[mglan80]

Huh, well there it is. Looks like you were right. I still think it's in poor taste to have a street named after him while he's in office, even if he didn't (I'm sure he didn't) have a say in it.

[xzmattzx]

Huh, well there it is. Looks like you were right. I still think it's in poor taste to have a street named after him while he's in office, even if he didn't (I'm sure he didn't) have a say in it.

I agree. They couldn't find any past residents of Wilmington to name a street after? What about Thomas Garrett? Judy Johnson? One of the DuPonts (using a first name)?

And maybe it's just me, but Baker isn't even a mayor that we'll remember for decades. It would be kind of like putting Gerald Ford or Jimmy Carter on a dollar bill; what did they do to deserve gecognition like that?

[greggpow]

Facade on the front of the WSFS building is completely on... looks cool.

[mglan80]

General updates:

The Renaissance Center has two floors of steel up and a portion of the garage in the center of the block behind the elevator core.

Work has started on the conversion of the largely abandoned buildings in the 300 block of Market Street. The financing was held up until a commerical tenant signed a lease for a majority of the space, so apparently someone has signed. These are the buildings I'm talking about:

http://www.addresswilmington.com/1snow-3rd.JPG

No photo updates; sorry, my camera melted in my hand when I took it outside.

[BUILDER5000]

I took these photos when I was down in wilmington last week. Figured I'd help you guys out some on the photo updates while I was down.

New Additions from I-95 South
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/jayr05/DE-new/b1adcaec.jpg
River Tower
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/jayr05/DE-new/27b8eb00.jpg
Blue Cross
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/jayr05/DE-new/8351d41c.jpg
Blue Cross
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/jayr05/DE-new/f76cf2db.jpg
Ships Taven Garage
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/jayr05/DE-new/be0baebb.jpg
Renaissance Centre
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/jayr05/DE-new/rencntr.jpg
WSFS
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/jayr05/DE-new/e8454a89.jpg

[DetroitSky]

Obviously I'm not from Wilmington but the city has always interested me for some reason. Keep up the construction!

[Valu8r]

Hey guys, great posts going back several years.... and to think, I read them in less than a day (should have probably been working but this is reasearch).

I'm new to the forum, but you'd be surprized at the wealth of info us appraisers are introduced to... and well before most others (except lenders of course :cool:)

Anyway, keep writing away and I'll chime in occasionally with inside stuff like..... Whats the "true budget for Justison's?" Is is true the condo's are going to go for $350/SF?... Are they really building 75,000 SF retail (nope 40K).

[mglan80]

^I hope that wasn't a sarcastic remark about us lenders?!

It's always nice to have an inside man. I also have a hard time believing the $350 psf. What would you use as comps?

--------------------------
Some other news:

The great BPG has purchased two other properties in downtown: the former McCready's florist and 4W5 at 5th and Market for apartment conversion; and the old China Garden restuarant on Market next to Happy Harry's for apartment/retail. Looks like things may be starting to come together. Of course BPG has a vested interest in this town now, so it's time to clean up the neighborhood.

Soynog, you still here?

[Valu8r]

Sarcastic to lenders... never! Thats how my bills get paid. Comps aren't a major problem for $350, can always go across the river to CL. Theyre not responding to the market anyway, they're creating it... Who'd have lent on CL without a huge capital outlay by BPG? :shrug:

Always more to come with BPG and their friends in Philly. They ought to give them the key to the City...I didn;t see anyone else jumping into the market with both feet (except ING who put a ton into their building before anyone else had the ... uh...nerve)

[Xeelee]

I almost forgot about this town...

[Valu8r]

I was in Houston a couple of weeks ago working on a project... One of my favorite Cities, however I really would prefer to work there in January rather than July.

Absence of zoning is very novel, but seems to work just fine... One less thing us appraisers have to write about :tup:

[Lauden]

I have an honest question concerning the Christina Landing area. What is the property tax rate for the area? I've done some research but I'm having trouble determining what the tax laibility is going to be for the Riverfront Towers.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[Valu8r]

The City of Wilmington is $1.3969/$100 of assessed value. Assuming you are in the Christina School District which you should be, their rate is $1.67/$100 and the County rate is up to $0.4778.

