Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell and state legislators today expressed support for job creation and economic development efforts at the site of the former General Motors manufacturing facility near Wilmington following the announcement that CBRE Group, a global commercial real estate services firm, will begin soliciting bids for the redevelopment of the Boxwood Road facility on behalf of their client, Wanxiang America. The project aims to maximize the value of the site for future economic development opportunities.

In announcing the plans, CBRE noted that the site had a number of features which would make it attractive to a future buyer, including its proximity to major East Coast cities, access to major networks of road, rail, sea, and air transportation, Delaware’s high quality workforce and public education system, and the state’s responsive government.

“I will never forget walking into the Boxwood Road facility just hours after the workers there got the news from GM that the plant would close down,” said Governor Markell. “I look forward to this redevelopment project, and hope it will ensure a brighter future for the site.”

“Like so many in my district, I fondly remember the glory days of the Boxwood Plant and I’ll be sad to see it torn down,” said Senator Patricia Blevins (D-Elsmere). “Its closure was tough for Delaware because of the job losses that came with it and because it represented a significant shift in the American economy. That shift continues with the acquisition of the facility and corresponding plans to redevelop it, which I’m confident will lead to extraordinary new job opportunities that simply don’t exist there today. Like with the STAR Campus in Newark, tech-focused redevelopment plans have the opportunity to propel our state forward and make us a regional leader in the 21st Century economy.”

“While we ideally would have loved to see vehicles rolling off the assembly line again, this is great news and an indication that we are on the path to having a facility employing Delaware workers on that site once again,” said Rep. Larry Mitchell, whose district includes the former Boxwood plant. “I am looking forward to more positive developments and seeing a new business rise from the ground.”

Governor Markell designates new districts in Smyrna, Milford, Harrington, Georgetown and Laurel

• Governor Markell made the expansion announcement during an event on Wednesday in Downtown Smyrna
• Since last year, $14 million in Downtown Development Districts grant funding has leveraged more than $200 million of private investment in Wilmington, Dover and Seaford.
• Smyrna Mayor: DDD designation will “ignite even more progress.”
• Funding round for large projects is scheduled to begin in early September
• Lawmakers unanimously approved the DDD program in 2014

Smyrna, DE – Governor Jack Markell on Wednesday announced a statewide expansion of Delaware’s Downtown Development Districts program, significantly building on the state’s efforts to redevelop Delaware’s commercial business districts and drive private investment in towns and cities.

Governor Markell officially designated five new Downtown Development Districts – in Smyrna, Harrington, Milford, Georgetown and Laurel. Investors who make qualified improvements to residential, commercial, or industrial properties in those districts now may qualify for state and local development incentives, including 20 percent state grant rebates.

“The Downtown Development Districts program already is driving major investment in our cities, from Market Street in Wilmington to the banks of the Nanticoke River in Seaford,” said Governor Jack Markell. “More Delawareans than ever want to live and work in walkable, urban areas. This expansion will help meet that demand by encouraging private development of downtown areas statewide.”

Since early 2015, the Downtown Development Districts program has helped finance major new private development in the original districts in Wilmington, Dover and Seaford, with $14 million in state grant funding leveraging more than $200 million of private investment. Governor Markell made the expansion announcement in downtown Smyrna on Wednesday morning, joined by local officials representing the new districts.

Quotes from new DDD representatives

“We are excited about the transformation that will occur in the next few years in Downtown Smyrna. Smyrna has been working hard to grow our Downtown, and the Downtown Development District designation will help ignite even more progress and at a quicker pace,” said Smyrna Mayor Joanne Masten. “The grant program will open doors for our wide range of developers and business owners with opportunities to further strengthen our town. We’re grateful that Governor Markell has made this initiative available to so many wonderful downtowns in Delaware.”

“We are extremely excited about our selection as a Delaware Development District partner with the State of Delaware,” said Milford Mayor Bryan Shupe. “The Downtown Development District application process has been a great experience for the City of Milford. It has allowed us to explore and evaluate the public and private, commercial, and residential assets within the downtown district.

“Determining an overall economic development strategy that encourages private investment from existing businesses and home owners as well as prospective investors, the City of Milford has created a series of incentives that rewards individuals and businesses that enhance the quality of living within the district,” Shupe said. “The benefits created by the State of Delaware DDD program, including the potential for grants up to 20 percent of hard costs for private investments, will create a vibrant economic environment where public-private partnerships can create jobs and further economic opportunities in downtown Milford.”

