Economic Development Committee Packet September 14, 2021

Economic Development Committee Agenda September 14, 2021 – 4:00 PM This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. Public participation information is as follows: Phone: +1 646 558 8656 US Link: https://zoom.us/j/98650449210?pwd=Y3I5by8xMjVUMzRDc2t2cXBXbnRlUT09 Event number: 986 5044 9210 Event password: DOVER Public comments are welcomed on any item and will be permitted at appropriate time. When possible, please notify the Mayor's Office (302-760-4920 or email mayorsoffice@dover.de.us) should you wish to be recognized. 1. Welcome 2. Adoption of Agenda 3. Adoption of Minutes 4. Delaware State University – Dr. Stacy Downing DSU Downtown Campus Update 5. Delaware State University - Dr. Cherese Winstead and Dr. Michael Casson 6. Dave Hugg- Director of Planning and Inspections- City of Dover Community and Economic Development Update 7. Mayor's Announcements 8. Next Meeting Date: October 12, 2021 at 4:00 PM 9. Adjournment

Economic Development Committee Minutes June 8, 2021- 4:00 p.m. The Economic Development Committee Meeting was held by video conference on June 8, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. with Mayor Robin R. Christiansen presiding. Committee Members present via video or telephone were Councilman David Anderson, Kim Adams, Dave Hugg-City Planner, Diane Laird, Matt Harline-Assistant City Manager. Councilman Roy Sudler and Clayton E. Hammond II were not present. WELCOME At 4:00 pm Mayor Robin R. Christiansen called the Economic Development Meeting to order. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mayor Christiansen called for a motion to adopt the Agenda. Dave Hugg moved for adoption of agenda, seconded by Diane Laird, unanimously carried. (Councilman Roy Sudler, Clayton E. Hammond II absent). ADOPTION OF MINUTES Mayor Christiansen called for a motion to adopt April 13, 2021 minutes. Dave Hugg moved for adoption of minutes, seconded by Diane Laird, unanimously carried. (Councilman Roy Sudler, Clayton E. Hammond II absent). DIANE LAIRD-CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONTMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED) Please see attachment 1 for presentation. DIANE LAIRD-DOWNTOWN DOVER PAARTNERSHIP (DDP) REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION FOR STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN Please see attachment 2 for presentation. Diane Laird states this is exploratory DDP is not obligated to proceed with responses this is to help inform next steps. Councilman Anderson thanks Ms. Laird for presentation and he feels this is very positive to bend a curve and make things happen. Councilman Anderson states we are so close to take downtown from good to great. Mentions a Comprehensive Plan that will be a total downtown investment package that will entail economic development and

Economic Development Meeting of June 8, 2021 PAGE 2 community development. Diane Laird strengthening economic development which is the core of Dover, must have market rate housing, and more residence. Many people work in downtown but do not live-in downtown, and 1000 new households would support after 5pm shopping and eating, with more built-in shopping and living environment. Comprehensive plan to be holistic including business, residence, shopping, and capitalize on the assets we already have. Councilman David Anderson asks if everything is on the table or this only specific areas? Diane Laird will engage broad public opinion; stakeholders’ input will be one large component of an outcome it will direct the plan. The market is also driving trends, opportunities, categories of business, ages of people supporting people. This will be diverse intake to come up with a comprehensive plan. Councilman Anderson said Delaware State University looking at small business development center downtown to launch entrepreneurs. Would workforce development be an opportunity? Ms. Laird confirmed yes. DAVE HUGG-DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND INSPECTIONS- CITY OF DOVER COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Community Economic Development (CED) is defined as an “inclusive and participatory process” focusing on creating “inclusive local economies, developing nourishing livelihood opportunities, building on local resources and capacities, increasing community control and ownership, enhancing the health of the environment, and encouraging community resilience.” (Simon Fraser University, Community Economic Development). SFU identifies five basic principles: livelihood focused; diverse and inclusive; sustainable; place-based; and community controlled. Restoring Central Dover – NCALL with the help of a 20+ member steering committee developed and has been implementing the Restoring Central Dover Plan, meeting and probably exceeding all of the CED criteria. The RCD plan looks at “affordable housing, business development, strong community, and infrastructure” and includes goals and implementation actions involving the central Dover community. (RCD Plan, Executive Summary). Among the many activities undertaken as part of the RCD effort were community cleanups, Open Streets events, community gardens, community forums, provided rent, mortgage and utility assistance; facilitated neighborhood watch programs; sponsored Launcher Entrepreneur training programs; and distribution of food to needy community members. (NCALL Annual Report 2019). DDP – the Downtown Dover Partnership (a certified DDD initiative) is committed to developing grassroots support and involvement, reducing barriers to entry into business, supporting housing that is affordable and achievable, and enhancing quality of life in the downtown portion of Dover. Its multi-sector-based Board and supporting committees includes residents, property and business owners, local officials, and economic development resources in planning and promoting the downtown. A comprehensive master planning initiative is soon to begin that will leverage these resources and “lead to a implementation and investment strategies to guide development and reinvestment, with the goal of bringing this vital core of commerce and housing to its highest and best potential.” DDP/RFQ for Strategic Master Plan)