The toal then for FY2007 will be $3.5447/$100. Divide your assessment by 100 and multiply by 3.5447 and that will be your tax liability excluding any abatements or exemptions.

[Lauden]

Thanks for the reply Valu8r! Thsat brings up a good question. How would new construction be assessed? Would it be a percentage of the Purchase price or full value?

[Valu8r]

Ah ha... there, my friend, is the trick of New Castle County. Assessments on new construction are based solely on smoke and mirrors. :jester:

First, there is no calculation that you can use, therefore you cannot estimate what your assessment should be with any real accuracy. Theoretically, the assessment of new construction in the county is what the value of that construction "would have" been if it were there in its current state and condition on July 1, 1983. So, the County is left with assessors who are assigning a market value of the improvements 23 years prior to their construction. Are they right? usually not. I myself have appealed the assesments of 5 or 6 highrise office buildings in the city, and in each case their assessment was reduced substantially. The reason is two fold. They don't have access to the records prepared by the appraisal group who performed the mass re-val in 1985 for the 1983 assessment figure, and 2. No one who works in the assessment office has the knowledge or qualifications to value a significant property. Particularly 23 years retrospective.

However, on a relatively small property, they've pretty much got you as the cost of formally appealing typically outweighs the potential savings. Appeals must be submitted by March 1st, and are not retroactive.

[xzmattzx]

The River Tower is almost the same height as The Residences. :cool:

[greggpow]

Taxes at CL are a problem. I live in one of the townhomes and the assessed value is way out of whack with reality. If I remember right, the assessed value was 160k which at current city and county rates makes my yearly taxes almost 6k per year.

Assumming my townhouse is "worth" 500k, my taxes are at least double what a similarly priced home in other parts of Wilmington would pay. Many homes that have recently sold in the Rockford Park area for 500k have taxes around 2500.I talked to the assessor myself last year assumming there must be a mistake. He double checked "so he says" and said he "thinks" his assessment is correct. Like someone else mentioned... the assessment process is a joke.

If you've purchased a condo in CL I would assume you'll also have taxes around 5k. I'm hoping once enough people live over here we'll have the clout to get a reassessment. We'll see.

[Lauden]

Hmmm. I actually approached a realtor about 151 Christina Landing road, and end unit townhouse there. It's listed at 665,000 for sale. I asked what the yearly taxes were, here is her quote:

Thanks for your interest. This home has finally been assessed for the tax year
that started July 1,2006 thru June 30, 2007, as new construction takes longer.
Taxes are $3455.
Properties are not re-assessed here upon purchase, as in other areas.
If there were to be new assessments, the entire New Castle County
would be done all at the same time, and last time was 20+ years ago.
School taxes can only increase via referendum, for the pertinent school
district, with a majority vote from residents in that district, and County and
Wilmington City tax increases would be accomplished by a majority vote in
those legislative bodies.


Me thinks we're not getting the whole story.

[greggpow]

Lauden-

The tax figure she quoted you is the correct amount JUST for county and school taxes. City taxes are another $2360. You can pull up the county property info yourself at the county website and you'll see the assessed value will be around 160k which equates to just under 6k for ALL taxes.

If your condo's price is anywhere near the 400k you'll be paying 5- 6k too unless there is a community wide reassessment.

[mglan80]

Here's a few shots from the window...

The Renaissance Center is starting to poke out of the rooftops of lower Market.
http://www.addresswilmington.com/renaissance-01.JPG

And the garage...
http://www.addresswilmington.com/garage-01.JPG

[mglan80]

The garage steel work is all but finished. Also, it looks like Renaissance Center is topped out.

http://www.addresswilmington.com/9-20-06-RenaissanceCenter.JPG

It seems like there should be at least two more floors. There are flanges for another set of columns on the top of the steelwork that's in place. Maybe that's normal.

[Joey D]

I hate to piss on the parade float, but the Renaissance Center is tiny.

Hopefully the facade and utility of the building make up for this.

[mglan80]

^Yeah, it's pretty unimpressive, but the original was really the same building just on a 5 story parking podium.

Anyway, here's a nice rendering of the Justison Landing project from Emory Hill's site:

http://www.addresswilmington.com/justisonlanding.JPG

Also, there's word that a grocery store chain is close to inking a deal on the south side of the river.

[Joey D]

I am really excited about Justison Landing. Too bad there will be no tower.

However, the other day I was standing on the 12th floor of the Courhouse (I had traffic court on the 5th, but rode up for a peek) and I must say that the WSFS, the two CL towers, and the Renaissance and Garage Buildings certainly make the city look less puny.

It was really devoid when there was that big, empty parking lot RIGHT across from the county courthouse.

[mglan80]

^Agreed. That lot killed that area. I still remember only a few years ago when King Street was lined with surface lots (where the courthouse is now). Whenever Pettinaro decides to renovate the Queen theater, those blocks will be respectable.

[xzmattzx]

^Yeah, it's pretty unimpressive, but the original was really the same building just on a 5 story parking podium.

Anyway, here's a nice rendering of the Justison Landing project from Emory Hill's site:

http://www.addresswilmington.com/justisonlanding.JPG

Also, there's word that a grocery store chain is close to inking a deal on the south side of the river.

Someone need to add the Children's Museum into that rendering in case that breaks ground.

[xzmattzx]

Renaissance Center is coming along well.

[mglan80]

Construction Begins on Downtown Garage
Six-level, 350-space facility will fill gap in key block in Wilmington's business district
By MAUREEN MILFORD, The News Journal

New life is being breathed into a high-profile block in downtown Wilmington now that work has begun on an approximately $10 million garage in the 900 block of Shipley Street.

The six-level garage, being built by Montchanin Development Group Ltd. of Wilmington, will fill an empty parcel reaching from Shipley to Orange streets, where 10 long-vacant buildings were demolished last year.

For the past year, the site had been a gaping hole in the fabric of the downtown area. The site is located one block south of the DuPont Co. headquarters building on Rodney Square.

"Anytime you've got a space so prominent, seeing it's being developed reflects that we're having continued progress in the city. It's really a vote of confidence for the city," said the city's new director of economic development, state Rep. Joe Di Pinto, R-Wilmington West.

The owner of the site, John Hynansky, has been acquiring properties in the block during the past 15 years. Hynansky, who is chief executive of the Winner Automotive Group, will be the majority partner in the approximately 350-car HyPark Garage.

Until the early 1990s, the block was a lively retail street, home to restaurants frequented by generations of office workers, including the Shipley Grill (formerly the Town House) on Shipley Street and the Copper Kettle Restaurant on Orange Street, the site of which later housed a succession of eateries.

Other shops included the McNelis Hallmark store and Mrs. Snyder's Chocolate Chippery.

But in recent years the block had become "unsightly," said Alan Perry, president of Montchanin Development Group.

"I think it's going to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. We've gotten rid of the old, obsolete buildings that were there. The garage will provide more street light and make the area more appealing," Perry said.

None of the buildings on the west side of the 900 block of N. Market St. has parking, he said.

"When it's up, it will provide a more convenient location for my customers to park and for the law firms and other businesses. Parking is always a question mark in downtown Wilmington," said Leonard Simon, owner of Wright & Simon men's clothing store at 911 N. Market St.

The developers were unable to put any ground-floor retail space in the garage building because of structural issues. But the garage is designed to accommodate a seven-story building on top, Perry said.

"There's nothing even contemplated for above the garage, but we wanted to preserve the opportunity to build something if the opportunity presented itself," Perry said.

The garage is expected to be completed in late 2007 or early 2008, Perry said. Monthly parking will cost about $165 a month. The garage will be run by a management company, he said.

Besides the buildings demolished to make way for the garage, Hynansky also owns several of the remaining shops in the block that face Ninth Street, including the former Eckerd drugstore property, later Happy Harry's, at the corner of Ninth and Orange streets.

