No.: Phone No.: Type of Business: Date Established: # of Empls: FT______PT__________ Empl. Tax ID No.: III. SUBJECT PROPERTY DATA: Location/Address: Street/P.O. Box City State Zip Current Usage: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Current Zoning: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Owner's Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Owner's Address: Street/P.O. Box City State Zip IV. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (Use additional sheet if necessary): Provide a description of the proposed project, including its physical features; any land and/or building acquisition and development; the status and timing of land control, zoning and permits; and the estimated cost and timing of construction and captial improvements.

City of Dover Page 2 Application for Development Incentives V. ASSURANCES: All information in the application is complete and true to the best of my/our knowledge. I/We also have read and understand the Development Incentive Ordinance and agree to contribute ten percent (10%) of the total value of the incentives received to the Downtown Dover Partnership for investment in downtown Dover. I/We further understand that if I/we do not comply with the provisions of the development incentives program, the City may terminate the incentives. ____________________ _______________________________________________ Date Signature of Applicant VI. STAFF ACTION Approved Denied Building Permit __________________ Date Approved Denied Tax Waiver ___________________ Date City Impact Fees Approved Denied ___________________ Date _________________________________________________________ Signature of City Manager

CITY OF DOVER RESIDENTIAL FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER AFFIDAVIT OF EXEMPTION BUYER/SELLER This form must be accompanied by the State of Delaware Realty Transfer Tax Return and Affidavit of Gain and Value form 5402. Only properties classified as residential on form 5402, Part C are eligible for exemption consideration. NAMES OF ALL BUYERS ___________________________________ _____________________________ ___________________________________ _____________________________ ADDRESS OF PROPERTY BEING PURCHASED * ________________________________________________ I/We swear/affirm under penalty of law, that the following statements are true and correct. I/We, either jointly or individually, have NEVER had an ownership interest in any real estate, wherever located, which has been occupied as my/our principal residence. The above purchased property is my current principal residence or i/we intend to make it my/our principal residence within 90 days following recordation. ______________________________________ ________________________________ ______________________________________ ________________________________ Buyer’s Signature Buyer’s Signature *Property must be situated in the area from Mary St. to Loockerman St. and Governors Ave. to West St. to be eligible. (Full ordinance may be viewed at www.cityofdover.com Sec102-71(a)(3))

Message from the Transfer Tax City of Dover Congratulations on the purchase of your first home! City of Dover We are proud to offer this First Time Incentive Program to our first time homeowners in Homeowner the City of Dover. Exemption If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact one of our Tax Assessor’s Office employees who are more than willing to aid you in the process and to answer any questions you may have. CITY OF DOVER Tax Assessor's Office PO Box 7100 Dover, DE 19903 Phone: 302-736-7022

Requirements Requirements Information To receive this First Time Home Buyer Exemp on, a First Time Persons who have Home Buyer form must be filled out and submi ed to the tax never owned property, This exemp on shall office at the me of payment of anywhere, have the the Realty Transfer Tax to the right to benefit from an apply to the Seller of the City of Dover. exemp on with the property that qualifies Pursuant to City of Dover City of Dover Realty for the first me buyer [Ordinance]; no refunds for a First Time Home Buyer Transfer Tax. exemp on, but only for Exemp on can be given a er the The person(s) must live property situated in the recording of the deed has been made. in the dwelling within area from Mary Street to ninety (90) days of Loockerman Street and If, however, the a orney or the buyer realizes that the their se lement day Governor’s Avenue to exemp on was not given, and and must use this West Street. the deed has not been recorded than a refund can be property as their given for the excess transfer tax principal dwelling. paid to the City of Dover. We apologize, however no other excep ons can be made.

