NEWARK – Filling in as a guest host for the Governor’s weekly message, Delaware State Housing Authority Director Anas Ben Addi discusses economic development projects underway through the state’s Downtown Development District program.

“With urban areas across the country growing rapidly, we must ensure our cities are attractive places to live, work, and visit – to raise a family and to start and expand a business,” said Ben Addi. “By bringing more projects like these to Delaware, we can unleash the untapped potential of our cities at a time when more people are seeking dynamic and exciting urban environments. And that, will keep Delaware moving forward.”
Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/BH62jdYjI1g
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Unleashing the Untapped Potential of Our Downtowns

Healthy and vibrant downtowns are critical components of Delaware’s economic well-being and quality of life. With urban areas across the country growing rapidly, we must ensure our cities are attractive places to live, work, and visit – to raise a family and to start and expand a business. It’s why we started the Downtown Development District program, designed to spur private investments that renovate old properties, build new ones, and revitalize neighborhoods.

Funding approved by the General Assembly has allowed us to provide $5.6 million in grants for projects in our first downtown districts in Wilmington, Dover, and Seaford. Those grants have leveraged an additional $114 million in private investment to refurbish buildings that house small businesses, create green space and build new housing. And we ensure the goals of each individual project contribute to our larger goal to promote thriving local communities and strong economies. In Seaford, we broke ground this past week on the Residences at River Place, a project that will create homes for more than 70 Delaware families and stimulate job growth.

Recently we also celebrated the completion of two home renovation projects in Dover. And the State Housing Authority has announced a second round of funding for Downtown Development Districts: that’s $8 million in grants for investments in rehabilitation, along with expansion or new construction of commercial, industrial, residential and mixed-use buildings. By bringing more projects like these to Delaware, we can unleash the untapped potential of our cities at a time when more people are seeking dynamic and exciting urban environments. And that, will keep Delaware moving forward.

DOVER, DE – With the passing of former State Representative Charles P. West on October 7, 2015, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning immediately, as a mark of respect for Representative West and his service to Delaware. Representative West served in the Delaware House from 1956-1958 and 1978-2002, representing the Gumboro and Millsboro areas. During his time in the legislature, he championed education issues and helped establish the Sussex County Veterans Cemetery. Representative West also served his country and community as a World War II veteran in the U.S. Army and founding member of the Gumboro Volunteer Fire Company.

Flags are to be returned to full staff at close of business on the day of Representative West’s interment, Monday, October 12, 2015.

DOVER, DE – The Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination (OSPC) today announced the release of the draft 2015 Strategies for State Policies and Spending Update. The documents and maps have been revised to include the most current data and information from local governments and state agencies. The public is invited to review and comment on the document, and OSPC will be hosting a series of seven public workshops in October to present the draft and answer questions from the public. Visit the Strategies Update website for a list of workshop dates and locations.

(DOVER, Del.—Oct. 7, 2015)—Beginning on Oct. 14, 2015, and continuing on successive Wednesdays through Nov. 11, 2015, The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, Del., will be offering “Stories of The Old State House,” a new five-part series of history lectures exploring the true stories of events that took place in Delaware’s historic capitol building. All lectures begin at 1 p.m. and are free and open to the public. However, due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended by calling 302-744-5054. A complete schedule of lectures follows.

“Stories of The Old State House” lecture series

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015
“The Doctor Is In: A Day With Dr. Sykes.” Living-history theatrical performance by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreter Dennis Fisher portraying Dr. James Sykes, an 18th to 19th-century Dover physician and statesman who served as Delaware’s governor for a short period. As part of the program, Sykes will discuss his career and 18th century medicine.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015
“Women’s Words: The Civil War Told Through Delaware’s Female Diarists.” Living-history theatrical performance by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreters Susan Emory, Courtney Lynahan and Chris Hall which brings to life the diaries of Elizabeth Dorsey and Anna Ferris, two Delawareans with opposite sympathies during the American Civil War.

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015
“Courage and Freedom.” Program features three stories about the fight for freedom and equality that took place in The Old State House.

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015
“The Trial of William White.” Interactive living-history theatrical performance depicting the actual 1787 trial. Visitors will have an opportunity to decide if White is innocent or guilty of the charges.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015
“McLane and Washington.” Living-history theatrical performance by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreter Tom Welch exploring the relationship between Gen. George Washington and Col. Allen McLane, the Revolutionary War hero from Duck Creek (Smyrna, Del.).

Completed in 1791, The Old State House is one of the oldest capitol buildings in the United States, serving as the home of Delaware’s legislature until 1933 when the General Assembly moved to larger quarters in Legislative Hall. The venerable structure now appears as it would have in the late 1700s during the United States’ critical early years as a nation. It features a courtroom, governor’s and county offices and chambers for the state’s Senate and House of Representatives. The building is situated on Dover’s historic Green, a public area designated by William Penn in 1683 which is now a component of the First State National Monument. The Old State House is open for visitation and tours from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5054.

-End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov