By Tony E. Windsor
During the Monday, Oct. 20 meeting of Mayor and Council, Marie Townsend of the ROSSI Group delivered a presentation on the proposed renewal of Laurel’s Downtown Development District designation. Townsend explained that the town hired ROSSI to update the district plan and complete the renewal application required by the state. Laurel first received its designation in August 2016.
Townsend shared that over the past nine years, the program has supported 20 projects, resulting in $752,627 in state rebates and $92,275 in local incentives. She said the private investment generated by the program totaled $4,249,602, noting that the state’s 20 percent rebate is often the key factor in making projects financially possible.
“That incentive piece is what makes projects feasible,” Townsend said. “The goal is to close the gap on projects that otherwise wouldn’t move forward. Laurel has shown that the program does exactly what the state intended.”
Townsend noted that the renewal process requires a deep look at current local conditions. Her team gathered community feedback, talked with business owners, and reviewed demographic data related to income, poverty, and housing patterns. The updated plan, she explained, reflects both the successes of the first nine years and the needs that remain.
A map displayed during the meeting showed a revised district boundary. While the Ramble and nearby parkland north of Broad Creek remain beloved community spaces, they do not qualify for financial incentives under program rules. Removing them allows the town to use the full acreage permitted by the state and direct redevelopment tools where they matter most: traditional downtown streets, vacant properties and historic structures in need of investment.
“We really focused on the areas that help maintain your community character,” Townsend said, pointing to Laurel’s historic district as a priority. Suburban-style commercial strips will not be added to the district.
Under state rules, government facilities, libraries, post offices, schools, hospitals and parking garages cannot qualify for incentives.
Townsend recommended a shift to the town’s incentive structure. Rather than a full five-year property tax abatement followed by a sharp return to normal tax bills, she proposed a phased-in schedule that starts with no taxes the first year and increases payments by 25 percent annually until reaching the full rate in year five. The change, she said, would continue attracting private investment while easing financial pressure on both property owners and the town.
A revision to impact fee reductions was also suggested. Townsend advised switching from water and wastewater fee reductions to a partial reduction in building permit fees, preserving utility funding for essential infrastructure.
The plan identifies key local projects that support state goals. The Promenade at the Ramble, a 28-unit residential development, aims to improve homeownership rates, a longtime priority outlined in Laurel’s comprehensive plan. Davelli’s Bagel Café, currently underway, was also highlighted as a small business success story. The café also has a location in Seaford.
Townsend concluded by emphasizing the economic benefits Laurel has already seen and the opportunities the renewal will support moving forward.
Town Manager Jamie Smith expressed optimism about the renewal effort, noting that downtown improvements have become increasingly visible in recent years. “Folks are seeing results. Empty buildings are being revived, and businesses are showing confidence in our town again,” Smith said after the meeting. “This renewal gives us the opportunity to continue that momentum.”
Council members listened as Townsend concluded by stressing that the renewal is not simply procedural. It is an opportunity to sharpen priorities as Laurel advances toward its next decade of downtown revitalization. The final application will be submitted to the state of Delaware later this year.