Attachment #5 – Letters of Support

Attachment #6 – Resolution #2014-13

City of Dover MAYOR AND COUNCIL 1 DRAFT PROPOSED COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2014-13 2 A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION AS A DOWNTOWN 3 DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 4 WHEREAS, under the Downtown Development Districts Act, 22 Del.C. §§ 1901 et seq. (the "Act"), 5 the State of Delaware may designate districts within Delaware's cities, towns, and unincorporated areas that 6 will qualify for significant development incentives and other State benefits; and 7 WHEREAS, these districts are known as Downtown Development Districts ("Districts"); and 8 WHEREAS, the State is accepting applications for the designation of the initial round of Districts, 9 with such applications being due on November 1, 2014; and 10 WHEREAS, under the Act, each applicant must submit a plan that includes the boundaries of, and 11 a detailed planning and development strategy for, the proposed District (the "District Plan"); and 12 WHEREAS, under the Act, each applicant must also propose incentives that address local economic 13 and community conditions, and that will help achieve the purposes set forth in the Act (the "Local 14 Incentives"); and 15 WHEREAS, if an application is successful and the City receives District designation, the District 16 Plan and Local Incentives proposed by an applicant shall be binding upon the applicant; and 17 WHEREAS, the incentives associated with designation as a Downtown Development District would 18 greatly benefit current and future residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and others within the City 19 of Dover; and 20 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Dover strongly believes that it is in the best interest of 21 the City of Dover to apply for District designation. 22 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: 23 1. The City Council supports the Application for Designation as a Downtown Development District 24 prepared by the Dover Planning Office and dated October 27, 2014 (the "Application"); and 25 2. The City of Dover is authorized to appoint a District administrator (the "Administrator") to file 26 the Application on behalf of the City, and to provide such other documents and information as 27 may be necessary or desirable in connection with the Application; and P.O. Box 475 ˜ Dover, Delaware ˜19903 Community Excellence Through Quality Service

DRAFT PROPOSED COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2014-13 PAGE 2 28 3. If the Application is successful and the City of Dover receives notice that it has been selected for 29 designation as a District: 30 a. The City shall adhere to the District Plan and the Local Incentives contained in the 31 Application for the duration of the District designation; and 32 b. The Administrator, or his or her designee(s), is authorized to execute such documents and 33 enter into such agreements as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the 34 Downtown Development Districts program and the rights and obligations of the City of 35 Dover thereunder; and 36 c. The Administrator, or his or her designee(s), is authorized to carry out all District 37 administrative and reporting requirements on behalf of the City of Dover for the duration of 38 the District. 39 ADOPTED: * 40 S:\RESOLUTIONS-PROCLAMATIONS-TRIBUTES\2014\Draft\Resolution No. 2014-13 In Support of the Application for Designation as a Downtown Development District.wpd 41 42 ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN DAVID L. BONAR 43 MAYOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT 44 Actions History: 45 October 13, 2014 - Introduced at Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee

Attachment #7 – Downtown Development District Plan A. Downtown Development District Plan Summary B. Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book C. Power Point Presentation – 2/12/2014 – Restoring Central Dover: Our Vision for Vitality D.Power Point Presentation – 7/9/2014 – Restoring Central Dover: Our Vision for Vitality E. Restoring Central Dover: Final Draft Recommendations for Steering Committee Review

Downtown Development District Plan Summary There are a number of planning documents developed in recent years that the City of Dover uses to guide downtown redevelopment. The two principal and most recent plans include the Dover Transit Neighborhood Plan and Design Book and the Restoring Central Dover Plan, which is currently still in draft form. These documents identify a series of clear strategies for the City and other partner organizations to take in support of revitalizing the downtown commercial district and neighboring residential community. The support for these documents is found in the City of Dover 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Together, these documents provide vision, goals, strategies, and specific implementation measures to revitalize Dover’s downtown core. The Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book is driven largely by design and the form of downtown redevelopment, focusing on buildings that address the sidewalk, open space and gateways, and pedestrian scale of development. The Restoring Central Dover Plan addresses many of the social challenges that have been identified as obstacles to downtown redevelopment. Each of the plans encompasses a slightly different geographic area of the downtown. Maps are included that show the overlap between the areas addressed in each of the plans and the Downtown Development District Boundary. A summary of each of the plans is provided. Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book The purpose of the Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book is “to use the new transit center as an impetus for redevelopment that will transform and energize the surrounding area.” The plan was developed through a partnership between the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Downtown Dover Partnership. The project included two phases: a five-day charrette where the public was invited in to discuss issues and identify ideas and solutions; and the creation of visual design guidelines that graphically represent the findings and recommendations of the charrette. The plan analyzed existing development patterns and presented concepts for infill development that would introduce the density, scale and urban aesthetic found in the historic area to other areas of the study area. Active buildings would front the street and parking would be located behind the buildings. The plan identifies the need for increased density surrounding the Dover Transit Center, as well as additional residential development in the downtown area. The plan provides recommendations to address building placement and form, parking location, downtown gateways, plazas and parks. The plan also provides a series of implementation strategies, some of which have been implemented and others which have not yet been implemented. The plan also engendered the North Street Improvements implemented by the Downtown Dover Partnership, with support of funding through the State of Delaware. The North Street Improvements include streetscape and pavement improvement to North Street between State Street and Governors Avenue, consolidation of several parking lots on North Street to improve layout and gain spaces, and the conversion of property known as the Collegian site to a plaza area. These improvements have introduced a new energy to the downtown, and the Loockerman Way Plaza now serves as the location for the Dover Farmer’s Market on Wednesday afternoons during the summer, as well as other downtown events.

