GOAL
– Preserve and enhance an attractive, pleasant,
people-friendly destination. These desirable
characteristics include human-scale buildings, details and
land uses, a pedestrian-orientation, clean and
well-maintained buildings and public spaces, safe and
accessible for users of all ages and abilities, easy to
navigate, and with lots of visual interest.
OBJECTIVES FOR
2008-09
1. Preserve existing people-friendly characteristics
A. Provide information to interested parties on the use of
Chapter 34 of the International Building Code for existing
structures
B. Explore existing funding available and Code
provisions for building preservation and adaptive reuse.
(1) Advertise
the availability of City and other grants and loan sources
to improve the physical appearance and visual appeal of
buildings.
C. Review all development plans submitted on a voluntary
basis by developers for construction and/or reconstruction
on properties in the downtown district against the Design
Guidelines for Downtown Newark and prepare a report to
Planning Commission and City Council regarding same.
Beyond 2009
D. Consider expansion of architectural survey boundaries to
include Main Street from McDonald’s Circle to Chapel Street,
Delaware Avenue, and Elkton Road to Apple Road.
2.Enhance people-friendly characteristics through
streetscape improvements and other design guidelines
A. Continue to supplement the recently completed design
guidelines
(1) Distribute and promote Design Guidelines for Downtown
Newark
(2) Develop some common design elements such as fences,
common mailboxes
(3) Continue to meet with developers to review projects as
requested, based on the design guidelines
B.Beautification for Downtown
(1) Research other possible artwork projects including:
a. Art forms
b. Partnering with Community and local artists.
(2) Landscaping Improvements
(3) Continue to raise funds for beautification
C. Explore historic museum/visitor center, signage and/or
kiosk options, both variable and static, or other methods of
communicating information about City/DNP Events and business
opportunities including the downtown trolley.
D. Work with the City and DelDOT to ensure completion of the
Comprehensive Streetscape Plan for Main Street
E. Monitor and comment on DelDOT’s Elkton Road
reconstruction plans to ensure a pedestrian friendly design
Beyond 2009
F. Explore underground utility placement
3. Improve access to downtown business through signage and
parking lot entrances
A. Make a recommendation to the Parking Committee for
opportunities for unified improvements to parking lot
entrances and pedestrian alleys servicing municipal lots
B. Coordinate with others to review and make recommendations
to improve way-finding signage for drivers and pedestrians
to help them find their destinations
Beyond 2009
C.Review the signage regulations to improve building
signage, creating preferred design elements for a more
unified district, and guidelines for temporary signage and
banners
4. Engage the Newark Community through volunteer
opportunities, education, outreach and public art
A. Public Awareness: Develop an educational program on
building significance and the importance of maintenance,
rehabilitation and preservation
B. Continue Outreach for Volunteers. Develop list of
volunteer needs including quick tasks and more detailed
projects.
5. Promote a clean, cared-for, and well-maintained downtown
district
A. With Parks and Recreation, and the Pomeroy Trail
Committee, consider and implement improvements to the area
of the CSX Chapel Street Bridge
B. Conduct periodic visual reviews of building facades to
look for opportunities for recognition, identify potential
problems and intervene, as well as violations.
C. Continue to monitor graffiti vandalism
a. Promote the importance of prompt graffiti removal to
property owners
b. Promote graffiti removal funding reimbursement assistance
through the City of Newark
Beyond 2009
D. Research the possibility of establishing a “Litter Free
Downtown” campaign
E.Help to coordinate efforts with the Conservation Advisory
Commission, the University of Delaware, and community and
student groups
6. Encourage environmentally sensitive design without
impeding economic growth
A. Meet with the City’s Conservation Advisory Commission to
discuss sustainable (green) design guidelines and
coordination with the City’s LEED program
B. Coordinate the results of these discussions with City
operating departments.
