Delaware · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Delaware public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Industrial tax abatements (CRA agreements)
Three abatement requests came before council — Snappy's Automotive, Howald Properties, and the FedOne spec building. Members are increasingly pushing back on abatements that don't create many jobs, even as staff argues the city is running out of industrial space.
Wieland Onda manufacturing expansion
A German-founded manufacturer will build a $24 million plant making data-center cooling equipment, adding 100 jobs and $6.7 million in payroll. The city shares income tax revenue with the company for five years in exchange.
Downtown upper-floor revitalization tax abatement
A proposed 15-year, 75% tax abatement for a $500,000 renovation of the downtown 'Beehive Building' got held up over whether apartments should qualify — council wants commercial-only terms and will revisit it July 27.
Howald Industrial Park signage dispute
John Howald is investing over $6 million in a new industrial building but says tenants can't attract customers without a third monument sign on London Road. Current zoning caps the park at two signs; staff says a rezoning is the only legal path, and the commission struck a condition so construction can start while that's worked out.
Howald Industrial building
John Howald proposed an approximately 40,000-square-foot industrial building on 4.62 acres in the Howald Industrial Planned Mixed-Use Overlay.
Downtown DORA renewal
The downtown open-container district was renewed for five more years with no boundary changes. One resident objected that public drinking near campus sets a bad example for young people.
PPG Industries $280 million expansion and tax abatement
PPG will build a 120,000-square-foot expansion at 760 Pittsburgh Drive with a 15-year, 100% property tax abatement and school compensation agreements — about 100 new jobs and 450 retained.
Farmers market street closure on Sandusky Street
A proposal to move the farmers market into Sandusky Street for 23 consecutive Saturdays split downtown business owners at public comment. Supporters point to foot traffic and safety; opponents worry about parking, deliveries and Saturday-morning revenue.