The state program encourages private investment into communities for housing, business development and to "bring new life to properties that have been overlooked or underused," according to Governor Matt Meyer. Private construction projects within the designated districts can qualify for rebates, offsetting up to 20-percent of eligible capital construction costs, along with other state and local incentives.
Millsboro in Sussex County will also join the Downtown Development District program. The additions bring Delaware to the 15 Downtown Development Districts allowed under state law.
“Downtown Development Districts give communities another tool to create housing, support local businesses and bring new life to properties that have been overlooked or underused. By expanding this program to Claymont, Newport and Millsboro, we're creating vibrant hubs in the communities Delawareans already call home and giving private investment a reason to follow," said Meyer.
"We are excited and grateful to be selected as a Downtown Development District,” Newport Town Manager Wendy King said. “This is an important first step in the redevelopment of our downtown. We look forward to working with our community partners in seeing our collective dream of revitalization come to life."
“New Castle County is proud and excited to learn that Claymont has been selected for a Downtown Development District,” New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry said. “This marks the first time an unincorporated area has received this designation, recognizing that downtowns exist in a variety of settings, not just traditional towns. New Castle County has partnered with the Claymont community, including the Claymont Renaissance Development Corporation, for over 30 years to drive revitalization, and we look forward to working with the State and all our partners to encourage continued redevelopment and keep Claymont vibrant. We would like to thank Governor Meyer and Councilman Cartier for their efforts in Claymont’s growing success.”
For Millsboro, the designation could play a role in plans to redevelop the town’s downtown and expand access to the arts. Town Manager Jamie Burk pointed to the 1930s-era Millstone Theater as a key project.
"This designation provides the catalyst needed for downtown Millsboro to become a regional destination, supporting local businesses and creating housing opportunities through mixed-use development. We have already engaged developers eager to submit concept plans," said Burk.
The program was created in 2014 to encourage private capital investment, job growth, stronger commercial districts, expanded housing opportunities and downtown revitalization. According to the governor's office, 495 residential, commercial and mixed-use projects have been completed through the program. The state said $47.4 million in state investment has helped leverage about $693 million in private investment.
Millsboro, Claymont and Newport join existing Downtown Development Districts in Clayton, Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown, Harrington, Laurel, Middletown, Milford, New Castle, Seaford, Smyrna and Wilmington.