Neighborhood Partners housing group says ‘Meadowview” will spawn growth

Laurel officials and residents were introduced to a major housing proposal recently that its developers say will help reshape the town’s future. “Neighborhood Partners,” a nonprofit housing and community development group based in Dover, outlined its plans for “Meadowview,” a 229-home subdivision on 78 acres of land off Discount Land Road in Laurel.

Executive Director Karen Speakman, the organization’s leader, said the project builds on a long record of investment in Laurel and across Sussex County. “We believe that we’re good neighbors and good partners,” she said. “We’ve made significant real estate investments in Laurel, and we are committed to the town’s growth and success.”

Speakman pointed to the nonprofit’s track record: over 10,500 Delaware residents helped into homeownership, mostly first-time buyers, and more than $200 million in financing secured for 61 apartment complexes on the Delmarva Peninsula.

In Sussex County alone, Neighborhood Partners has invested $55 million in housing, revitalization, libraries, health centers, and charter schools. More than $7.8 million has already gone into Laurel, including its partnership with the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation on the 28-unit “Promenade” development now under construction.

The organization also serves as a community development financial institution, lending money to nonprofits and towns. Its lending partners include M&T Bank, PNC, Fulton Bank, County Bank, and the USDA Rural Development program.

The Meadowview project offers 121 single-family homes, 60 duplexes, and 48 townhouses. Civil engineer Ryan Conway of Macrona Engineering said the development is designed at less than half the density allowed by law. “We could have built over 500 units,” he explained, “but we felt it was important to respect Laurel’s small-town character.”

The design includes nearly 50 percent open space with recreational areas, walking trails, and preserved wetlands at the rear of the property. A landscape buffer with 15 to 30 feet of tree growth is planned around the residential areas.

A commercial section at the front of the property is also part of the plan, with two 10,000-square-foot buildings envisioned for up to 10 new businesses. Developers say this space would generate tax revenue for the town and provide much-needed services to residents.

Real Estate Development Director Trish Kelleher stressed that Meadowview is aimed at moderate-income families who often find themselves priced out of Sussex County’s housing market. “We see so much high-end housing going up,” she said. “Homeownership opportunities for working families just don’t exist.” Neighborhood Partners estimate single-family homes will be priced between $250,000 and $350,000, though they hope to secure subsidies to reduce costs further. The target buyers include teachers, firefighters, police officers, and service workers.

“We’re also considering a mixed-income approach,” Kelleher noted. “That’s usually the most successful way to build a lasting, stable community.” If built, the development would increase Laurel’s homeownership rate from 36 to 44 percent, a gain of eight percent.

Developers estimate the project will generate about $3 million in fees and revenue for the town, including $2.29 million in impact fees alone. With the addition of commercial property, ongoing tax revenues are also expected to rise. Supporters say the project could be a “catalyst” for commercial growth, as the new residents would provide a critical customer base for retailers and service providers. “This will tip the scales for businesses considering Laurel,” Kelleher said. The plan, they added, is unique because of its proximity to downtown Laurel and its location west of Route 13. The commercial section, combined with housing, could create a “mini town center” that strengthens the town’s economic position.

Town Manager Jamie Smith reminded officials that a project of this size faces several reviews before breaking ground. The plan must go through the state’s PLUS (Preliminary Land Use Service) process, which involves agencies such as the Department of Education and DelDOT. Because Discount Land Road is a state-maintained road, coordination with DelDOT will be necessary for any infrastructure changes.

Neighborhood Partners is also asking the town to take responsibility for maintaining Meadowview’s streets and water and sewer systems. The development will include a homeowner’s association, but officials explained that HOA fees must remain affordable for working-class families. “We’re not seeking incentives or waivers,” Kelleher said. “We’re simply asking the town to be our partner.”

Supporters of Meadowview argue the project offers broad public benefits for Laurel, including higher homeownership rates, an increase of 16 percent in the town’s number of households, new retail opportunities, and a more diverse housing stock. “This subdivision is not just about building homes,” Speakman said. “It’s about strengthening the community with thoughtful design, mixed-income opportunities, and long-term stability.”

Neighborhood Partners representatives say they want input from town officials and residents before finalizing the plan. “We really do want your recommendations,” Speakman said. “We want Meadowview to be a well-maintained asset to the town of Laurel and its homebuyers.”