In 2000, the Brandywine Brewing Company opened a restaurant and brew pub in the space. The $2 million restaurant closed in less than a year. Perry said he expects the restaurant property to become more attractive to a tenant once the garage is complete.

-------------------------------------------
Good news to finally see some work start, bad news about the retail.

[Joey D]

I'm glad it is finally being developed. There is also a nice picture in the paper if anybody cares to post it.

[mglan80]

The first of the facade is going up on the Renaissance Center. As of tonight there were two columns in place on the 4th Street side, and three more waiting for installation. At a glance it looks like a dark pink granite.

[xzmattzx]

The first of the facade is going up on the Renaissance Center. As of tonight there were two columns in place on the 4th Street side, and three more waiting for installation. At a glance it looks like a dark pink granite.

I'll have to get a picture of it.

[soynog]

Anyone know what they're doing to the old Rollins (now AZ) building up on 202? It looks like they're painting the different exterior columns different earth tone shades but only in one section on the south-facing side (which you see as you head north).:shrug:

[BUILDER5000]

I found this legend to be amusing lol. I was a designer at the original firm which designed this building..btw we never designed it with the top 2 floors. The owners at the time hired another firm to do that after they got their permit. After all these years they're back at trying to make this project work. How many owners later? Article taken from http://delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061109/NEWS/61109021/-1/intlinks

http://vh10018.v1.moc.gbahn.net/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=BL&Date=20061109&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=61109021&Ref=AR&Profile=1006&title=1

Vacant hotel's owners set to begin repairs
Building now needs more than a year's worth of work
By ANGIE BASIOUNY, The News Journal
Posted Thursday, November 9, 2006 at 12:49 pm
This hotel built off I-95 never opened due to a dispute between the builders and New Castle County over its size – it's two floors higher than it was approved for. News Journal file/Bob Herbert.

The owners of a never-opened hotel along Interstate 95 said today they will begin fixing more than 650 code violations left by the original developers.

But it could take a few more years before customers will spend their first nights in the hotel, which was once under contract to become a Radisson.

“We have at least a year-and-a-half of construction work,” said Bill Fasy, chief operating officer of Delaware Park, which will run the hotel.

The six-story structure was completed in 2000 but never opened because of a dispute between the builders and New Castle County over its size -- it was two floors higher than approved.

Parkside V, an affiliate of the racing and slots park, purchased the hotel in 2003 with plans to open it for park patrons.

The new owners first had to address problems including flooding and electrical, mechanical and safety problems. The site work began a year ago and is completed, Fasy said.

The county last week issued a building permit, allowing the owners to begin working on the interior.

[mglan80]

^"old fossil" is right. That building's changed hands at least three times since it was built and the county held the line all these years. Glad to see it's finally going to open. I never did see the appeal of the location: marsh view or salvage yard?

soynog: I'd like to know what's up, too. It looks horrible.

[Joey D]

Yeah, what is the deal with that red patch on the Rollins Building? Crazy.

BTW, they need to roll that sucker downtown where it belongs.

[xzmattzx]

Yeah, what is the deal with that red patch on the Rollins Building? Crazy.

BTW, they need to roll that sucker downtown where it belongs.

I thought it was paint work, but it hasn't moved in months. If it was paint work, you'd see progress.

The Rollins Building is ugly. It wouldn't do much to make our skyline look better in my opinion.

While we're on the subject of the Concord Pike/Fairfax area, does anyone else think the roadwork there is confusing now? They should've just built a cloverleaf interchange at Weldin Road.

[Joey D]

I thought it was paint work, but it hasn't moved in months. If it was paint work, you'd see progress.

The Rollins Building is ugly. It wouldn't do much to make our skyline look better in my opinion.

While we're on the subject of the Concord Pike/Fairfax area, does anyone else think the roadwork there is confusing now? They should've just built a cloverleaf interchange at Weldin Road.

I think the stone walls look nice going from Foulk Road to 202, but it is confusing.