The Implementation Strategies section of the Plan (found on page 46-47), include a series of goal statements, under which each of the implementation items is listed. These include: • Establish a business development and retention strategy to promote and enhance overall business and economic vitality in the study area and downtown. • Improve the gateways and entrance corridors of the study area with buildings, coordinated signage and streetscapes that frame views, and provide a sense of arrival. • Strengthen key North-South and East-West road connections to area activity centers, such as Wesley College, St. Jones River, Eden Hill Farm and Bayhealth Medical Center Campus. • Coordinate streetscape and road improvements to provide a better connection between Wesley College and the southern part of the study area. • Reinforce the study area with land use and additional mixed use, housing, retail and cultural/civic uses. • Establish a coordinated signage and streetscape program to capture and present a consistent image in the Downtown area. Restoring Central Dover The Restoring Central Dover Plan came out of a safety task force convened by the Greater Dover Committee (now the Greater Kent Committee). The stakeholders convened by the Greater Dover Committee identified a number of issues that culminated in safety concerns in the downtown area. The Dover Police Department conducted a resident survey, which identified the concerns of downtown residents. These concerns included crime, condition of housing, responsiveness of landlords, and other related challenges. The task force submitted an application to the Wells Fargo Foundation, with NCALL as the lead agency on the grant, to complete a planning study of the downtown so that we can begin to develop strategies that will improve the quality of life and safety in the downtown area. The process was led by the consultant and a Steering Committee representing stakeholder groups throughout the downtown community. There was a detailed survey that included door-to-door questionnaires administered by local stakeholders trained by the consulting team. The consulting team also completed a detailed land use survey and building condition survey. With the results of these surveys, the Steering Committee and consulting team hosted a week-long open house, where members of the public could participate in interactive processes to provide input on the challenges and potential solutions facing central Dover. Once the consulting team compiled the results from the Open House, they presented preliminary recommendations in a public workshop. Then members of the Steering Committee provided feedback on the recommendations and strategies to ensure that the recommendations in the plan met the local need. The plan is nearing completion and still in draft form, but the recommendation section has been released in draft form and addresses strategies for improving redevelopment opportunities in the downtown area. As with the Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book, and other downtown studies before it, Restoring Central Dover addresses the need to improve housing, attract residents, and increase homeownership. This plan goes further with its recommendations relating to housing than

prior planning studies and includes a series of implementation strategies directly related to improving the housing stock, redevelopment of vacant residential land, and improving the homeownership rate. The Restoring Central Dover Plan compares demographic information for the plan study area with the City as a whole, and identifies some of the significant demographics that create challenges in Central Dover. As it relates to the 2010 U.S. Census, Central Dover has a higher rate of vacant housing units (14% vs. 8%), a much higher rate of rental versus owner-occupied housing units (75% vs. 48%), a higher percentage of non-family households (53% vs. 42%), and higher concentrations of crime. Restoring Central Dover is the first of the plans for Downtown Dover that includes strategies to address the complex social challenges facing Central Dover. Other studies have identified that perceptions of safety pose challenges to downtown redevelopment, but Restoring Central Dover goes further in analyzing these social challenges and developing community-based strategies to address them. Restoring Central Dover identifies a number of goals, grouped by three categories, each with specific recommendations: • A Strong Community o Build Community Capital o Prevent Crime and Increase Public Safety o Engage Youth in Community o Expand Adult and Family Services • Positive Development o Strengthen Existing Housing Stock o Support New Housing and Mixed Use Development o Encourage Reinvestment in Commercial Corridors o Focus on Economic Development and Inclusion • An Integrated Public Realm and Infrastructure o Improve Transportation Infrastructure o Enhance Open Spaces and Expand Green Infrastructure Bringing Together the Plans and the Downtown Development District When taken together, the Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan and Design Book and the Restoring Central Dover Plan provide a roadmap for downtown redevelopment in Dover that addresses the physical issues of building design and placement, gateways and open space, the transportation network, business retention and recruitment, the mix of land uses, and a housing strategy. Both plans were developed with significant stakeholder involvement and complement each other in terms of how they address downtown redevelopment. The geographic study area for each of the plans is slightly different, but there is significant overlap. Dover’s defined Downtown Development District boundary includes an area that overlaps with both study areas but places priority on areas with the greatest need. The Downtown Development District includes the area immediately surrounding the new Transit Center, the Loockerman Street corridor, and the residential neighborhoods abutting the downtown business district.

