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New Castle County committee backs Claymont nomination for state downtown development district
Summary
The Finance Committee advanced Resolution 26-119 on June 9 to nominate Claymont — an unincorporated area — for the state’s Downtown Development District program, a first for an unincorporated community in New Castle County. Supporters said the designation could unlock redevelopment incentives, including a 20% capital-cost rebate for investors.
The New Castle County Administrative Finance Committee on June 9 voted to advance Resolution 26-119 authorizing the county to submit Claymont for designation as a Downtown Development District to the Delaware Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues. The measure must move through state review and depends on the governor opening the application cycle.
Brett Sadler, executive director of the Claymont Renaissance Development Corporation, told the committee he has lobbied state lawmakers since the program began in 2014 and welcomed the chance to include an unincorporated area. "There's other local incentives ... basically, it comes down to a 20% of your capital costs rebate for investors in designated communities," Sadler said, describing the rebate as a potential project-accelerator for redevelopment.
Council members framed the nomination as a continuation of long-term revitalization work in Claymont. "You are the one constant advocate for Claymont and revitalization, and I am super excited to support this," said Councilwoman George, who urged backing for the nomination. Other members described the designation as a tool to spur mixed-use and mixed-income residential investment along Philadelphia Pike and noted the county’s public–private partnership with the Claymont Renaissance Development Corporation.
Committee members also discussed related, emerging legislative ideas at the state level, including a potential corridor revitalization district that could apply to Route 9 and offer similar incentives spread over a larger area. Committee chair Councilman John Cartier said the county will submit the application and that the final outcome depends on state approvals and the governor’s opening of the program to new applications.
Next steps: The county will submit the application required by the state program and await review by the Delaware Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues and any additional state-level approvals.