“Harrington is very honored to accept the Governor’s Downtown Development District Designation and I feel this is exactly what Harrington needs to jumpstart its Downtown Revitalization,” said Harrington Mayor Anthony R. Moyer. “The City recently adopted a Downtown Development District Plan with input from the community, various organizations, downtown businesses and a Downtown Task Force with support from the City Council and Planning Commission. The Plan would not have been possible without the Neighborhood Building Blocks Grant Fund.

“A special thanks to our City Manager, Teresa Tieman, and her staff, as well as Debbie Pfeil and Lauren Good of KCI Technologies, Inc. for leading the efforts with these initiatives and the very competitive designation application,” Moyer said. “The City recently approved five District specific incentives and ten other citywide incentives, created several development resources, and ensured infrastructure was in place. With this designation, our Downtown is certain to prosper, maintain its character, and be the center of our community.”

“The Town Council and I are committed to the revitalization of our downtown and firmly believe this designation, combined with significant local incentives, will help kick start both residential and commercial investment within our main commercial district,” said Georgetown Mayor Bill West. “Initial efforts will be to complete our implementation plan, communicate the designation to all properties within the district boundaries, and invite new and existing projects to take advantage of this opportunity. We appreciate the continued support from both the Office of the Governor and the Delaware Legislature for this worthwhile program. We look forward to the positive impact of this designation on the Town of Georgetown.”

“The development district designation will give Laurel a very important new tool to stir new development along broad creek to support eco tourism, establish new businesses and revitalize homes in our historic area,” said Laurel Mayor John Shwed.

DDD Background

The DDD program, administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority, was created by legislation proposed by Governor Markell and passed unanimously in May 2014 by the General Assembly. In January 2015, Governor Markell designated the downtown areas of Seaford, Dover and Wilmington as Delaware’s first three Downtown Development Districts.

To incentivize development, applicants receiving DDD grants are eligible for up to 20 percent of their construction costs in the form of a rebate. Grants are awarded only when projects are complete. Local incentives also are available for qualifying projects.

In Laurel, for example, local incentives include property tax relief and coordinated cross-agency efforts to help investors build homes, promote homeownership and rehabilitate vacant properties. Smyrna is offering business consulting services, discounted utility charges and assistance from a Revolving Loan Fund for Downtown Development District investors.

Downtown Development District Incentives

In early September, the Delaware State Housing Authority will launch a new funding round for large projects in each of Delaware’s Downtown Development Districts. Nearly $8 million in funding will be available for projects statewide. Applications to fund small projects – defined as investments of less than $250,000 in a designed downtown district – are accepted on a rolling basis.

“We’re thrilled to work with homeowners, developers, and small business owners to drive investment in all of the newly-designated districts,” said Anas Ben Addi, Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority. “This program is working, and we’ve seen the proof in Wilmington, Dover and Seaford. We look forward to even more progress statewide.”

Governor Markell announced in March that the DDD program would expand through new district designations. Delaware’s Office of State Planning Coordination led the process to review the applications and designate the new districts. Applications were scored based on the town or city’s need for Downtown Development District incentives, the jurisdiction’s downtown revitalization plan, and the creativity of its incentive package.

“All of Delaware’s towns and cities are unique, and I am so pleased that we were able to expand this program to the five diverse communities being recognized today: Laurel, Harrington, Smyrna, Milford and Georgetown,” said State Planning Director Constance Holland. “The best part of this program is that it supports such a wide range of redevelopment activities so each town can thrive. This program demonstrates that the state supports all of our local governments and their visions of economically vibrant, healthy, and complete communities.”

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights the success of Delaware’s Downtown Development District grant program in driving significant private investment in the state’s urban centers.

We create opportunity for all Delawareans and improve quality of life when we invest in our downtowns. Individuals and businesses are increasingly attracted to work and live near urban centers, which play a crucial role in the economic and cultural life of our state,” Gov. Markell said. “Through leadership at the state and local level and the commitment of our private-sector and non-profit partners, Delaware’s downtowns will continue to serve as catalysts of economic development that will strengthen neighborhoods, improve the quality of life, and continue our state’s recent record of having the best job growth in the region. 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/j-5BMXtjKK8
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
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Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Growing Our Economy by Improving Quality of Life and Supporting Tourism

Governor Markell announces state will accept new applications to grow initiative after successful start in Wilmington, Dover, and Seaford

• Delaware’s Office of State Planning Coordination will administer the application process.
• Applications from local governments interested in being designated as a Downtown Development District are due to the OSPC on or before June 1, 2016.
• Application materials are available at stateplanning.delaware.gov.
• To date, $9.7 million in program grants is leveraging more than $160 million in private investment in downtown districts in Dover, Seaford and Wilmington

Wilmington, DE – Building on efforts to revitalize downtown areas statewide, Governor Jack Markell announced on Wednesday that the state will accept new applications from local governments interested in being designated as Downtown Development Districts.

