Mission Statement Mission S

tatement

Special T

hanks

2015 Annual ReportDeveloping the economic, cultural anD historical resources of Downtown

the Downtown Dover

partnership Drives

business anD job

opportunities,

growth of economic

anD cultural assets,

anD

Development of

commercial anD

resiDential

real estate, while

preserving the city

of Dover’s historic

qualities, consistent

with the national

main street moDel.

First FridayCarol BurnsLucy FindlayJean FrancisJeremy GibbLori LlewellynKathryn LordJenny MabusAmy MullenValla RogersSerena Pelletier-StacheckiKatrina SullivanErin ThwaitesDowntown Dover Merchants

Farmer’s MarketAmy Mullen, Volunteer ManagerNorman ChristofersonHenry CoverdaleCity of Dover Planning & InspectionsCity of Dover Public WorksCommunities and Schools of DEDE Department of AgricultureDE Division of Public HealthDDP Promotions CommitteeFarmer’s Market VendorsFood Bank of DelawareRobert GedneyHogan LeeThe Center for Mental Wellness

Home for the HolidaysGary Chaffee, Parade CoordinatorKathy ChaffeeSanta & Mrs. Claus: Rev. William & MarthaDowningCity of Dover PoliceCity of Dover Public WorksDover Interfaith Mission for Housing, Inc.STACKS Entertainment

A Capital Holiday CelebrationJennifer AllenActors AtticBayhealth Medical CenterCristal BrennemanMary BorgerCalvary Christian AcademyCentral Delaware Chamber of CommerceMayor Robin ChristiansenCity of Dover Parks & RecreationCity of Dover PoliceCity of Dover Public WorksCornerstone Church Drama MinistryDance Conservatory Ballet Theatre of DoverDelaware BalletDelaware State NewsDover High Select EnsembleDover KiwanisDover Public LibraryCouncilman William HareHeritage at DoverHoly Cross Catholic SchoolMichelle HughesMusical Theatre EnsembleThe Little School at Kids CottageThe NewshoundSt John’s Lutheran SchoolSherwanda Rachal-SpeaksRepresentative Dave WilsonGeorgeanna Windley

Safe Spooky HalloweenErin Cooper Barrett, ChairpersonPastor Damon Cinaglia, Co-ChairpersonLauren TinsleyThe Center for Mental WellnessCenterpoint ChurchFoundation for a Better TomorrowOutlook at the Duncan Center

St Patrick’s Day ParadeGary Chaffee, Parade CoordinatorKathy ChaffeeCity of Dover PoliceCity of Dover Public WorksDover Interfaith Mission for Housing, Inc.

2014 Winter Wonderland CommitteeGary ChaffeeNorman ChristofersonHenry CoverdaleCity of Dover Parks & RecreationCity of Dover Planning & InspectionsCity of Dover Public Works DepartmentJudy DiogoDover Interfaith Mission for HousingRobert GedneyMichael Harrington, Sr., Harrington ERA RealtyIMAGINE EntertainmentJames G. McGiffin, JrJoe & Tonda ParksMary Ressler, Quality BuildersJustin Strickland

Support for Multiple ActivitiesBayhealth Medical CenterCenDel FoundationCity of DoverDE Economic Development OfficeDE Technical & Community CollegeDover City CouncilDover Fire DepartmentDover Parks & RecreationDover Police DepartmentDowntown Dover BusinessesFirst State Heritage ParkGreater Kent CommitteeKent County TourismSCORESmall Business Development CenterSTACKS EntertainmentU.S. Small Business AdministrationCharlie Rodriguez, R&R RealtyUSDA Rural DevelopmentWesley College

special thanks toDover city council,

mayor robin r. christiansen,anD city manager

scott koenigfor their support of the

Downtown Dover partnership.

thanks to Diane lairD,

state coorDinator,Delaware main street,

for technical assistance proviDeD

throughout the year.

thank you state of Delaware,for Designating Dover

as a DowntownDevelopment District.

special thanksto becker morgan group.a team of professionals

that maDe many of theseaccomplishments possible.

anD to our boarD of Directors for

their vision anD commitment in

making Downtown strong anD vibrant.

partnership staffwilliam g. neaton, Director

c. eDwin perezbeverly latimer jackson

usDa rural Development has proviDeD funDing for DDp marketing anD training initiatives which

benefit business in “historic Downtown Dover.”