Economic Development Meeting of June 8, 2021 PAGE 3 At the City level through the Community Development Block Grant Program provide funds for motel vouchers and rent subsidies, funded mortgage assistance for purchases of affordable housing, supported rehabilitation to existing owner-occupied housing to eliminate conditions that threaten health and safety of low-income families and worked with NCALL to demolish blighted houses in order to conduct new affordable homes in the downtown. (CBDG Report April 2021). Collectively all these initiatives fall under the areas of the basic principles of CED. To duplicate those efforts through a separate CED effort and structure would be wasteful and counterproductive. Amendment to zoning ordinance that coming up to Planning Commission that allows warehouse and distribution to occur at shopping centers. So, Dover is in a better position to capture more substantial economy. Mayor Christiansen, zoning changes are critical to future economic development in the city because we have deficit in warehouse space for current and future manufacturers. Diane Laird think work is coalescing beautifully and we have been successful and will continue to include diverse community in all corners out work. Mayor states this has always been our goal and intent of Mayor, Council, DDP, and Planning Inspections department to move forward as an entire community recognizing our diversity and what everyone can bring to the table to make our City the best place. MAYORS ANNOUNCMENT Mayor Christiansen, zoning changes are critical to future economic development in the city because we have deficit in warehouse space for current and future manufactorers. Diane Laird think work is coalescing beautifully and we have been successful and will continue to include diverse community in all corners out work. Mayor states this has always been our goal and intent of Mayor, Council, DDP, and Planning Inspections department to move forward as an entire community recognizing our diversity and what everyone can bring to the table to make our City the best place. We will have a terrific 4th of July Celebration opportunity to make it a great weekend. NEXT MEETING DATE September 14, 2021 ADJOURNMANT Mayor Robin R. Christiansen called for a motion to adjourn. Diane Laird moved for adjournment, seconded by Councilman Anderson, unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned 4:48 pm

Attachment 1 CPTED Principles Target Hardening tries to control and prevent crime by making a space physically difficult to penetrate. CPTED analysis focuses on creating changes to the physical and social environment that will reinforce positive behavior. C rime P revention T hrough E nvironmental D esign Consider for a moment… • “Eyes on the Street” - Natural observation is a key factor in a well-conceived, enjoyable, and safe environment. • Eliminating the things that will deter vagrants, will also possibly deter the presence of the very people we are desiring to be in a space. • How can we create a space that is beautiful and natural, and yet still effectively deters crime? CPTED is about people and quality of life: Normals – Observers – Abnormals Major Benefits of CPTED: CPTED emphasizes: • Reduction in crime. • Physical environment • Reduction in potential for crime. • Behavior of people • Perceived greater safety and security. • Productive use of space • Crime / loss prevention Architecture impacts the safety and security of a building in many different features including: • Stairs and ramp design • Doors and windows • Interior and exterior lighting • Blind spots or ambush points • Parking lot designs • Restrooms • Elevators • Building circulation patterns

Attachment 1 CPTED is based on four key overlapping concepts. 1. Natural access control 2. Natural surveillance 3. Territorial reinforcement 4. Maintenance Natural Access Natural access control means controlling access to a site. People are physically guided through a space by the strategic design of streets, sidewalks, building entrances, and landscaping. Natural Surveillance The placement of physical features, activities, and people in a way that maximizes visibility. Territorial Reinforcement The use of physical attributes that express ownership such as fencing, pavement treatments, signage, and landscaping Maintenance Allows for the continued use of a space for its intended purpose. Serves as an additional expression of ownership. Prevents reduction of visibility from landscaping overgrowth and obstructed or inoperative lighting. Lighting has two purposes within the CPTED model” 1. Illumination of human activity. 2. Security A Global Training Company www.CPTEDTraining.net

Attachment 2

Attachment 2 Exploring the future of central Dover, Delaware Strategic Master Plan – Request for Proposals Presented to: City of Dover Economic Development Committee June 8, 2021

Attachment 2 The Downtown Dover Partnership, working in concert with the City of Dover and multiple public and non-profit agencies, is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and diverse professional planning consultant team to develop a Strategic Master Plan for the downtown and closely surrounding neighborhood area within the City of Dover, Delaware.

