Mission
The Design Committee
focuses on the visual appeal of Downtown Newark. The
main goal is to improve Downtown’s aesthetic and pedestrian
scale qualities. The 2006-2007 Work Plan is the
Committee’s strategy for meeting this goal.
The
Design Committee meets the first Tuesday of the month at
8:00 a.m. at various downtown locations. Please check
postings at the City Municipal Building, call 302-366-7030,
or visit the website at http://newark.de.us/dowtown/Comm_Design.htm
for agendas and meeting locations. All meetings are
open to the public.
Goals
Goal:
Improvement of the aesthetics and visual appeal of Downtown
Newark
Objectives:
1.
Strengthen Preservation Ethic
A.
Reexamine and strengthen Design Guidelines with
emphasis on maintaining small town scale of Main Street
B.
Better define the requirements for consideration of
Architectural Assistance Grants established in 2005 to
assist with visual appeal of downtown buildings.
Continue grant program.
C.
Advertise the availability of City and other grants
and loan sources to improve the physical appearance and
visual appeal of buildings.
Beyond 2006
D.
Develop an educational program on building
significance and the importance of maintenance,
rehabilitation and preservation;
E.
Consider expansion of architectural survey boundaries
to include Main Street from McDonald's Circle to Chapel
Street.
2.
Streetscape Improvements
A.
Monitor 2006 Main Street repaving and encourage
DelDOT to implement the Comprehensive Streetscape Plan for
Main Street through the State’s Transportation Enhancement
Program including:
(1)
Pedestrian Crossings
(2)
Street lighting
(3)
Landscaping
B.
Complete the CSX Overpass Improvement project by:
(1)
Painting abutments
(2)
Installing additional lighting
(3)
Installing surveillance cameras
(4)
Installing landscaping improvements
(5)
Develop a comprehensive maintenance plan; and
(6)
Organize fund raising events or projects as necessary
C.
Art for downtown
(1)
Research other possible artwork projects including:
a.
Potential locations
b.
Art forms
c.
Partnering with Community and local artists.
Beyond 2006
A.
Explore signage options for City/DNP Events at
McDonald’s Circle and other locations.
B.
Explore underground utility placement
3. Cleanliness
A.
Graffiti:
(1)
Work with Newark Police Department Graffiti Task
Force to discourage graffiti vandalism
1.
Consider mural options for graffiti-prone areas
downtown
2.
Promote the importance of prompt graffiti removal to
property owners
3.
Promote graffiti removal funding reimbursement
assistance through the City of Newark.
Beyond 2006
B.
Research the possibility of establishing a "Litter
Free Downtown" campaign.
(1) Coordinate efforts with
the Conservation Advisory Commission, the University of
Delaware, and community and student groups.
4. Building Code
A.
Provide information to interested parties on the use
of Chapter 34 of the International Building Code for
existing structures
Beyond 2006
B.
Research incentives to improve building signage
C.
Examine mitigation strategies for the availability of
and costs associated with providing sprinkler service to
existing un-sprinklered buildings.