About the Downtown Dover PartnershipDowntown Dover Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the Downtown District.

DDP works hand in hand with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center andthe Downtown Delaware initiative to create a variety of programs that serve to improve our downtown district.

101 W Loockerman St, Suite 1A – Dover DE 19904

302.678.2940 (p) - 302.678.2132 (f) www.downtowndoverpartnership.com

The Downtown Dover

Partnership drives business

and job opportunities,

growth of economic and

cultural assets, and

development of commercial

and residential real estate,

while preserving the City of

Dover's historic qualities,

consistent with the National

Main Street model.

2014 Annual Report

About the Downtown Dover PartnershipDowntown Dover Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the Downtown District.

DDP works hand in hand with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center andthe Downtown Delaware initiative to create a variety of programs that serve to improve our downtown district.

101 W Loockerman St, Suite 1A – Dover DE 19904302.678.2940 (p) - 302.678.2132 (f) www.downtowndoverpartnership.com

Michelle HughesCouncilman William HareActors AtticWhiting Turner ConstructionGeorgeanna WindleyRepresentative David WilsonSalvation Army BandCity of Dover Police

Home for the HolidaysGary Chaffee, Parade CoordinatorSanta and Mrs. Claus: Rev. William andMartha DowningTami WilsonCathy ChaffeeThe Center for Mental WellnessThe Lions ClubDover JAYCEESDover Interfaith Mission for Housing, Inc.Steve North Georgeanna WindleyCity of Dover Police

2013 Winter Wonderland CommitteeDawne Nickerson-BanezBenhje BentonDarin DellJudy DiogoDover Interfaith Mission for Housing, Inc.Michael Harrington, Sr., HarringtonERA RealtyJoe & Tonda ParksMary Ressler, Quality Builders

First FridayJean FrancisSusan JohnstonJeremy GibbFriends of FolkLucy FindlayValla RogersJenny MabusAmy MullenTammy MillerChristy RawlinsDowntown Dover Merchants

A Capital Holiday CelebrationCity of Dover Parks & RecreationDover Public LibraryCentral Delaware Chamber of Com-merceBayhealth Medical CenterHeritage at DoverDover KiwanisDance Conservatory Ballet Theatre ofDoverThe Little School at Kids CottageDover High Select EnsembleSt John’s Lutheran SchoolHoly Cross Catholic SchoolDelaware State NewsThe NewshoundMusical Theatre EnsembleMary BorgerCristal BrennemanSherwanda RachalBecky Norton

Justin StricklandSteph Berkich-RyanKristin Coker StonesiferJames G. McGiffin. Jr.Gary ChaffeeCity of Dover Parks & RecreationCity of Dover Public Works DepartmentCity if Dover Planning & InspectionsCity of Dover Police

Support for Multiple ActivitiesAlex Vaughn Mobile EntertainmentBayhealth Medical CenterCity of DoverDE Economic Development OfficeDE Technical & Community CollegeDover City CouncilDover Fire DepartmentDover Parks & RecreationDover Police DepartmentDowntown Dover BusinessesFirst State Community Loan FundFirst State Heritage ParkFriends of FolkFriends of Old DoverGreater Kent CommitteeCenDel FoundationKent County TourismSCORESmall Business Development CenterSTACKS EntertainmentU.S. Small Business AdministrationUSDA Rural DevelopmentWesley CollegeIMAGINE Entertainment

Special Thanks to the following Individuals and Organizations who contributed time, talent and resources to make our sixth year a great success:Special thanks to the

Dover City Council,Mayor Carleton E. Carey, Sr.,

and City Manager Scott Koenig for their support of the

Downtown Dover Partnership.

Thanks to Diane Laird, State Coordinator,

Delaware Main Street,for technical assistance provided

throughout the year.

A very Special Thanks to our friends

at Becker Morgan Group.A team of professionals that define

dedication, expertise and talent.A team that made many of these

accomplishments possible.