Goals and recommendations presented in both plans provide a strategy for implementation of the Downtown Development District that balances the need for reinvestment in distressed commercial properties with revitalization of residential neighborhoods and the growth of homeownership. Success in both of these realms has shown to be costly and frequently economically infeasible. The added resources of the State’s incentives with the Downtown Development District, Kent County’s match to this investment, private investment, and Dover’s existing and added incentives will make redevelopment of Dover’s commercial and residential core economically feasible.

Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan

2.12.2014 STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER OUR VISION FOR VITALITY INTERFACE STUDIO V. LAMAR WILSON ASSOCIATES

RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER: TODAY’S AGENDA > PLAN LOGO/BRANDING BRAINSTORMING > PROGRESS UPDATE: RESIDENT SURVEY > PREVIEW OF EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS > OPEN HOUSE DISCUSSION AND NEXT STEPS

PLAN BRANDING AND NAME UNANIMOUS DECISION: “RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER: OUR VISION FOR VITALITY” WHAT DO YOU THINK?

THINK?

PROGRESS UPDATE: RESIDENT SURVEY

SUCCESS MEASURES SURVEY BY THE NUMBERS PROPOSED REVISED COMPLETED Target Sample Size 12.5% 18.0% 18.0% Households (non-student) 766 766 766 Dorm rooms in study area 488 488 488 Total Residential Units 1,254 1,254 1,254 Corresponding survey goal 160 225 224

PROGRESS UPDATE: EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS PHYSICAL SURVEY DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

PROGRESS UPDATE: DEMOGRAPHICS

RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER: NEXT STEPS > VISUALIZE SUCCESS MEASURES SURVEY RESULTS > COMPLETE EXISTING CONDITIONS SUMMARY > OPEN HOUSE PLANNING [early april kick off]

THANK YOU!

July 9, 2014 RESTORINGCENTRALDOVER OURVISIONFORVITALITY INTERFACE STUDIO V. LAMAR WILSON ASSOCIATES

TODAY’SAGENDA > CRIMEDATAOVERVIEW > REVIEWOFCOMMUNITYINPUTFROMOPENHOUSE > NEXTSTEPS

CRIMEDATA > VIOLENTCRIMES > PROPERTYCRIMES > DRUG-RELATEDCRIMES > NEIGHBORHOOD & CITYCOMPARISON

OPENHOUSE > “Y OURCONNECTION” PARTICIPANTMAP > “GETTINGAROUND” TRANSPORTATIONMAP > PUBLICREALMMAP > D.I.Y . BUDGET > SUGGESTIONBOXENTRIES > VISIONS OFVITALITY : PHOTOBOOTH

YOURCONNECTION PARTICIPANTMAP

GETTINGAROUND TRANSPORTATIONMAP

PUBLICREALMMAP

D.I.Y.BUDGET

SUGGESTIONBOX ENTRIES

VISIONSFORVITALITY: PHOTOBOOTH 57 PARTICIPANTS

NEXTSTEPS > DEVELOP GOALS &STRATEGIES

THANKYOU!

1 A STRONG COMMUNITY

2 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 spaces for 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 XXX]. 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 XX Resident expectation of assistance from neighbors For a variety of hypothetical situations, surveyees generally felt they would likely institutions could be helpful in initiating the establishment of neighborhood receive 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 3

