Wilmington's Community Development and Urban Planning Committee has taken a significant step towards addressing the need for affordable housing in the city. During their meeting on February 13, 2025, the committee discussed an ordinance to rezone a portion of land at 1600 West Eighth Street from R3, designated for single-family row houses, to R5A1, which allows for low to medium density apartment houses. This change will facilitate the development of a 57-unit affordable senior housing facility, named the Vistas of St. Francis.

Gwyneth Kaminski from the Department of Land Use and Planning presented the proposal, highlighting that the rezoning aligns with the city’s comprehensive development plan. The plan supports medium density residential land use for the area, which is crucial for accommodating the proposed senior housing project. The existing site, currently occupied by an underutilized parking garage, will be repurposed to support this new development, effectively utilizing the space while addressing the community's housing needs.

The proposed R5A1 zoning will allow for a maximum building height of five stories, which is an increase from the current three-story limit under R3 zoning. However, the density will be controlled by a floor area ratio (FAR) of 2, ensuring that the development remains compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. The committee noted that this rezoning is not expected to negatively impact the area, as it provides a logical transition between the higher intensity uses of the adjacent hospital and the lower density residential areas nearby.

Support for the project has been voiced by community members, including endorsements from local organizations and residents. The city planning commission had previously approved a resolution recommending the council's approval of the rezoning, indicating a strong consensus on the necessity of this development.

As Wilmington continues to grapple with affordable housing shortages, the approval of this ordinance marks a proactive approach to enhancing living conditions for seniors in the West Side neighborhood. The next steps will involve finalizing the rezoning process, paving the way for the construction of the Vistas of St. Francis, which promises to be a vital addition to the community's housing landscape.