Economic Development Committee Packet

Economic Development Committee Agenda October 15, 2024 Convenes promptly at 4:00 PM; Adjourns no later than 5:30pm City Hall Council Chambers, 15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, Delaware VIRTUAL MEETING NOTICE This meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers with electronic access via Zoom. Public participation information is as follows: Dial: 1-301-715-8592 Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/98650449210?pwd=Y3I5by8xMjVUMzRDc2t2cXBXbnRlUT09 Meeting ID: 986 5044 9210 Password: DOVER Public comments are welcomed on any item and will be permitted at the 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 - Economic Development Meeting of November 14, 2023 4. Updates: • Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (Dr. Dina Vendetti, President) • Downtown Dover Partnership (Diane Laird, Executive Director) • Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (Marilyn Smith, Executive Director) • Kent Economic Partnership (Linda Parkowski, Executive Director) 5. Mayor's Announcements 6. Next Meeting Date: November 12, 2024 7. Adjournment THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. PURSUANT TO 29 DEL. C. §10004(e)(2), THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, WHICH ARISE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING

Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes November 14, 2023 The Economic Development Committee Meeting was held in person and by video conference on November 14, 2023, at 4:00pm with Mayor Robin R. Christiansen presiding. Committee Members present in person or via video were Mayor Robin R. Christiansen, Councilman David Anderson, City Manager Dave Hugg, Kim Adams and Diane Laird. The guest present was Michael Glick of Lighthouse Construction. Absent was Councilman Andre Boggerty and Clay Hammond. The public present in person or via video was Todd Stonesifer of Downtown Dover Partnership, Ken Anderson of Downtown Dover Partnership, Donny Legans of Rail Haus, Tina Bradbury of Downtown Dover Partnership, Marilyn Smith of Kent County MPO, Tom Kramedas of Axia Hotel Group, and Dr. Dina Vendetti of Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. Staff members present were Dawn Melson Williams, Yvonne Martine, and Brandy Ridgeway. WELCOME The meeting will be called to order at this time with a quorum. Councilman Anderson moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Diane Laird. Agenda stands adopted as presented. Adoption of the Minutes from the Economic Development Committee meeting on May 9, 2023. Moved by Diane Laird. Seconded by Councilman Anderson. Motion is carried and the minutes have been adopted. LGPI VA LLC – Redevelopment of the Old Dover Post Office presentation by Michael Glick (President of Lighthouse Construction, Inc) Mike Glick reviewed the presentation entitled “Old Post Presentation” Exhibit #1. Responding to Council President Anderson, Mr. Glick stated that they are studying a combination of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments which is one of things they are reviewing right now in the market as far as what is the right fit. Part of our due diligence will be surveying the existing structure as well to see if they can potentially get two stories in the existing structure which would make some neat loft apartments. Again, they are in the early stages of that and evaluating all options. Responding to Council President Anderson, Mr. Glick stated that their goal is to keep as much of the existing structure as possible. Right now, the concept plan is for just the loading dock area to be removed.