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 of with opening formal channels of communication between the Wesley College other anchor institutions located in or serving Central Dover to recruit administration, other anchor institutions, and community residents to workers from Central Dover. These companies include but are not limited connect and work on common issues affecting Central Dover. Determine to: Bayhealth, Energizer, Playtex , Kraft, the State of Delaware, other area where existing resources are available and where new ones are needed colleges and universities (DelTech and Del State), and public schools to address community building priorities that emerged from the Restoring serving the community. In addition to exploring workforce development Central Dover Plan, including: opportunities, the conversations with managers of these businesses should explore, among other objectives, student internships, summer youth > Encourage community residents and Wesley College students employment, career exploration and vocational programs, and work-study to become “We Care” team members as part of the proposed and scholarships. Neighborhood Watch Network to enhance safety and security on a block-by-block basis. Partnerships with local anchor institutions Coordinate and align these activities with the public schools and the new could also be helpful in cultivating neighborhood watch groups and community center under construction and where the programming is still coordinating communication between campus security, Dover Police underway. Department patrols, and neighborhood watch activities. > Provide more opportunities for residents to engage with one another CREATE ANNUAL “CELEBRATING CENTRAL in social and cultural settings, informal and formal. > Build effective working relationships among neighbors to address DOVER” BLOCK PARTY safety and maintenance issues at the block level. Central Dover is perceived by some as a section of the city that should be, > Educational, vocational, and mentoring programs for children and for the most part, avoided by those from outside. However, when Central youth working with the schools serving the neighborhood and parents Dover residents were asked how likely they would be to recommend the of those students. community as a good place to live, 67% stated they would recommend > Community improvement projects focused initially in areas closest to it [Fig XXX]. This highlights a disparity between outside perception of Central Dover, and the view of those living in the neighborhood. If not addressed, this 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 celebratory block party showcasing the very best Central Dover has to offer. With an annual block party, residents could show what they love so much about living in here. There are opportunities to hold talent shows, market wares made by the community’s ambitious makers and entrepreneurs, 4 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

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 different neighborhoods within 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, along with faculty, staff, student athletes, and community members, have worked to improve the curb appeal and streetscape”of 20 blocks situated within the City of Dover/Carper Homeownership Program Target Area (bounded by Loockerman, West, Mary, and Governors). 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 XX Resident-identified illegal dumping/trash hot spots achieving the goals of Restoring Central Dover. The updates could be SOURCE: Public open house input 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 Two community facilities—Inner City Cultural League’s cultural arts center 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. I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 5

XX 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 6 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY Developing a collaborative/community policing strategy which makes 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. For a neighborhood like Central Dover, reducing illicit activities in the area will greatly improve quality of life for current residents and improve efforts to attract potential developers, businesses and new residents. As it stands, both residents and visitors have the perception that Central Dover has a serious crime issue. According the resident survey, 42% said crime and safety issues are what they liked least about living in the community [Fig XXX]. 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 XXX and XXX]. 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 XX Resident support for a neighborhood watch program between the community and public safety officials. SOURCE: Neighborworks resident survey ESTABLISH COLLABORATIVE/COMMUNITY and improve safety in Central Dover. Residents in the plan areas are ready to take an active role in helping restore safe conditions POLICING throughout the neighborhood. A number of current residents believe Building a stronger relationship between the Dover Police Department establishing a neighborhood watch could deter criminal behavior. and the residents of Central Dover will go a long way in helping improve 60% of all resident surveyees would like to see a neighborhood public safety. Relationship-building can be aided by creating opportunities watch formed in Central Dover; and 42% of those respondents would for the community to not just report criminal activity taking place in the volunteer if it is created. With the help of the Dover Police Department community; but to take part in the decision-making in regards to the type as well as local institutions and church groups, organizers could begin of community policing initiated in the neighborhood. recruiting members for neighborhood watch groups, and educate members as to the role the neighborhood watch should play; how > CREATE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NETWORK best to communicate with the police department; what neighborhood- With residents using their relationships to hold each other accountable, specific crime patterns to look out for; and how to patrol the streets neighborhood watch programs have great potential to prevent crime safely. I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 7

> 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 XX 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 by some other commercial corridor foot patrons to support face-to-face Dover they see as hotspots for crime and illicit behavior [shown in orange engagement between police and businesses. Community members also circles above]. For the most part, perceived hotspots coincide with Dover Police Department crime data hotspots [generalized and shown in darker areas above]. strongly support the establishment of bike patrols along streets identified Perception of high crime rates at The Green and Simon Circle are not necessarily as high drug and illicit activity areas in the Central Dover area. reinforced by reported crime incidents, which 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. 8 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 Departments 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 XXX]. 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 XX Community-identified areas in need of improved lighting LIGHTING PROGRAM SOURCE: Public open house input 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 that inflate the perception a Neighborhood Lighting Initiative to partner with landlords to install new of unsafe conditions in certain sections of the neighborhood. pedestrian lights between Walnut and Spruce and 40th and 43rd Streets. I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 9

