2022-02-16 DDP Economic Vitality Committee Packet

Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Wednesday, February 16, 2022 7:30 a.m. via Zoom: See details on the second page Welcome & Introductions Review of Agenda Review of Draft Minutes (January 2022) 1. Master Plan Update 2. Executive Session (2) A. New Family Court Presentation By Tevebaugh Architecture B. Property Discussion 3. Public Comment Next meeting date: 3/16/22

Topic: DDP Economic Vitality Tina Bradbury is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: DDP Economic Vitality Meeting Time: Feb 16, 2022 07:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81327413419?pwd=ek9xYlQxakZMQzMySkhGS Hl1WWhsdz09 Meeting ID: 813 2741 3419 Passcode: 644212 One tap mobile +16465588656,,81327413419#,,,,*644212# US (New York) +13017158592,,81327413419#,,,,*644212# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 813 2741 3419 Passcode: 644212 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kerFXVvKEW

. DOWNTOWN DOVER PARTNERSHIP ECONOMIC VITALITY & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES January 19, 2022 – Online Zoom Meeting DRAFT MEETING OPEN: 7:35am. ATTENDANCE: Charles Rodriguez, Dave Hugg, John Van Gorp, Johnathan Street, Katie Tabeling, Robin Christiansen, Clinton Robertson, Tina Bradbury, Jordan Resh, Diane Laird AGENDA AND APRIL MEETING MINUTES: Hugg motioned to approve the meeting’s agenda, and Rodriguez seconded the motion. The committee approved the agenda unanimously. Van Gorp motioned to approve the minutes from July’s meeting, and Hugg seconded the motion. The committee approved the minutes unanimously. BUSINESS RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT Last Minute Shoppers Pop-Up: Bradbury shared that the holiday pop-up at DDP owned building, 136 W Loockerman St was occupied in December. The DDP received several responses and chose Fur Baby from Milford, DE – a business that specializes in Pet Resorts and the sale of pet accessories. Bradbury shared that Fur Baby was charged $200 for the pop-up and was offered to stay in the location for longer for free, but Fur Baby did not accept the offer. A single-day marketplace was offered outside in Loockerman Plaza for the additional applicants to the holiday pop-up. The foot traffic in the plaza was minimal, and the weather did not permit good sales. General Business Updates: Bradbury asked Rodriguez about the success of the small businesses at the properties Rodriguez owns. Rodriguez shared that the restaurant industry is struggling. Bradbury noted that there are few restaurants and retail options downtown. La Hacienda is expected to open soon and is waiting for their liquor license. Bradbury added that Governor’s Café was purchased and is being renovated as an upscale dining option. Bradbury added that the previous owner, Brandon, has left downtown after the sale of Governor’s Café and the Gastro Graffiti food truck. Hugg shared that another restaurant is opening downtown, Tastee’s Chicken & Seafood on New St, and is waiting for inspections. Bradbury added that Bel Boutique is closing at the end of the week to switch to an online sale only service. Sozo is expected to close at the end of the month and was offered a reduced rent by the landlord. Top Notch, Creative Visions, and Maxine’s Fashions are looking to be relocated to elsewhere downtown because their building is being renovated by the owner. Sammy’s Barber Shop is experiencing code issues, and the current tenant is seeking assistance from Dover and the landlord. Hugg shared that the building owner does not need to attend an informal walk through to check for code violations. Street shared the news that an article from someone who tried 100s of cheesesteaks ranked Simaron as one of the best in the country, and Tender Bones was ranked in the top 20. DDP Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes: January 19, 2022 DRAFT 1

New Retention and Recruitment Programs: Bradbury shared that ARPA funds are divided into two eligibility categories – for hospitality and for small businesses with under 100 employees. Laird shared that the funding is equal to approximately $12,000 available for each applicant and that the funds should be readily available. Bradbury shared that the first round is expected to end late March, and that another round of funding may be made available shortly after. Laird shared that there is $20 million available for Kent County. Laird shared that the Retention and Expansion Assistance Program (REAP) was designed by the Economic Committee to fund business expansion through the DDP. Laird shared that there were businesses interested, and more are expected to apply once the application is live. The Dover Revolving Loan Fund (DRLF) also has $30,000 available from the USDA to loan to small businesses. Laird shared that there are funds available from the county that may limit the success of the DRLF, but that the program can grow over the next year to test the vitality of the program. Bradbury shared that Bayard Pharmacy was cleared of its merchandise, and that a pharmacy owner in Smyrna is interested in purchasing the property. The potential buyer is interested in expanding the business to include products to help treat diabetes, in addition to being a full- service pharmacy. Recruitment for 2022: Bradbury shared that recruitment is minimal given the pending Master Plan. Laird shared new incentives and ordinances that could help increase successful recruitment. Laird added that after visiting properties downtown, it was observed that many of the properties are not up to code and would not be rentable. Laird added that the property owners have not frequently applied for funding for renovations, and that new buildings from the Master Plan will allow for “move-in ready” buildings to become available. Laird shared that community engagement will occur from Mosaic Partners to better understand what people want to see downtown. DOWNTOWN DOVER MASTER PLAN UPDATE Laird shared that all updates for the Strategic Master Plan are on the Downtown Dover website, including a timeline, and that new edits will be added over time. Laird added that the contract for Mosaic Partners was signed. Laird added that the first step will be a stakeholder meeting, and then community engagement will begin, and the public will be invited to complete a survey of their thoughts. Laird added that a small-scale investment option is available as well, allowing community members to invest small amounts, such as $5, leading to a better sense of community and ownership. Laird shared the goal that additional buildings, commercial and residential, will help promote business downtown by 2030 – the length of the strategic master plan’s design. Other Business: Bradbury added that the developers of the Family Court Plaza will attend the next Economic Vitality Committee meeting. Laird asked if the developers could address parking in the next meeting. Hugg shared that the developers have sent the City of Dover visual concepts for the project and is excited to move forward with the process. Hugg added that the property purchases have been finalized. DDP Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes: January 19, 2022 DRAFT 2

Hugg shared that the old Dover Post Office has scheduled an environmental inspection and will follow up with engineering/structural analysis once the city better understands the environmental conditions. Hugg asked about the success of Black Swamp Artisanal Market. Bradbury shared that the EBT sales are ran in the DDP office for Black Swamp and has been successful to date. Bradbury added that the Healthy Incentives Program is interested in Black Swamp as a trial space for the program. Laird shared that Black Swamp was expected to host DIY nights 1-2 times a week and will be moving forward with that process now that the business has been established. Bradbury added that produce from the Caribbean Market may start to be sold at Black Swamp, and Hugg suggested a local spice retailor from Smyrna be invited to join as well. Laird shared that DSU may program a yearly signature event in downtown Dover, and that meeting will start in February to talk about DSU’s relationship to downtown. Laird added that DSU has completed their Strategic Master Plan and have started to host classes downtown for around 200 students. Public Comments: None Adjournment: Next meeting date: JR DDP Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes: January 19, 2022 DRAFT 3