Gov. Jack Markell Sunday announced he selected Seaford, Dover, and Wilmington for designation as Downtown Development Districts (DDDs).
Under the DDD program, one district was to have been designated in each county in the first year. In a video released Friday, Markell offered his thoughts on the program and the need for vibrant downtowns.
“The Downtown Development District program has generated a high level of enthusiasm and interest, and I was impressed by the overall quality of the applications submitted,” said Markell. “In addition to demonstrating significant need, each of the winning applicants submitted thoughtful plans with detailed strategies to strengthen neighborhoods, spur private investment, and improve housing opportunities for residents of all walks of life. On behalf of the state, I look forward to working in partnership with the winning applicants as they make their plans a reality.”
The DDD program was created by legislation proposed by the Markell administration and passed unanimously by the General Assembly last year. Designated Districts will be entitled to receive significant development incentives and other benefits to spur investment and community development.
According to a release nine localities applied to have a portion of their city, town, or unincorporated area designated as a DDD.
The applications were evaluated on the following: (1) need and impact; (2) the quality of the district plan submitted by the applicant; and (3) local incentives offered.
Investors making qualified real estate investments in DDDs will be entitled to receive grants of up to 20 percent of the cost of their investments. The DDD Grant program is modeled in part after a Virginia program that has proven successful in leveraging significant amounts of private investment.
Events will be held in each of the three communities this week to outline details of the program.
The program was funded last year by a $7 million allocation by the General Assembly and will be administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA). DSHA will begin accepting DDD Grant applications next week.
Progress in redeveloping downtown areas has varied, with Newark showing the most dramatic turnaround, earning a designation as one of the nation’s top main streets.
Rehoboth Beach, facing competition from Route 1, has an active downtown strategy with Milford, Middletown and Milton seeing a greater level of investment.
Wilmington has seen investment on the riverfront and in the Lower Market Street area. However, retail on the upper end of Market Street and adjacent streets has struggled in the past several years.
Wilmington has a large downtown area that extends from the Brandywine to the Christina River.