XX Community do-it-yourself budget results SOURCE: Public open house input 10 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 percent minors PROGRAMMING is skewed by the density of the college student population aged 18 to Involve local elementary and middle schools and the Capital School 24, which comprises 32% of Central Dover’s population. However, there District, along with youth activity service providers, to comprehensively are 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 RE-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 XXX]. Also, throughout numerous interviews and stakeholder focus community building that could have a great impact on the levels of illicit groups, many asserted the need for more youth-oriented programming activity taking place in Central Dover. Re-establishing the Police Athletic and services. The community recognizes the importance of supporting League in Central Dover in partnership with Delaware State University youth to helping sustain revitalization efforts into the future in Central (who will provide the necessary recreational space), will begin the process Dover; therefore, engaging youth has to become an integral component of bridging the gap in a positive way between officers and kids in the of plan implementation. community. Ensuring youth have safe and positive ways to learn, socialize, and stay 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 11

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. 12 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 residents 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 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. XX Poverty rate map SOURCE: Policy Map / American Community Survey, 2007 - 2011 I. A STRONG COMMUNITY 13

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 in 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 SERVICES and delivery. (Note: the existing 2-1-1 service provides information about available services; however, more advertising of these services Involve local financial institutions such as NCALL in providing educational is needed to get the word out.) resources and training for Central Dover residents in the areas of financial > Promote their services, eligibility, performance and outcomes to management and credit repair, housing counseling and coaching services, residents tax preparation, and savings programs such as Individual Development > Assess program outcomes and impacts, and use those findings to Accounts. advocate for resources to fill any existing gaps. > 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. 14 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

2 POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT

XX Surveyed building conditions XX Building condition ratings criteria It should be noted that because the building condition survey typically relies on judgments based SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 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 16 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 17

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 on One of the issues residents raised repeatedly as a major concern by home repair and beautification projects in the neighborhood. There are Central Dover stakeholders was the lack of accountability displayed by also similar mission-based groups active in Central Dover that could be some property owners, particularly absentee rental property owners. partnered with to help restore existing housing. Holding property owners responsible for derelict housing by strengthening code enforcement in areas with high concentrations of renters and safety Additionally, MHDC currently provides emergency housing repairs and code violations is essential to ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts First State CAA operates a weatherization / repair program which could in Central Dover. be targeted to the area. > Initiate a third party needs assessment to determine whether staffing These recommendations provide for an opportunity for Central Dover to or technology solutions (such as a web-based permitting and link this kind of investment with the proposed model block concept and development resource center) would help improve code enforcement related community building activities described in the previous chapter. To efficiency. that end, a task force should be created to: > Provide educational resources and training to homeowners and landlords to help them make better decisions about their properties > Identify the nature and extent of any incentives—financial and > Explore with City and state programs to provide financing incentives technical—needed to bring such a program to the community. for code compliance for rental properties. > Bring it to scale over time and ensure that it targets strategic locations > Begin notification to the City of Dover by the Dover Housing Authority consistent with the Restoring Central Dover Plan. (DHA) and the Delaware State Housing Authority when Vouchers and > Leverage other investments in the blocks targeted and in other Section 8 Rental Payments are suspended for a rental housing unit initiatives that are priorities and spelled out in the Plan. due to a failed DHA or DSHA inspection. > Improve and/or extend partnerships with local government agencies, and technical and financial intermediaries to work closer together to 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/ 18 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