Economic Development Meeting of November 14, 2023 PAGE 2 Responding to Council President Anderson, Mr. Glick stated that timewise is 4 – 6 months they plan to submit to the Historical Society which would be the first step and then from there that kicks off 4- 6 months of approvals through the City of Dover and outside agencies so they can potentially put a shovel in the ground by the end of 2024. Responding to Todd Stonesifer regarding parking spaces, Mr. Glick stated that they plan to match the apartment count. Responding to Diane Laird, Mr. Glick stated that the rooftop terrace amenities is for private access for the units above. In addition, they are considering retail or restaurant for the first floor. Responding to Ken Anderson, Mr. Glick stated that he doesn’t know if there is any desire to mimic the outside architecture of 120 S. Governors Avenue. They felt strongly that this building and the history is very important to the City of Dover, but they want it to stand alone but not stand out and carry forward what it always has been. Downtown Dover Partnership – Status on Grant Money and Economic Development Projects presentation by Diane Laird (Director of Downtown Dover Partnership) Diane Laird reviewed the presentation entitled “DDP Presentation – Downtown Dover Master Plan Implementation” Exhibit #2. Additional speakers during the presentation were Donny Legans of Rail Haus, Marilyn Smith of Kent County MPO, Ken Anderson of DDP, Dave Hugg of City of Dover and Tina Bradbury of DDP. Responding to Council President Anderson, Tina Bradbury created a boundary that they submitted so the boundary will encompass the former bid districts and downtown development district to get the best available sites. They have had success already with the Inner-City Cultural League which has been a wonderful brownfield remediation site and now houses a wonderful program for our youth as well as the property behind Inner Faith. Responding to Council President Anderson, Ms. Bradbury stated that there is state funding available for properties that they don’t currently own. If they don’t own the property, they can get state funding and enter into an MOU to be able to access state funds first and then federal funds which gives better maximization of the funding available. Federal funding can be used for properties that the own and properties that they are looking to acquire. Diane Laird stated that they are lucky to have Tina who has already done a number of these remediations and grants. They are in need of these services and this funding. The million dollars is just the start there are many millions after we spend 50% of the first million so we are positioning very well, and we can act as the liaison with those that own property or those that don’t and develop MOU’s and really move things along and that is a lot of money. Also want to mention that Todd is probably the only unpaid member of our team that spends as much time on this kind of stuff as we do. We’d be happy to come back in a few months and report on some of the progress because things are starting to move quickly. Responding to Mayor Christiansen Tom Kramedas is excited about the post office project and hopefully that is the beginning and hope to do some more. Mayor, Mr. Hugg, and Mr. Anderson, thank you.

Economic Development Meeting of November 14, 2023 PAGE 3 ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Christiansen stated that the Home for the Holidays Celebration will be in front of City Hall at 5:00pm on the 30th of November assisted by the great folks of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. Cristal Brenneman, city staff, Mayor Christiansen and others have put this together. Once again this will showcase downtown. And my daughter is coordinating our Dashing Through Dover (Electric Light) Parade on the 16ht of December at 6:00pm so it’s going to be a great event. And I want to say one last thing before I announce the next meeting: I have those little buttons that say, “I believe in Dover” and judging by the folks and projects that we have coming along I know that you all believe in Dover too. Tina Bradbury added that December 9, the Dover Police Department, Habitat for Humanity, Neighborgood Partners/Restoring Central Dover are hosting the Hometown Holidays on Legislative Mall from 12:00pm – 4:00pm. NEXT MEETING DATE January 9, 2024, at 4:00pm ADJOURNMENT Mayor Robin R. Christiansen made a motion to adjourn the meeting and has been moved and seconded by Diane Laird. Mayor Christiansen called the meeting adjourned at 5:00pm. Exhibits Exhibit #1 – Old Post Presentation (Mike Glick, President of Lighthouse Construction, Inc.) Exhibit #2 – DDP Presentation – Downtown Dover Master Plan Implementation (Diane Laird, Downtown Dover Development Director

EXHIBIT #1 THE OLD POST An Adaptive Reuse Mixed Use Development 55 E. Loockerman St | Dover, De

EXHIBIT #1 TEAM ORGANIZATION THE OLD POST THE OLD POST Development Team Axia Hotel Group F.A.D. Management Lighthouse Construction, Inc. Thomas Kramedas Francis DiMondi G. Michael Glick President President President TEAM ORGANIZATION 2

EXHIBIT #1 THE LOCAL INVESTMENT OLD POST TEAM ORGANIZATION 3

EXHIBIT #1 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT THE OLD POST (2) 2,500 SF RETAIL UNITS 30 APARTMENT UNITS 2,000 SF BUSINESS Intersection Loockerman St & Legislative Ave PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 4

EXHIBIT #1 THE Loft Apartments OLD POST Retail Parking Common Loft Apartments Space Retail Courtyard LEVEL 1 LEVEL 3 Loft Apartments Loft Apartments Office Space Balconies LEVEL 2 LEVEL 4 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 5

EXHIBIT #1 THE OLD POST PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 6

EXHIBIT #1 THE OLD POST PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 7

EXHIBIT #1 THE OLD POST PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 8

EXHIBIT #2 City of Dover Economic Development Committee Meeting: Downtown Dover Master Plan Implementation 11-14-23 Diane Laird, DDP Executive Director Ken Anderson, DDP Property Development Director David S. Hugg, III, Dover City Manager

