Economic Vitality Packet 1-20-21

Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Wednesday, January 20, 2021 7:30 a.m. via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92527490364 Meeting ID: 925 2749 0364 Welcome & Introductions Minutes (October 2020) Public comments Business Retention • Overview of DDP services/resources underway Business Recruitment • State Planning Office Coordination - DDD website • Unlock the Block initiative - 204 W. Loockerman • 108 W. Loockerman St. • 33 West Loockerman Discussion on current vacancies Other business Adjournment Next meeting date: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Executive Session may be held at discretion of the Chair, Economic Vitality & Development Committee.

Tina Bradbury is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Time: Jan 20, 2021 07:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92527490364 Meeting ID: 925 2749 0364 One tap mobile +13017158592,,92527490364# US (Washington D.C) +13126266799,,92527490364# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 925 2749 0364 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/akVLer7oZ

Economic Vitality & Development Committee Meeting Minutes October 21, 2020 at Cendel Building DRAFT Meeting open: Approx. 7:35 a.m. Attendees: Jonathan Street (chair), Joseph McDaniel, Mitchell May, Mike Glick, Charlie Rodriguez, John Van Gorp, Mayor Robin Christiansen (via telephone) DDP Staff: Diane Laird, Tina Bradbury, Brynn Voshell Meeting minutes Approved unanimously Agenda: Approved unanimously Joe McDaniel asked for update regarding EZ Pass property, loan, and lease renewal. Tina informed that the loan refinancing has been completed at a lower interest rate, the last leg of the lease (next 3 years) has been finalized and we are currently addressing maintenance issues requested by Robert. Diane and Pete Bradley (DDP Treasurer and board member) will meet with Robert periodically to discuss any current issues, as well as plans for the future. Marketing Video: Diane showed marketing video that DDP created to highlight what downtown has to offer as well as the potential of things to come. This video is available on our website www.DowntownDover.com and can be changed to add more information or change things out as needed. All agreed that video was a good marketing piece. Joe suggested to slow some slides down to read more easily and will follow up with Diane after having a chance to review the video again after the meeting. Updates • Tina passed around conceptual drawings created for prospect for Delmar Appliance space if/when owner decides to sell. Tina has built a good relationship with Mrs. Nygard in the last few months. The DDP always seeks to be in good relationship with property and business owners for strong retention and succession planning. • Kim Adams was unable to attend. Diane informed that Mrs. Adams has purchased approximately a third of the Loockerman Street block between New and S. Governor’s Ave. (where Simon’s Bridal used to be) and is slowly working on renovating it for potential state of art conference facility, Mountain Consulting facilities, retail, residential, and other. Suds Bar Soap, which was formerly next to 33 West, will be moving into the new location as well. • Mike Glick from Lighthouse gave update on Loockerman Way Plaza. Plans and specs for commercial and residential have been completed, and the potential building is now listed with R & R Realty for prospecting. Mike indicated that there will be no groundbreaking until they have 50% of potential building leased. They are flexible as to what type of business can go in the spaces. Would prefer to have a restaurant as well as retail space on bottom, with upper story residential. The Economic Vitality Committee goal is to rebuild, maintain and diversify the downtown Dover area’s economy. Business recruitment and retention strategies as well as strategic property purchases, property management, and redevelopment enhancements to the area will be key to success.

Economic Vitality & Development Committee Meeting Minutes • There is a new tax preparation business going into the old Suds Bar Location. Tina has spoken with the new tenant and suggested that she try to add a retail component to the location as it is a prime spot in downtown. • Tina and the Mayor recently spoke on a call about the proposed parking development with the new courthouse location as Tevebaugh consultants invited input. Breweries: Tina suggested that we look into lobbying to have the law changed that only allows a brewery to have two locations in Delaware. Per Todd and John’s suggestions, Tina will look into the history of why the law is like this. The committee agreed to each inquire about what can be done to have this reconsidered. Discussion ensued regarding the reasons why “they are not coming.” Three primary: 1) safety/crime, 2) lack of police presence, 3) gap in cost to renovate a building. Image and reality – both must be addressed. Leaders within the DDP board of directors must take a prominent role in expressing concerns and offering specific recommendations to influence City officials. The Mayor said that anyone with concerns about safety in downtown should contact him or Chief Johnson. Downtown Dover needs to focus on more diverse storefronts and well as young residential spaces to help boost the future of downtown. Additional discussion took place as Todd suggested that City Hall was planning to move their offices in the future and suggested that the City consider moving to the Governors Avenue lot. This would show the public that the City was taking a strong stand/lead in revitalization efforts. Diane will set up a meeting in early November to include Todd, Mike Glick and principals of Lighthouse Construction, Council President and both council/DDP board representatives, Mayor Christiansen, Jonathan Street, Chief of Police, and Diane, to discuss the potential of moving City Hall offices to Governors Ave lot. New Street Clean Up: Diane spoke of New Street Clean Up Project that has taken place and will be an ongoing project. Dover PD is working a on long-range strategic plan. Recruitment Initiatives: • 108 W. Loockerman Street (Mr. Lee’s Building) Potential buyer looking to put a reputable food business in that location. Buyer has met with Mr. Lee, Diane, Tina and Dave Hugg. Buyer has letter of intent to purchase already drawn up and has shared it with the property owner and the City. This is extremely hopeful. • 204 W. Loockerman (Bayard Plaza) Plans have been drawn up using previous concept, for an Artisan Market. Primary tenant would be Black Swamp Farmstead which is one of our Capital City Farmers Market vendors. Primary would have sublet/consignment agreement with multiple other vendors. Currently have about 11 vendors interested in this project. Architectural plans are underway so that they can be turned in to the City for approval in hopes to open by Christmas. Milford Housing Inc., who owns the property, is working well with the Unlock the Block committee and wiTll be an excellent landlord. The Unlock the Block program will offer $3,000-$4,000 to help with start-up costs. City, State, County and DDP grants will also support getting this project off the ground. • John V. asked that the staff to use the list of business categories previously defined to more aggressively prospect businesses for downtown. Adjourn: 8:45 a.m. BKV The Economic Vitality Committee goal is to rebuild, maintain and diversify the downtown Dover area’s economy. Business recruitment and retention strategies as well as strategic property purchases, property management, and redevelopment enhancements to the area will be key to success.

Economic Vitality & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Next Meeting Date: TBD The Economic Vitality Committee goal is to rebuild, maintain and diversify the downtown Dover area’s economy. Business recruitment and retention strategies as well as strategic property purchases, property management, and redevelopment enhancements to the area will be key to success.