Attachment 2 Core areas of DDP’s responsibility: • Strengthening economic opportunity in the central core of the Capital City of Dover through effective business recruitment, retention, and expansion; • Creating an environment that is conducive to effective property redevelopment and reinvestment; • Community revitalization that will increase viability and sustainability of the business district and surrounding neighborhoods.

Attachment 2 The target area is designated as a Downtown Development District and also as an Opportunity Zone, indicating that this is the high priority target area for redevelopment and reinvestment.

Attachment 2 This area for priority redevelopment is adjacent to: • DE State legislative campus • City Hall • Dover Public Library • State offices • “The Green”

Attachment 2 This area for priority redevelopment is adjacent to: • DE State legislative campus • City Hall • Dover Public Library • State offices • “The Green”

Attachment 2 The City of Dover is not a partner to this RFP. Nevertheless, the City and many other public and private stakeholders are philosophical and financial partners in, and integral to, the work of the DDP in daily operations and initiatives, including: • City of Dover • State of Delaware • Kent County • Several key non-profits, and a broad range of stakeholders that have invested in Dover, Delaware, including but not limited to residents, workers, merchants, and property owners.

Attachment 2 Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) and aligned partners’ meaningful efforts to-date have given us glimpses of success as a thriving rural downtown community in which to live, work, and shop…

Attachment 2 …but this “heart of Dover” has not yet met the “tipping point” for solid, substantial revitalization.

Attachment 2 The proposed master planning process and outcome will reflect a “lean urbanism” philosophy: It will engage this diverse local community in visioning and planning, including minority, underrepresented and low-income populations.

Attachment 2 The proposed master planning process and outcome will reflect a “lean urbanism” philosophy: It will engage both traditional investors as well as a broad array of individuals in the community, diverse in ethnicity, MHI (Median Household Income), affluence, gender, age, and ability.

Attachment 2 The proposed master planning process and outcome will reflect a “lean urbanism” philosophy: The proposed strategic master plan will include strategies for additional market-rate housing and increased entrepreneurial opportunity and result in Dover’s strengthened core exhibiting both residential and business activity that reflects value for not only its current diverse community…

Attachment 2 The proposed master planning process and outcome will reflect a “lean urbanism” philosophy: HBCU …but also a community reinforced by the next generation of leaders, including those from Delaware State University, Bayhealth’s new residents program, Dover Air Force Base singles and officers who choose to live outside of the base, and a workforce that chooses to simultaneously live and work in the central Dover geography.

Attachment 2 Who Benefits? Sustainable transformation of Delaware’s Capital City Dover to an exceptional, vibrant, reimagined core of commerce and community will prove valuable to the state and surrounding region for years to come. Over a million people stand to benefit from a revitalized business district that will regularly attract a new, young population while providing an increased quality of life and economic, entrepreneurial, and housing opportunities for all those that have already invested in the community, including minorities, those that are disabled, veterans, and other marginalized populations.

Attachment 2 RFP: Examine issues and make recommendations 1.Physical Environment 2.Market Analysis 3.Financial 4.Design 5.Implementation Strategy 6.Public Engagement

Attachment 2 Timetable EVENT DATE (TO BE REVISED) Issuance of RFP June 10, 2021 Response Due Date August 10 , 2021 at p.m. EST Anticipated requests for presentations August 16 - September 10, 2021 by select respondents, as selected by DDP Anticipated decision to be made September 10, 2021 regarding final selection of vendor Recommendation of vendor to be September 22, 2021 made by DDP Board President/Executive Director to DDP Board of Directors for vote

Attachment 2 Master Plan Development & Implementation • Grassroots engagement in plan development and outcome • Timetable reflecting a target date of completed Master Plan delivered to DDP by April 2022 • Master Plan Implementation Benchmarks at one-, three-, five- and eight-year timeframes • Target completion date of 2030 for majority of Master Plan implementation

Attachment 2