Vibrant downtowns are crucial drivers of economic growth and they are central to our efforts to strengthen the quality of life. More than ever, Delawareans want to live and work in our urban cores that are close to transportation networks and entertainment and recreation opportunities, and that’s why we are investing in our downtowns through the Downtown Development District program.
Since last year, when we launched the program in Wilmington, Dover and Seaford, $14 million in grants through the Delaware State Housing Authority has leveraged more than $290 million in private investment. That’s helping Wilmington small businesses like Sterling Grille perform needed renovations, and funding residential construction in downtown Dover. Just this week, in Seaford, I observed progress at the Residences at River Place, where construction is underway for apartments on the Nanticoke River. That development will anchor future growth downtown.
Now we want to build on that success. This past summer we designated five new Downtown Development Districts across the state – in Smyrna, Milford, Harrington, Laurel and Georgetown. Local officials in each of these towns developed detailed plans for developing their downtowns, and this designation will help boost new private investment. That includes Milford’s new Downtown Development District, which focuses on the City’s historic central business district along the Mispillion River. In Georgetown, it will encourage new investments around The Circle. And Smyrna’s district will help sustain its impressive growth, with new development centered on the town’s downtown historic district. Residential, commercial and industrial projects in our downtown districts may qualify for local and state development incentives, and I encourage you to visit http://www.stateplanning.delaware.gov/ddd/ for more information. Through this innovative program we will continue to drive investment in our downtown areas, create jobs, and build sustainable urban communities. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.