Dover committee seeks council backing, matching funds for downtown 9/11 memorial

A volunteer committee and first-responder representatives asked the Dover City Council to back a downtown 9/11 memorial and to consider a city matching contribution so the project can meet procurement deadlines.

Robert Carrier, identified by staff as the committee lead and former mayor, told the council the committee had identified the Mills courtyard as the preferred site and is recommending a granite monument with four panels—one for each site related to Sept. 11, 2001—and etched silhouettes honoring EMS, firefighters, police and military service members. “We wanted it to be field-trip worthy,” Carrier said, describing the design as intended for remembrance and education.

A department chief leading the design presentation described the monument materials and visible features and emphasized the timeline: the committee needs to order granite in February to allow installation and unveiling on or before Sept. 11, 2026. The presenters said the scaled-back design currently projects a fundraising target of $120,000.

City Manager (staff) told council members the committee had asked whether the city might provide a dollar-for-dollar match and said he would recommend a council resolution next week to authorize up to $60,000 in city matching funds "so that the committee has assurance that they can make commitments up to $120,000." He said city funds would come from existing downtown improvement project funds or other non-property-tax sources if used.

Committee members said donations and commitments are pledged but that cash flow for an immediate down payment could be tight; the project’s fiscal agent will be the Dover Firefighters Charities, a registered 501(c)(3). The committee said it had already secured donations from first-responder groups and local businesses and planned a QR-code and online donation portal to expand outreach.

Councilors asked whether the memorial would identify Dover residents lost on Sept. 11; presenters said they had identified four residents with connections to Dover and were contacting families to confirm whether they wished names or other recognition included. The presenters said family wishes would govern any such recognition.

Next steps: staff said they would place a resolution on next week’s meeting agenda to authorize the matching commitment so the committee can order materials in February. No formal council vote on the matching contribution took place at the workshop.

The memorial committee aims for installation and a public unveiling timed with the Sept. 11, 2026 anniversary; fundraising and final design scale will determine the finished dimensions and some inscriptions.