I have to say, though, I am pretty excited for the 141 expressway being built to alleviate that kamikaze situation in now. I have almost had at least 10 head-on collisions and been sideswiped by people pulling out of the neighborhoods on the right and left.

Today I tried to stay away from 95 around 5 o clock as it has been getting progressively worse over the years. I got on 95 around the Staples on Delaware ave in Phila. It was stop and go 'till around Naamans Road. After this, I got off in Wilmington for food, and I decided to stay away from 95 this time, so I go down 13, and I'm in standstill traffic (yet no accident,) all the way down to 141, then I got on 141 and went 20 mph all the way down to Kirkwood Highway, and then stared at the endless stream of red brake lights until I turned off on Limestone.

I have to say for a metro its size, Wilmington has some freaky traffic problems, especially in the southern burbs.

[xzmattzx]

I know it will never happen, but I think another "141" would benefit the Pike Creek area. What I mean is that we could use another expressway that provides direct access to Kirkwood Highway (or even bypasses Kirkwood Highway, like 141 has with the interchange). It could provide faster access to Limestone Road.

Route 1/Route 4 at Churchman's Crossing would work if they fixed that interchange (worst interchange I've ever seen) and extended Route 1 all the way past the Route 4 intersection. The expansion to bypass Route 58 was good, but they should've done the same for the Route 4 interchange up the road a mile. The Border Cafe and AAA office could have access roads coming to them from somewhere else, like Route 58. The expressway could end at Delaware Park, or better yet, closer to the Route 7 intersection.

I also think they should've made 273 an expressway between I-95 and Newark while doing construction years ago. The neighborhood area would've had to stay the same, but that new section where they utilized the Bridge to Nowhere should've been an expressway with an interchange. It's supposed to be faster, yet there's one more traffic light in that stretch of road than there was before they built it.

[mglan80]

^^It looks like the old Rollins building is being repainted. The mech penthouse is now a bright white.

The Renaissance Center looks pretty good on the 4th Street side. The prefab panels use actual brick (wish they did that on Symphony House!) and the difference between the faux brick of the courthouse really shows.

[soynog]

I had no idea there was a "Christiana Landing" development in Bear that has nothing to do with Christina Landing. Wonder why I never heard of it before now?

NCCo police make arrest in fatal shooting
BY DAMIAN GILETTO, The News Journal


New Castle County Police were on the scene of a fatal shooting Wednesday night in Bear. (Buy photo)

New Castle County police have arrested a man in connection to a fatal shooting late Wednesday night in Bear.

Police apprehended Ryan Dwayne Sinclair, 21, at about 9:30 a.m. at the Woodland Park Apartments, and will file murder and weapons charges against him shortly, said Cpl. Trinidad Navarro, a spokesman for the New Castle County Police Department.

Police and paramedics were called to the unit block of Stephanie Drive in the Christiana Landing development at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday night and found a man, said to be in his 20s, with multiple gunshot wounds, Navarro said.

The victim was transported to Christiana Hospital, where he died at about 3 a.m., Navarro said.

[xzmattzx]

I'm guessing Christiana Landing is near the town of Christiana.

In reality, Christiana is not historically correct. The river was named "Christina" after Queen Christina of Sweden. So the town upstream on Christiana Creek (different spelling from Christina River I believe) is a modified use of "Christina".

[soynog]

xzmattzx,

I always thought so too. Then I saw a historical marker in the town of Christiana [sic] that says it was originally called "Christiana Crossing" which can only refer to the bridge over Christina River there so that proves the typo to me.

It ain't good spellin' but, since this mistake is over 200 years old, it may be historically correct. After all, Delaware is just a corruption of the "de la Warr" name. I don't see us putting the D in lower case and the W in upper case any time soon to "correct" the punctuation though.

[mglan80]

ShopRite to Anchor Shopping Near Riverfront
Buccini/Pollin to Break Ground Next Month at Howard Street Site
By MAUREEN MILFORD, The News Journal
Posted Wednesday, December 13, 2006

A major developer announced plans Tuesday to build a $25 million community shopping center in Wilmington on the south side of the Christina River, within walking distance of the newly built Christina Landing residential community.

