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City of New Castle Press Release: Downtown Development District (DDD) Application

Date Posted: Friday, August 12th, 2016

PRESS RELEASE

City of New Castle Downtown Development District Plan

City of New Castle Downtown Development District Plan

CITY OF NEW CASTLE
August 12, 2016

On Tuesday August 2, 2016, the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues met to review Downtown Development District (DDD) applications. The City of New Castle was one of nine applications.  Despite a competitive application and strong District Plan, the City’s application was not one of the five selected for DDD designation.

The DDD is a State program, enacted by the Delaware General Assembly in 2014, to help downtowns and neighborhoods become more healthy and vibrant places.  The designated areas qualify for significant development incentives and other state benefits. Wilmington, Dover, and Seaford currently hold this designation, and per the Office of Governor Markell, $14 million in DDD grant funding has leveraged more than $200 million of private investment in these communities since last year.

As relayed by staff of the review committee, the City of New Castle had a strong plan and application but the selected communities—Smyrna, Milford, Harrington, Laurel, and Georgetown—had a greater need for the designation in terms of income, home ownership rates, abandoned or vacant buildings, etc.

The City thanks the DDD Task Force who dedicated their time and knowledge to help prepare the application and the District Plan. Their input, feedback and direction in preparing the application, as well as their efforts in reaching out to the community to participate in the on-line survey and the March Into Downtown Event were invaluable. The City also appreciates the tremendous support from the downtown establishments who promoted the survey and opened their doors for the event. Lastly, we offer a special thanks to the following establishments for their letters of support: New Castle Community Partnership, the New Castle Historical Society, New Castle Public Library, Delaware Greenways, St. Peter Apostle School, Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Penn’s Place, and 2nd Act Antiques. We believe that this effort has strengthened relationships among the various stakeholders who all share a common interest in the City’s future.

Although not selected, the District Plan remains a strong planning tool and is an integral component to the City’s comprehensive economic, housing and community development initiatives.  We will continue to monitor the State program, and will be well-positioned to resubmit should another round of designations become available.

The District Plan is currently available on the City’s website.