Residential, commercial and industrial development in designated districts may qualify for a menu of local and state incentives, including grant rebates to offset the cost of private investment.

Governor Markell made the announcement Wednesday morning in Wilmington at the 2016 Downtown Delaware “Revitalize!” Conference.

“Delaware’s downtowns are drivers of economic growth and prosperity, and this program has proven that a small amount of state support can catalyze major private investment to energize these key areas,” said Governor Markell. “We look forward to building on the program’s success, and supporting more investment.”

The DDD program, initially proposed by the Governor in his 2014 State of the State address, was created by legislation passed unanimously by the General Assembly that spring.

In January 2015, Governor Markell selected areas of Dover, Seaford and Wilmington as Delaware’s first Downtown Development Districts. Wednesday’s announcement will allow cities to once again apply for the designation.

DDD Projects Underway

So far, $9.7 million in grant funding is leveraging more than $160 million of private investment in the current districts.

Projects include a 355-space public parking garage at 9th and Shipley Streets, which will make it easier for Delawareans to drive downtown, watch a concert, or have dinner at one of Wilmington’s restaurants. Above the garage, more than 200 apartments are planned with 12,000 square feet in ground-floor retail space.

Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity is building homes on vacant lots on New Street and Kirkwood Street in downtown Dover, investments that are helping revitalize the community through homeownership.

In Seaford, grants are helping support the construction of quality apartment buildings on the Nanticoke River, with boat docks outside. The apartments will help attract more people to live and work in Seaford, a city that is critically important to the economy in western Sussex County.

The Delaware State Housing Authority administers the program.

“We know the DDD program is working to encourage investment in Delaware’s downtowns,” said Anas Ben Addi, Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority. “As we expand the program, we expect even more progress statewide.”

Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen said the designation of downtown Dover as a Downtown Development District is helping the city revitalize its neighborhoods.

“The Downtown Development Districts program has helped people to realize the investment opportunities we have in downtown Dover,” said Mayor Christiansen. “We are currently in the early stages, but this will ultimately make a significant improvement to downtown in both business and residential neighborhoods.”

The Downtown Development Districts Act of 2014 assigns the Office of State Planning Coordination with the responsibility to administer the application process for new Downtown Development Districts. The 2016 Application Form and Guidelines will be available on the OSPC website after noon today, March 16, 2016.

Applications will be reviewed based on the need for the Downtown Development District and its potential positive impacts; the quality of the district plan; and the quality of local incentives. Local governments interested in being designated as a Downtown Development District must submit their applications to the OSPC on or before June 1, 2016.

“I am extremely enthusiastic about this program,” said Constance Holland, State Planning Director at the Office of State Planning Coordination. “I sincerely believe that the Downtown Development District program is the backbone for the revitalization of downtowns throughout Delaware.”

The OSPC and its planners will serve as a resource for any government interested in applying to become a designated Downtown Development District. OSPC planners can provide information about the application form, data from the Census, assistance with mapping, or general advice about the program.

Local governments are encouraged to contact the OSPC early in the process of preparing an application to ensure that a complete application is submitted by June 1.

“The fact that the Governor and legislators recognize how important historic downtowns are to the people of Delaware gives local governments a lot of encouragement,” said Sam Cooper, Mayor of Rehoboth Beach and president of the Delaware League of Local Governments. “This state funding leverages significant private funds to make things happen in our downtowns. Bringing activity back downtown increases vitality, creates jobs and builds community pride – strengthening a whole community.”

Newark, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell recognizes the significant economic progress we’ve made in the six years since the Delaware City Refinery closed its doors.

“Today, the Delaware city up and running more efficiently, cleanly, and safely than ever, and we should pause and take note of what that says about the spirit and fortitude of our people,” said Governor Markell. “Our work is far from done, but six years after the refinery shuttered, it represents the ability of our people to 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/JF-9RdsFKBA
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Delaware City Refinery: Six Years Later