A ShopRite supermarket will anchor the 125,000-square-foot center to be built by Buccini/Pollin Group Inc. on Howard Street, between South Market and South Walnut streets. The 80,000-square-foot supermarket will include a 7,000-square-foot pharmacy and drug store. The developer plans to break ground next month.

"It's going to completely change the character of that area, which has been industrial and junkyards," said Michael S. Purzcyki, executive director of the Riverfront Development Corp., which is selling 8.5 acres of land to Buccini/Pollin for the shopping center site. "All of a sudden you've got a big shot in the arm economically and visually."

When the supermarket opens in January 2008, it will be the first new grocery store in downtown Wilmington in more than 20 years. The market is expected to employ about 70 people full-time and about 140 people part-time.

Wilmington-based Buccini/Pollin is finalizing a 20-year lease with Delaware Supermarkets Inc. in Stanton, which owns three ShopRites in New Castle County.

Richard Kenny, co-owner and chief financial officer of Delaware Supermarkets, said his company, which is controlled by the Kenny family, considers the new store "a great opportunity." The company has been looking in the city for a supermarket location for about five years. Studies have shown that roughly half the food dollars spent by city residents are spent outside the city.

"Wilmington is an underserved area, so we're excited about it," Kenny said.

Delaware Supermarkets also plans to move its headquarters to the site in early 2008, said Dan Tanzer, director of administrative services with Delaware Supermarkets.

Robert E. Buccini, a partner with Buccini/Pollin, said he has been trying to land ShopRite for about six months. That lease was needed to make the shopping center viable. It's estimated the supermarket will bring 30,000 customers a week to the center.

Buccini/Pollin also had to negotiate with the Riverfront Development Corp. for the land. The corporation has been assembling the parcel for several years, Purzycki said. On Friday, Buccini signed an agreement to buy the land for $3.5 million, Purzycki said.

"This is really a milestone date in the history of the city of Wilmington," Buccini said. "I'm as happy about this than anything I've done in the city of Wilmington because we're bringing needed services to the community we're developing. This will just add to the momentum."

Buccini/Pollin is the developer of Christina Landing and Justison Landing residential projects on the Riverfront, which total about 1,300 condominiums, town houses and apartments.

"It's critically important for people who want to live there to have services," Purzycki said. "Otherwise, it's way too much of a hike. You have to go all the way out [U.S.] 13 or up [U.S.] 202."

Buccini said other possible tenants for the shopping center include a bank, coffee shop, restaurant, apparel stores, a salon and a fitness center.

Plans call for Howard Street to be realigned to the south of the shopping center site.

John Rago, city communications director, said the city also is committed to sewer improvements and traffic lights.

"Everybody wants one sweeping project to change everything -- all the negatives that we face, just get them out of the way," said Mayor James M. Baker. "But it takes all these little things to make it happen."

[xzmattzx]

Market Street is the next big thing.

[Joey D]

Hmmm.. I was thinking ACME, but Shoprite will cut it, I guess.

[mglan80]

^I was hoping for a Safeway. At least soon I won't be forced to go to Trolley Square and wait in line for 15 minutes just a buy a gallon of milk.

[xzmattzx]

A Wegman's would've been nice, especially with upper-middle class people living in the area and all. It's only a matter of time before Wegman's expands into Delaware, as they are already in SE PA.

[DEBOI302]

I read awhile back that wilmington of course can't annex its surrounding land didnt the govenor pass a law saying it could but if the land it tries to annex already has a population the people have to vote on being annexed by wilmington, i thought i read that in the News Journal, and if so why hasnt wilmington tried aquiring any land besides the experimental station? and of course great job of keeping the people updated on whats going down in the city kudos to you guys

[mglan80]

^Land owners can petition to become part of the city, but their land must be contiguous to city boundaries. The city was barred from annexation when DuPont was buying land to build the Experimental Station due to some chicanery between the city and the county I think.