EXPLORE WAYS TO BOOST HOMEOWNERSHIP time home-buyers by introducing them to counseling programs and financial incentives available through NCALL as well as from Delaware Explore the potential for employer-assisted homeownership programs State Housing Authority (DSHA) programs and the City of Dover. These modeled off programs such as Delaware’s Live Near Your Work, the include: University of Pennsylvania’s Enhanced Forgivable Loan Program, and Philadelphia’s “Home-Buy-Now” program that provide down-payment and NCALL closing costs assistance to company employees towards the purchase of > Homeownership counseling helps households become mortgage- a home in Central Dover. Start with major institutions and employers such ready for conventional financing and special federal financing as Bayhealth Medical Center, Wesley College, State of Delaware, Kraft programs, such as FHA and VA mortgage loans. Foods, etc. DSHA Explore with the City allowing qualified first-time home buyers in Central > Homeownership Loan Program that provides first mortgage financing Dover to use CDBG home repair program funds to complete basic repairs at below-market interest rates to qualified homebuyers. when purchasing their new home. This, along with other home repair > Delaware First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit federal income tax credit programs and down payment assistance will help boost homeownership designed to help make homeownership more affordable to qualified rates in the neighborhood. homebuyers. Homebuyers who elect to use the federal tax credit are eligible to claim a portion of the annual interest paid on their mortgage Initiate discussions with the City regarding waiving impact fees and/or as a special tax credit. discounting permit fees to incentivize affordable and market rate housing > Second Mortgage Assistance Loan (SMAL) assists income qualified in Central Dover primarily for homeownership. borrowers in the purchase of their own home by providing down- payment and closing cost assistance in the form of second mortgages. From the existing tenant population of Central Dover and from workers > Advantage 3 grant program assists qualified borrowers in the regularly commuting to Central Dover, recruit potentially interested first- 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. XX Housing occupancy and tenure SOURCE: 2010 U.S. Census, 2007-2011 American Community Survey II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 19

XX 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. 20 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 XX 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 21

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. XX 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 22 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. EXPAND ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING 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. XX 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 II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 23

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 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. 24 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

REINVEST IN COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS Loockerman Street is home to the main commercial corridor of Central Dover. Currently, Loockerman is made up primarily of small, locally-owned boutique or specialty shops; only one retail chain occupies space along the strip, which gives the corridor a unique character and identity. However, the turnover rate is high and there are a number of vacant commercial spaces and lots that could provide ground for new forms of retail and entertainment. Presently, there are 16 vacant build- ings, 6 partially vacant commercial spaces, and 2 vacant lots on Loock- erman alone that can be repurposed and re-imagined. The vacancy rate changes monthly as two new retail shops plan to open 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 attrac- tions, will not only improve the revenue streams of existing businesses, but will also draw visitors from all over Delaware and the tri-state area to ex- perience 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 XX Vacancy and utilization of areas zoned for commercial uses media efforts tailored to potential residents, investors, and businesses SOURCE: Field survey, Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 should be developed to promote reinvestment in the area. II. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT 25

ACTIVATE VACANT STOREFRONTS 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. XX Conceptual visualization of temporary vacant storefront installation ADDRESS CONCENTRATED LOITERING 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 CREATIVE VISION FACTORY to loitering and exacerbate vagrancy in the area. The perception is that the loitering and vagrancy leads to high crime incidents. Revisiting licensing The mission of the Creative Vision requirements, zoning restrictions, and potential ordinances regarding Factory in Wilmington, Delaware, is nuisance businesses as well direct approaches to such business owners to support artistic endeavors of those with behavioral health disorders and about how to change their business’ image and patronage, will be useful encourage their participation in the in protecting the commercial viability of Central Dover, and will ensure that local artistic community through the negative impact of nuisance businesses will be minimized over time. exhibitions and workshops. The factory recognizes the value of creativity and expression in assisting in the promotion EXPAND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT of recovery. Michael Kalmbach, who developed the Factory, feels it can PROGRAMS FOR NEW AND EXISTING BUSINESS serve as a path to employment. The OWNERS communal workspace is free to those with behavioral health disorders Small business owners like those who own the boutiques and specialty and open to the community for a shops along Loockerman are entrepreneurs who have taken a risk to minimal monthly membership fee. open an enterprise to sell a product or service they believe the community wants or needs. Sustaining new and existing small businesses can be a LEARN MORE thecreativevisionfactory.org 26 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

difficult task in today’s fast paced economy. There are opportunities to RECRUIT MAJOR LOCAL EMPLOYERS TO help prepare burgeoning entrepreneurs and long-time business owners for the constant fluctuation of the market and consumer taste. Currently, ESTABLISH SATELLITE OFFICES ON the Downtown Dover Partnership offers some business assistance in the COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS form of information on “loan programs, available incentives and grants, and Dover is home to several notable private corporations and institutions. Kraft, available spaces” in the downtown area. A network exists among the Playtex, Proctor and Gamble, Wesley College, and Bayhealth-Kent General small business assistance providers to coordinate efforts; this collaboration are some of the major local employers within city boundaries. Encouraging should continue and an expansion of the services offered will improve the these major employers to relocate their smaller operations and/or divisions stability of Central Dover’s commercial base and broaden its diversity and to unoccupied commercial spaces within the plan area such as the new offerings. 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 27

