SPECIAL MEETING

October 4, 1962

A special meeting of City Council, sitting as the LPA for Urban Development, was held on Thursday, October 4, 1962 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Hayes, Hill, Holpp, Hughes, Mowlds, Turner, Walls and Zartman.

The meeting was called for the purpose of considering the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Director of the Redevelopment Project to forward for the review and approval of HHFA Phase 1 of the Redevelopment Plan for the Dover Green-West Renewal Project.

Mayor Carroll read a prepared statement which outlined the purpose of the meeting and urging approval by the LPA of the resolution authorizing Phase 1 of the plan to be forwarded for review and approval. He emphasized that the action being considered did not bind the City of Dover in any way, nor commit the Council to carry out the project. An estimated three months would be required for review and approval of the plan by Federal officials. Following return of Phase 1 a public hearing and approval of City Council would still be required. The three month interval would not only give Councilmen a further opportunity to consider the Urban Renewal project, but would also give them an opportunity to determine what other capital improvements were desirable within the present City limits, brought about their commitments to General Foods and recently annexed territories, and to consider what alternatives were feasible to needed improvements included in the Urban Renewal Plan.

City Engineer Joseph presented an estimate of the cost of widening and reconstructing North Street from the Railroad to a point east of State Street. The estimate included land acquisition and demolition of buildings, curb and street construction, sanitary and storm sewers and water lines.

James Sweeney of the HHFA answered questions relating to the redevelopment project. He stated that his agency would not approve further extension of the planning stage of the project.

City Solicitor Buckson read the proposed resolution to the Councilman and expressed his opinion that favorable action on the matter would not be a final commitment by the Council or the City of Dover.

A letter from Edward Biter Sr. was presented by Councilman Hill and expressed opposition tot he Plan. George Cripps, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber approved the plan. Maurice Hartnett Jr., Attorney, spoke in opposition to the plan.

Mr. Mowlds, seconded by Mr. Holpp, moved that the Resolution be adopted. Messrs Holpp, Mowlds and Turner voted ‘Yes’, Messrs Hayes, Hill, Hughes, Turner and Zartman voted ‘No’.

A letter will be sent to the HHFA reporting the action of Council as the LPA which in effect terminates participation by the City of Dover in the Urban Development project of Dover Green West.

Council as the LPA adjourned at 9:45 P.M.

F. Neylan

City Clerk