And to our Board of Directors fortheir vision and commitment in

making downtown strong and vibrant.

Partnership StaffWilliam G. Neaton, Director

C. Edwin PerezBeverly Latimer Jackson

USDA Rural Development has providedfunding for DDP marketing and training ini-tiatives which benefit business in “HistoricDowntown Dover”.

Special Thanks to the following Individuals and Organizations who contributed time, talent and resources to make our seventh year a great success:

FY 2015 Downtown Dover Partnership Economic Impact HighlightsDollars Invested in FY 2015Façade Grants Awarded $667Total value of Façade Improvements -$3,167

1750 volunteer hours valued at $23.07/hour = $40,372.50

New Businesses Opened• Artsy Fartsy • Tiffanee & Co. • Brunch and Lunch • Uncorked Canvas Parties• Dinos & Darlings • The Sandwich Nook• Inkcredible Art Tattoos • Family Dollar• Shep’s House of Styles • The Artful Barber

A total of 10 new businesses opened during this reporting period yielding 21 FTE’s. Five (5) are minority-owned and five (5) are women-owned.

Increasing Competitiveness of Downtown BusinessesSeven workshops were held during this period – topics included small business development incentives, and marketing for small business owners. The workshops were attended by 100 current and prospective small business owners.

Business Assistance ProvidedTwo businesses were assisted with applications for business loans. Two of the applicants completed the process and received loans totaling $120,000.

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Board MembersGregory V. Moore, P.E, PresidentGerald I. H. Street, Esq. Vice PresidentTimothy Slavin, SecretaryCynthia S. Small, TreasurerCouncilman David BonarSenator Brian BushwellerCouncilman Wallace DixonAnita EvansLucy FindlayMichael Harrington, Sr.Dr. William JohnstonScott KoenigDiane LairdPaul E. LakemanMaxine LewisJoseph McDanielRepresentative Sean LynnAnn Marie TownshendMayor Robin Christiansen, Ex Officio

Design CommitteeKristin Pleasanton, ChairpersonTricia ArndtJan CrumpleyCarrie HartAnn Baker HorseySusan JohnstonKathryn LordDawn Melson-WilliamsElena StewartCindy Small

Promotions CommitteeTonda Parks, ChairpersonWanda AndersonGary ChaffeeJan CrumpleyLucy FindlayMaxine LewisCameron LlewellynLori LlewellynJenny MabusAmy MullenKatrina SullivanJT TakacsLauren TinsleyHelen WilesSarah Zimmerman

Parking & Safety CommitteeAnita Evans, ChairpersonDawne Nickerson-BanezJed HatfieldDorothy McCormickTed NutterRon PoliquinTom SmithJonathan StreetLauren Tinsley

Organization CommitteePaul E. Lakeman, Chairperson

Ou

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pport Sy

stemEconomic Development & Restructuring CommitteeGerald I. H. Street Esq., ChairpersonErin Cooper BarrettRobert BerglundCouncilman Wallace DixonGary CecchettAnthony DePrima

Michael Harrington, SrDr. William JohnstonScott KoenigPaul E. LakemanJoseph McDanielKevin MittenWilliam NeatonTed NutterCharlie RodriguezJonathan StreetErin ThwaitesAnn Marie Townshend

Merchant CommitteeCameron Llewellyn, ChairpersonAgnes AigleKim AigleSydney ArtzLynsey Augustus LarsonHassan AzharErin BarrettCarol BurnsBeth ChristiansenBrandon CohenJan CrumpleyLucy FindlaySueduka GibbsAmi LeamingTiffanee Lee-ScottMaxine LewisLori LlewellynKatherine LordJenny MabusDawne Nickerson-BanezTheresa OwensBob PatelSerena Pelletier-StacheckiBrandon PeltonPenny ReynoldsValla RogersTom SmithErin ThwaitesLauren Tinsley, Co-ChairpersonPablo VelazquezRyan WeberDiana WelchDomonique Williams