EXHIBIT #2 Transforming Downtown Dover Capital City 2030 DOVER, KENT COUNTY, DELAWARE • Critical Improvements Program • New Businesses • Engaging the Community • Downtown Dover Pathways • Site Readiness & Redevelopment • City of Dover

EXHIBIT #2 Critical Improvements Program • Critical Improvements Program • Coney Island Hot Dog • 215, 221, 225 W. Loockerman • Rail Haus • Funds allocated $1.15M • Leverage: $1 : $5 • Application to relaunch

EXHIBIT #2 Coney Island Hot Dog Doug Ferris, Property Owner

EXHIBIT #2 Multiple properties: 215, 221, 225 W. Loockerman St. Kim Adams, Property Owner • Gingo Xpress grab ‘n go grocery • Eat-in restaurant with new commercial kitchen • Multiple market-rate residential apartments • Expanded offices of Mountain Consulting

Rail Haus EXHIBIT #2 Donny Legans, Co-Owner of Delaware’s first year ‘round beer garden

EXHIBIT #2 Other new businesses… • Key to Life Juice Bar • Uncle Paulie’s Discount

EXHIBIT #2 Other new businesses… • The Hive on Loockerman LLC • Stone Rail Market • The Wedding Boutique (expanded space)

EXHIBIT #2 Engaging the community… www.DowntownDoverPartnership.com

Downtown Dover Pathways EXHIBIT #2 Marilyn Smith, Executive Director Dover Kent MPO Supporting bike travel through a grant from Dover Kent MPO!

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EXHIBIT #2 • Conduct additional focus groups with specific stakeholders • Gather additional data from Public Engagement mapping tool • Develop and analyze alternatives • Public Workshop #2 • Develop final recommendations

EXHIBIT #2 Site Readiness & Redevelopment Ken Anderson DDP Property Development Director • Site-readiness initiatives • Update 120 S. Governor’s Ave redevelopment • MOU to Letter of Agreement • Multi-modal transportation hub

120 S. Governor’s Avenue concept EXHIBIT #2

EXHIBIT #2 But first… Dave Hugg, III City Manager Application for rezoning to C2 submitted • Three workshops held • December first reading • Target completion: February 2024 Request to extend DDD Boundary by 14 acres submitted to OSPC. • Meeting to review held with OSPC/DSHA • Scheduled for consideration by Cabinet Committee: January Utility easement for drainage and agreement for parking being drafted.

EXHIBIT #2 East End Gateway to the Business District… Dave Hugg, III City Manager • “Old Post” Agreement of sale pending signature (completed negotiations).

Dover Economic Development 10.15.24 WWW.CHOOSECENTRALDELAWARE.COM

Milestones & Accomplishments 50 LOCATED 1,912 NEW $407M+ 43% 57% PROJECTS JOBS CAPITAL BUSINESS BUSINESS INVESTMENT ATTRACTION EXPANSION 2

FFI Ionix • 25 Jobs • $15 Million Investment • First Graduated Lab Space Grant 1 Recipient in Kent County

Frito Lay • Secured TIIF Funding • 25 Jobs • $10M 1 Investment • Distribution Center

Business Retention 1 & Expansion

BRE Milestones & Accomplishments 6,018 1,074 NEW RETAINED JOBS JOBS 6

1 Site Readiness

Site Readiness Milestones & Accomplishments 11 KC Projects Supported $8.995M+ In Award Funding $100M+ in Projected Investment 780+ Acres to be Developed/ Redeveloped 8

Central Enterprise Business Campus 1

Dover Industrial LLC 1

MCI Bayside Drive LLC 1

Dover Logistics 1

Industrial Inventory 703,578+/- existing sf available Current Inventory 712.61 +/- acres of land available 1 10,382,500 sf of space Project Inquiries 1,846 acres *Current Inventory numbers are based on available sites on choosecentraldelaware.com *Project Inquiries are total space requested from project inquiries since 2022

Industrial Market Existing inventory is Developers prefer not Limited industrial outdated, and new to construct without a inventory inventory is going fast secured tenant in place 1 Companies prefer to Unless Shovel Ready- Building on spec is buy- Developers or building is a timely viewed as too risky owners prefer to lease process