XX Top employers in Dover SOURCE: Kent Economic Partnership, Inc 28 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 XX 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 29

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. 30 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

3 AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE

XX Mode of travel to work: Central Dover versus City of Dover SOURCE: 2007-2011 American Community Survey 32 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE Aside from the largely institutional areas south of Loockerman, 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 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 public transit, this may be due to the limited routes and times of operation provided. According to residents who participated in the May Open House, XX Community-identified public transit issues the bus is simply not an option for individuals working late shifts, with SOURCE: Public open house input services ending at 9 p.m. and no buses running on the weekends. Also, there are no regional routes for workers who are employed in surrounding suburbs or towns. For these reasons, city officials and neighborhood civic III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 33

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 neighborhood to increase access to job opportunities > Feasibility of extending hours of operations on nights and weekends Dover transit depot to better accommodate workers > Potential demand for mid-day routes targeting the elderly and those accessing child care > Whether or not the renaming of lines using place names would help Bus shelters should be equipped with clear route maps and schedules, improve the user experience by boosting awareness of which lines which could also serve as opportunities to raise awareness of locations of serve which locations. For instance, the route 109 service line could arts, cultural, and historic destinations and events in the area. be renamed the “Central Dover – Dover Mall” line to readily indicate the two endpoints of the route. A comprehensive assessment of existing bus stop infrastructure in Central Dover should be coordinated with above mentioned transit access study The process for this study should include in-depth public outreach and and completed in the near term to determine: community engagement to ensure that transit service decisions are informed by local demand and feedback. > Which bus stops need to be improved to meet accessibility standards > Whether there are locations along existing routes that should become IMPROVE BUS STOPS AND TRANSIT DEPOT new bus stops In many cases, waiting for the bus in Central Dover can be a trying experience. The lack of proper bus shelters make for very uncomfortable In addition to bus shelters, other community members highlighted the conditions for residents waiting on buses. Some residents have witnessed need for improvements to the Dover Transit Center located along W. Water “people waiting in ditches…in the rain or extreme weather without cover.” Street. Proposed improvements called for included seating, shelter, public Providing covered bus shelters for frequently used locations would not only rest rooms, and real-time schedule displays. Original plans for the Transit improve the public transportation experience, they would also increase the Center called for a second building that would house bathrooms, stores, visibility and awareness of the bus stop locations, which can in turn boost eateries, and office space. These amenities would serve to activate the ridership. Attractive bus shelters also serve well as streetscape amenities Transit Center and improve perception of the area. DelDOT, the State that have the potential to raise the image and perception of Central Dover. of Delaware, and City of Dover should resume conversations about the feasibility of moving forward with completion of this plan. 34 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. 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. XX Potential regional rail connection WORK TO SUBSIDIZE YOUTH AND FAMILY SOURCE: DelDOT, 2011 Delaware State Rail Plan TRANSIT ACCESS 46% of Central Dover households make less than $30,000 a year. In many cases, low-income families living in the plan area are likely to spend a sizeable portion of their earnings on transportation to work and school. which currently allows low-income youth to ride public transit for free. The To help lighten their load, DART and the City of Dover should consider State Social Service Department should explore whether they may be able subsidizing transit costs for low-income families and the elderly. A useful to integrate this subsidy as part of the benefits provided to the families and model may be found in San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency, individuals qualifying for specific social services. III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 35

XX 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 figure XXX 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 XX Proposed bicycle network improvements Division/Route 8 and Loockerman. 36 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. XX Existing and proposed Forest Street/Route 8 right of way configuration III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 37

> 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 XX 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 38 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 of 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 39

40 RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

ENHANCE OPEN SPACES AND EXPAND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 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 ALONG THOROUGHFARES 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 XX Potential pocket park opportunity sites parks, community gardens, tot lots, playgrounds, and so on. III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 41

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 XX 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. 42 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. XX Community-identified flooding areas XX Existing and proposed Water Street right of way configuration SOURCE: Public open house III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 43

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 XX 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. 42 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. XX Community-identified flooding areas XX Existing and proposed Water Street right of way configuration SOURCE: Public open house III. AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC REALM AND INFRASTRUCTURE 43