Partnership Real Estate Holdings120 S. Governors Avenue – Acme site ............................................................... $1,239,34522-24 W. Loockerman Street................................................................................... $1,853,842133-135 S. Governors Avenue .....................................................................................$248,745139-143 S. Governors Avenue .....................................................................................$295,184 222 Railroad Avenue ..........................................................................................................$56,746 238 Railroad Avenue .......................................................................................................$151,091East side of N. West Street parcel #1 ......................................................................$243,000680 & 684 Forest Street ..................................................................................................$674,267Loockerman & North Street Lots – Collegian .............................................. $1,308,563North St. Parking Lot – Leasehold Improvements .........................................$501,242

Total Buildings & Land ..........................................................................$6,572,025

Committee AccomplishmentsDesign Committee• Revised Façade Program Materials• Awarded Façade Grant• Provided Technical Assistance toProspective Façade Grant Applicants

Economic Development & Re-structuring

• Marketing of Acme Site• Identification of Potential Projects• Assisted in Promotion of DowntownDevelopment District Incentives

Organization Committee• FY ‘14 Annual Report• Officers and Committee Members

Election

Merchant Committee• Implemented OktDoverFest• Implemented History Heritage &

Hops Festival• Initiated Street Cleaning Projects• Implemented First Friday Enhance-

ments

Parking & Safety Committee• Offered Free Metered Parking during

Holidays• Surveyed Parking Usage in Lots and On-Street • Increased Handicapped Parking in Governors Avenue Lot• Maintenance of Parking Lots• Installment of New Signage• Banner Project

Promotions Committee• Capital Holiday Celebration• Winter Wonderland• Downtown Merchants Window Deco-

rating Contest• Farmer’s Market on Loockerman Way• St Patrick’s Day Parade• First Friday Gives Back Program• Shop Small Saturday• Distributed 90+ media releases and

generated significant positive press for downtown Dover

• Supported First Fridays• Supported “I Believe in Dover”

Campaign• Supported Loockerman Way “Santa

House” Project• Supported Dover Comic Con

Director’s Note...Fiscal 2015 was a great year for the Downtown Dover Partnership and Downtown Dover. On January 11, 2015, Governor Markell announced Dover’s designation as one of three Down-town Development Districts. Property owners in the designated Downtown Development District are eligible for a variety of incentives from the State, Kent County, the City of Dover, and the Downtown Dover Partnership. The most valuable of the 2015 incentives was a rebate of 20% of the construction costs from the State of Delaware for qualifying construction projects over $25,000. The County will match a portion of the State’s rebate, and the City will offer a variety of incentives relating to permit fees, impact fees, property taxes, transfer taxes, and business license fees. The Downtown Dover Partnership provides assistance with architectural fees and façade grants.

Dover’s designation as a Downtown Development District by the State of Delaware has brought increased interest in our Historic Downtown from developers. Habitat for Hu-manity and the Priscilla Block Building were selected for funding as large projects while a number of smaller projects have also been undertaken including the renovation and open-ing of the former Smithers Restaurant as the Grey Fox Grille and Public House. A number of other projects were started in FY15 as part of the Downtown Development District and we look forward to their completion.

The second season of our Downtown Dover Farmers Market brought vendors and visitors to Loockerman Way Plaza in the summer of 2014. Visitors could be found filling their shopping bags with great produce, pasta, kettle corn and other goodies while enjoying Mint Tea, cupcakes, or hand-dipped ice cream. FY15 also brought new special events coordinated by members of the Merchants’ Committee. OktDoverFest and History, Heritage & Hops attracted many visitors to downtown Dover to enjoy the festival activities while providing exposure for our downtown merchants. Funds from these events were used for downtown beautification projects.

The DDP worked with the Dover Police Department to garner support for reinstatement of the Cadet Program. This has been a welcome addition to the downtown as the cadets inter-act with visitors and merchants throughout the downtown corridor. The DDP continues to be an active partner with NCALL and a broad range of community groups to implement the Restoring Central Dover project. The plan developed as a result of the study conducted in FY14 received an implementation grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation and many projects and community activities are being planned by the different work groups.

The Downtown Dover Partnership is committed to working closely with merchants, local and state government, residents, community partners and developers to continue the progress we’ve made together in creating a beautiful, vibrant and wel-coming downtown. Sincerely, William G. Neaton, Executive Director