Garrison Oak Business Park Agreement • Multiple lots to begin construction soon of Sale • Possible Large Cold Storage Coming Soon Cold Agreement of Sale • ZERO lots remaining Storage TBD Under Contract 100k SF Warehouse 1 TBD

Garrison Oak Business Park Company Jobs Capital Investment Square Footage Located Projects Byler’s 25 $30,000,000 200,000 Cold Storage 200 $25,500,000 165,000 Warehouse Suites 50 $11,250,000 75,000 Recycling Fleet 20 $4,000,000 10,000 Located Total 320 $70,750,000 450,000 1 Projections Lot 1- SOLD 110 $24,000,000 160,000 Lot 3- Contract 125 $28,000,000 180,000 Lot 4- Agreement of Sale 135 $30,000,000 170,000 Lot 5- Agreement of Sale 100 $22,500,000 150,000 Lot 6- Agreement of Sale 100 $22,500,00 150,000 Lot 9- Contract 50 $12,000,000 80,000 Projections Total 620 $139,000,000 890,000 Total Potential 940 $209,750,000 1,340,000

KEP Active Projects 25 ACTIVE 650 NEW JOBS $405M+ CAPITAL 42% BUSINESS 58% BUSINESS PROJECTS INVESTMENT ATTRACTION EXPANSION 17

1 Thank you!!

1 Questions?

Economic Development Committee City of Dover October 15, 2024 Marilyn J. Smith – Executive Director

INNOVATIONS 2050 2024 Dover Kent MPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan PLAN DEVELOPMENT PHASE: Final Draft MTP Review Phase INITIAL INPUT PHASE: ❑ Growth Forecast (JUN) ❑ Public Engagement ❑ Project Prioritization (JUN/JLY) Public Review & Comment ❑ Municipal Partners ❑ Travel Demand Modeling (JLY) ❑ County Partners ❑ Air Quality Conformity (AUG) PAC Review Process ❑ State Agency Partners ❑ Prepare Draft Plan (JUN-AUG) ❑ Priorities & Cost Estimates (AUG) TAC Review Process MPO Council Review JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JLY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN 2050 MTP Planning Public Workshop Draft 2050 MTP- Sept 1st MPO Council Process Initiated (May 30th ) Adoption of (JAN 2024) 2050 MTP Public Workshop (JAN 2025) (mid September)

New Projects – FY25 Continuing Projects – FY24 • South Central Kent County • Dover Municipal Freight Plan Circulation & Sufficiency (DelDOT) (DelDOT) • Dover SR9 / Rt 1 (DelDOT) • East/West Freight Routes Phase 2 • Kent County Comprehensive Safety (KEP) Action Plan (MPO) • Statewide Rail Plan Update • DAFB Compatible Use Study (DelDOT) Implementation (DelDOT) All these planning projects have an economic development impact

FY26 Project Development • Municipalities and partners submit planning project ideas and study requests for consideration in the FY26 UPWP • MPO partners typically contribute 10-20% to any selected transportation study contract, specifically negotiated at the time a project is selected for inclusion in the FY26 UPWP • Project solicitation will begin in December through mid-January • MPO evaluates and prioritizes all submitted requests, with attention toward supporting the goals and objectives articulated in our long-range plan • MPO is your transportation planning partner

Transportation Planning Supports Economic Development • Reliable transportation allows people and businesses to access resources more efficiently • A well-connected transportation network allows businesses to expand their market reach and reduce the cost of transporting goods • A sound transportation system allows people to access jobs, education, health care, and social connections • Interregional transportation infrastructure can determine where cities grow and emerge • Transit-oriented development (TOD) can help create walkable communities by bringing transportation, housing, employment, and entertainment options close together • Land use decisions matter • Development Advisory Committee (DAC) and Planning Commission - consider MPO recommendations

Placemaking through Transportation and Land Use • Creating, developing, or enhancing public spaces to make them more inviting and engaging • Land use and transportation are inextricably linked • Better integrate transportation into the public realm – user experience

