Dover, state officials mark 10th anniversary of downtown investment legislation

"The Downtown Development Districts Act has spurred investments and renovations in communities across the First State over the past ten years," said  Gov.  John Carney. "I'm proud of how this program has grown, and the impact it has had on Delaware's cities, towns, and residents. I want to thank the Delaware State Housing Authority, our municipalities, our investors, and all of our partners who have helped make this program so successful."

 As one of the first municipalities to receive DDD designation in 2015, the City of Dover has leveraged the program in efforts to turn around the downtown area.  

 “As Mayor of the City of Dover, I am thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone in recognizing the need to revitalize our town center and downtown—not only here in Dover but across the state of Delaware,” said Robin Christiansen. “This progress would not have been possible without the foresight of Governor Jack Markell and the unwavering support of Governor John Carney, along with our dedicated State Legislatures. Together, they have truly sparked a transformative effort in Downtown Dover.”

 Completed projects have produced  76 new rental residential units, 53 single-family homes for homeownership programs, and five retail businesses. These projects were funded with over $18.8 million in private investment, resulting in $2 million in state rebates to qualified investors. The city's DDD designation has been renewed for an additional 5 years. 

Rail Haus was selected for this event because it is a prime example of successful revitalization within the Downtown Development District. The establishment serves as a  social hub.

Rail Haus a beer garden,  received a DDD rebate of $311,601 this year, which underscores the program's role in supporting significant investments that enhance the community and drive economic growth.

Under the program qualified investors —including small business owners, developers, and homeowners — with eligible planned or completed property investments in one of the 12 districts receive a 20% rebate on exterior, interior, and structural improvements. 

For example, an investor making $45,000 worth of qualifying investments in a district would be entitled to a DDD grant of up to $4,000. Property investments can include new construction, renovation, adaptive reuse of vacant buildings, and preserving significant historical structures.

 Local city and town managers in the 12 districts also receive training from DDD partners like DSHA, OSPC, and the Division of Small Business, as well as online resources, marketing material, and coaching to support their  revitalization efforts.

 The 12 DDD Districts are Dover, Wilmington, Seaford, Georgetown, Harrington, Laurel, Milford, Smyrna, City of New Castle, Clayton, Delaware City, and Middletown. Dover and Seaford were the other two municipalities that received a designation in 2015. 

  Funding for the DDD Rebate Program is limited. Large project reservation applications, which are projects that cost more than $350,000, are due to DSHA by 4  p.m. on February 26.Small project reservation applications, which cost between $25,000 and $350,000, are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability.  

More information on the DDD Rebate program is available at  https://www.destatehousing.com/build/ddd-program/.