PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on March 29, 2005, at 5:34 p.m. with Chairman Pitts presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Hogan, and Mr. Truitt. Mr. Anderson was absent. Mr. Carey (left at 6:08 p.m.) and Mayor Speed (arrived at 5:43 p.m., left at 6:23 p.m.) were also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Hogan moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
Discussion - Drafting of a Vacant Building Ordinance
The Downtown Dover Merchants Association requested consideration of amendments to Chapter 5 of the Dover Code with regard to vacant buildings to include the following: 1) Vacant Buildings in the Business Improvement District (BID) be subject to the same code as occupied buildings; 2) A vacant building in the BID Tax District be subject to “Vacancy Registration Fees”, similar to Wilmington’s Annual Registration and Vacant Building Fees (Wilmington Ordinance 03-019). Properties are deemed vacant if “No person or persons actually currently conducts a lawfully licensed business, or lawfully resides or lives in any part of the building” (Wilmington City, Chapter Four, City Code Section 4-27,125.0(b)(1)(F); and, 3) This ordinance would be enforced by the City of Dover Department of Planning and Inspections. Registration fees and fines could be used to fund additional inspectors for enforcement and, therefore, would be virtually self supporting.
During the committee meeting of March 15, 2005, staff provided members with a draft outline of a possible Vacant Building ordinance modeled on the City’s existing ordinance and several ordinances obtained from other communities (Attachment #1). However, discussion on the concept was deferred.
Ms. Diana Welch, co-owner with Helen Haughey of 115 West Loockerman Street and 233 West Loockerman Street, expressed concern about the many vacant buildings downtown. She believes that something should be done to make the current property owners of vacant buildings responsible for bringing their buildings up to code. She believes they have vacated their property and are not earnestly seeking renters. The current problem of vacant buildings is that owners do not have to meet the same code as they would if someone was occupying the space. She felt this was problematic and that these situations need to be resolved.
Ms. Helen Haughey stated that she was part of the revitalization of the Wilmington Riverfront in the 1990's, which is now a beautiful area, and they are asking that the same opportunity to be given to people in Downtown Dover. A great example of revitalization that has come about in Downtown Dover is the Schwartz Center, where the building was sold to people who cared about it and fixed it up. The same thing could be beneficial to the homeowners and businesses on Loockerman Street, if they are provided the opportunity.
Mr. Tom Smith, 214 South State Street and president of the Downtown Merchants Association, stated that there has been a great deal of effort through the City of Dover, Main Street Dover, and the Downtown Dover Development Corporation to revitalize the downtown area; however, Downtown Dover is still not vibrant or thriving. It is still an area with problems which call out for solutions. The first noticeable problem is the many vacant buildings. If this problem of vacant buildings can be solved, it will go a long way to solving the other long term problems.
Ms. Elizabeth Smith of Books on Loockerman Street stated that she does not know a lot about this problem; however, she feels that small towns everywhere are experiencing the same problems. Replying to Ms. Smith, Ms. Haughey stated that she has driven from Maryland to California, going through many small towns, and could see that the ones that were thriving were the unique stores that have done a lot of facade and road work.
Mr. Ed Perez of Main Street Dover stated that the revitalization of Dover was started over two (2) years ago. Meetings were held with many of the vacant property owners and there was not much progress. Mr. Perez added that attracting new investors is hard with all the vacant properties.
After much discussion, Mr. Galvin advised members that any ordinance considered would apply Citywide and there would be other attributes that would have to be taken into account. Mayor Speed and Mr. Galvin suggested that members get an endorsement from Council to move forward with the creation of a vacant building ordinance before the committee spends too much time defining the specifics of the ordinance. Mayor Speed also stated that the merchants present were only a small group of people, however; the proposed ordinance would have an impact on a much larger group; therefore, by getting Council’s endorsement it will be presented to the public and would give others an opportunity to provide input.
Mr. Hogan moved to recommend that the City move forward with the development of a vacant building and lot ordinance, covering residential, commercial, and industrial properties and that this process involve the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee holding public evening meetings, along with the Planning Department. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried. The committee requested Council’s concurrence that this is a project worthy of the Planning staff and committee’s further consideration.
Mr. Ruane suggested that the Planning and Inspections Department be encouraged to invite all the owners of these properties to these meetings, perhaps even by registered letter, so that it is on the record that there was public input.
Mr. Hogan moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
John W. Pitts
Chairman
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Vacant Building Ordinance Outline