This press release is from the City of Wilmington Office of Mayor James M. Baker

Mayor Baker Says City to Convey Land at 22nd and Lamotte Streets to Support Greater Brandywine Village Revitalization Efforts with DCH and Habitat for Humanity

Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker today announced another in a series of projects to stabilize and strengthen City neighborhoods. This time, according to the Mayor, the City’s focus is on the Northeast community of Prices Run in the area of 22nd and Lamotte Streets where a new townhouse project and green space program will replace long-time vacant and abandoned properties.

Mayor Baker was joined today by 3rd District City Council Member Stephanie T. Bolden and Council Housing Committee Chair Charles ‘Bud’ Freel to announce that the City is conveying 14 properties to Greater Brandywine Village Revitalization, Inc. (GBVR). GBVR will in turn work with Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County and the Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) to construct townhouses and a green space program where vacant and abandoned properties have stood for years.

Renderings of the new townhouse project and green space program were presented at the news conference. The news conference ended with the demolition of the remaining four properties on which the green space program will be located. The green space is currently being designed by the community in conjunction with DCH.

“We are on a very encouraging pace throughout Wilmington with the continual development and completion of new residential housing projects and open spaces,” said Mayor Baker. “We are creating attractive and affordable home ownership opportunities while stabilizing whole communities that have the will to work together to help their area prosper. This announcement today is possible because the community, bolstered by the efforts of the City, Greater Brandywine, Habitat, DCH and the people who live here, believe in the future of their neighborhood and know that others believe also.”

Today’s townhouse and green space project sits within a larger revitalization area that has been developing in stages for many years with support of the City, the GBVR and other partners.

Mayor Baker said the City’s costs associated with today’s townhouse and green space project thus far— $219,000 to acquired the properties from private owners and at Sheriff’s Sales in the past few years and $211,000 to demolish the properties—are an important investment in a new and hopeful neighborhood.

New Homeownership Project

The Habitat for Humanity project will consist of eight new townhomes that will be built to match the historic character of the neighborhood and will feature off-street parking in the rear of the properties. The new homes will feature three bedrooms and one full bathroom. The recently demolished homes had been vacant for many years, and had been frequented by those selling and using drugs.

New Green Space Project

· The main green space at 22nd and Lamotte (2136-2130 Lamotte) encompasses 4 lots/parcels and encompass about 5000 sq. ft

· The smaller green space is a one lot/parcel at 2201 Carter Street, totaling approximately 1100 sq. ft

Through discussions with the community, it was determined that these green areas would provide a relaxing, green space for residents, and would serve as an important component in community revitalization. Since this is a preliminary design that has yet to receive full public comment, possible amenities include: a central paved area for gathering; a lawn activity area; picnic tables and other seating; a decorative fence; perennials, shrubs, and trees; and other decorative elements. The Delaware Center for Horticulture also reports that Phase IV of the DelDOT Streetscape Enhancement Project has received approval, which will include new sidewalks and lighting adjacent to the green areas.

Greater Brandywine Village Revitalization

The mission of the Greater Brandywine Village Revitalization is to improve the quality of life in the greater Brandywine Village area by developing and implementing a Comprehensive Master Plan for the improvement of safety, housing conditions, transportation, economic development, and historic preservation and to coordinate the effort of various civic and governmental organizations in revitalizing North Market Street and the Greater Brandywine Village area.

Delaware Center for Horticulture

The Delaware Center for Horticulture improves the quality of life in Delaware by promoting knowledge and appreciation of gardening, horticulture and conservation. Major programs focusing on the urban environment include greening initiatives, such as community gardens, public landscaping and tree programs, and education programs.

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County

To build affordable housing at no-profit through a combination of volunteer labor, 'sweat-equity' and no-interest mortgages. We act in partnership with the community as a diverse group, including individuals, partner families, faith groups, civic organizations, local schools and businesses. We reach out from Christian roots across denominational, faith, economic and racial lines to bring together people who are concerned for their neighbors. We strive to develop and empower individuals and communities through the construction of simple, decent homes. Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has been building affordable housing with low-income families since 1986. Since our inception, we have built 105 homes in areas throughout New Castle County including the City of Wilmington, Middletown, Newark, New Castle, and St. Georges. As a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we are the fifth-largest affiliate from Delaware to Maine (in terms of home construction). Through our unique approach, we help low-income families break their cycle of poverty through the stability and empowerment gained through homeownership.