MPO Virtual Reality Experience • FHWA State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) Incentive Program Award • Leverage virtual reality technology • Three modules: ➢ A simulated safety problem (i.e. someone crossing the street, riding a bike, navigating a roundabout); reflect mistakes, ask questions, the result will be positive or negative ➢ The “Think Like A Planner” game, where students can build their own roads and streetscapes ➢ The MPO’s “Money Game” where folks can prioritize transportation issues in a fun way; this module will specifically support development of the MPO’s upcoming MTP

Questions??? Connect with Us - #doverkentmpo

South Central Kent County Circulation & Sufficiency • Goal of this DelDOT study is to evaluate south central Kent County roadways to identify short-term (1-5 years) and medium-term (6-10 years) recommendations for circulation improvements • Study area is roughly bounded by SR 10 to the north, SR 1 to the east, SR 14 to the south, and US 13 to the west • This is primarily a technical data-intensive review, with very limited public engagement • Rossi Group is the consultant • Anticipate completion April/May 2025

Dover SR 9 / SR 1 • DelDOT wishes to evaluate the feasibility of converting the right shoulder of southbound SR1 to an auxiliary lane • This is primarily a technical study with very limited public engagement • Significant effort will be made engaging directly with stakeholders in the study area • Kittelson is the consultant • Anticipate completion December 2024/January 2025

Kent County Comprehensive Safety Action Plan • The MPO was awarded a USDOT Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Planning Grant • Develop a Safety Action Plan that can be used by municipalities in Kent County to apply for SS4A project implementation funding • Plan will list and describe preferred safety programs, projects, strategies, and safety countermeasures to be carried out and implemented • Soliciting proposals from consultants (due August 21) • Anticipate completion June/July 2025

DAFB Compatible Use Study Implementation • Prioritize recommendations from the DAFB Compatible Use plan, plan meetings, coordinate with state and local agencies to implement those recommendations, community outreach regarding implementation, and form a monitoring committee to guide and monitor the implementation • This project is being done in-house, in coordination with DelDOT • Work has not started yet • This could become an ongoing responsibility for the MPO

Dover Municipal Freight Plan • Develop a freight plan for City of Dover that can be incorporated into the comprehensive plan • MPO is supporting this project on behalf of DelDOT • WRA is the consultant • Stakeholder meetings are complete • Developing maps, content and policy recommendations • Stakeholder workshop in September TBD • Public drop-in workshop and presentation to Dover City Council October 29

East/West Freight Routes Phase 2 • Consider widening of roads, increased speed limits, signage, truck lanes, elimination of traffic lights, bypasses, new roadway designs, capacity improvements and other suggestions and recommendations that will enhance Kent County’s travel infrastructure along the east/west freight routes • Continuation of East/West Freight Routes Phase 1 • Century Engineering is the consultant • Developing an active stakeholder group • Public workshops in individual municipalities as needed • Anticipate completion December 2024/January 2025

Statewide Rail Plan Update • Update the 2011 plan which sets forth Delaware’s freight and passenger rail transportation policy, provides a basis for federal and state rail investment • MPO is assisting the statewide effort on behalf of DelDOT • Jacobs is the consultant • Work is just getting started

Garrison Update • In the FY25-FY30 CTP - Garrison Oak Connector Road (SR 1 via White Oak Road), $1.5M in FY25 for preliminary engineering, $1.5M in FY26 for preliminary engineering o Project Description: New connector two-lane road between White Oak Road and Little Creek Road; Provide a direct access to SR 1 via a connector road to White Oak Road ➢ Phase 1 includes the design, engineering, land acquisition and construction of a connector road from Garrison Oak at White Oak Road ➢ This connection would make access from Garrison Oak more efficient and competitive for business o Project Justification: Identified in the Dover Kent 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Air Cargo Facility Study ➢ Phase 1 of this project is the City of Dover's #1 priority transportation project submitted to the Dover Kent MPO ➢ The current condition is inefficient for existing truck traffic, and potentially limits future growth of new businesses from locating to these facilities • To be eligible for TIIF (Transportation Infrastructure Investment Fund), there must be a completed TIS (Traffic Impact Study) o TIIF helps build the infrastructure that supports new or growing businesses o TIS determines transportation impacts associated with new development so that the impacts can be mitigated and system capacity can be preserved o City needs to initiate the TIS, coordinate with DelDOT to scope the study, and secure a consultant to perform the study