Anyway, here's the article from today's News Journal regarding the Columbus Inn project.

Landmark Wilmington Inn Expected to be Sold
Condos Proposed for Columbus Inn Property
By MAUREEN MILFORD, The News Journal

A Rehoboth Beach real estate developer expects to finalize a sales agreement this week to buy the landmark Columbus Inn property on Pennsylvania Avenue in Wilmington as the site for a $30 million luxury condominium building.

Ocean Atlantic Associates 1789 LLC, whose partners include Preston A. Schell of Rehoboth Beach, David Grayson of Wilmington and Nick Hammonds of Rehoboth Beach, did not disclose the price for the approximately 1-acre tavern parcel. But terms of the deal call for Columbus Inn owner Davis G. Sezna to become a minority partner in the 10-story building project.

The project calls for the Columbus Inn restaurant to be shut down this summer and converted to a private club for the use of the condominium residents, said Hammonds, who is the nephew of Bruce L. Hammonds, president of Bank of America Card Services in Wilmington.

Sezna already has scaled back the restaurant operation to the original 1789 tavern, which seats 48 people. The inn is now open for dinner only. The downsizing of the original 150-seat full-service operation took effect on New Year's Eve, Sezna said. The staff has been cut from about 50 employees to about 10 people, he said.

The project still needs subdivision approval from the city, according to Pamela J. Scott, the attorney for Sezna. The property is zoned to accommodate the proposed 10-story building, Scott said. A hearing before the city Planning Commission is scheduled for Jan. 16.

If city approvals are granted, construction could begin this summer, Schell said. The condominium apartments would sell from $499,900 for a two-bedroom unit to more than $1.5 million for a top-floor penthouse. The building would hold 60 condominiums.

Schell said the restaurant must be shuttered to satisfy concerns among neighbors that a restaurant and condominium building would generate too much traffic and parking on neighborhood streets.

"Their concerns were legitimate," said Schell, whose group of companies, including Schell Bros., has been involved in high-end residential development in Sussex County since 1997.

Schell also said it was unclear if it was feasible to have a restaurant sharing the same parking garage with luxury condominiums.

City Councilman Paul F. Ignudo Jr. said the neighbors are concerned about the potential for congestion at Woodlawn and Pennsylvania avenues. He said the community plans to review the proposal.

"I'm not sure that closing the restaurant will ease their concerns regarding traffic. Whether it physically eases the traffic, it may or may not. I've never been presented evidence one way or the other," Ignudo said. "When you talk to the community about the restaurant, they like it."

The project will have parking for 125 cars.

James A. Tevebaugh, president of Tevebaugh Associates, the architect on the project, said the design took some cues from luxury developments in downtown Philadelphia. The building will have a variety of condominiums, including ground-level units.

All the units will have smaller, European-style balconies. The apartments will have 10-foot ceilings to allow for bigger window areas, more natural light, greater wall space and more drama, Tevebaugh said.

The condo interiors will be handled by Echelon Custom Homes, a Schell company that has been building luxury homes priced at more than $1 million in Delaware's high-end resort communities, including The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay.

The exterior design will have details to blend in with the residential character of the neighborhood.

"In that particular part of Wilmington, traditional is more sensitive for a 10-story building -- rather than something all glass or shockingly contemporary," Tevebaugh said. "Wilmington likes traditional."

Schell expects the first residents to begin moving in during the summer of 2008.

Sezna, who once controlled a hospitality empire in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland, is converting a dining room on the first floor of the Columbus Inn into a wine store.

Sezna's father, Walter W. "Wally" Sezna, an area golfing personality, bought the historic Columbus Inn in the mid-1950s.

"When I look at my dad's gravestone, I know he's smiling," Sezna said. "My father would probably feel I should have done it five years ago."

http://www.addresswilmington.com/columbusinnthumb.jpg

Not too bad. Just lose the pediment nonsense.

[xzmattzx]

Does the Columbus Inn condo have an official name yet?

[DEBOI302]

^Land owners can petition to become part of the city, but their land must be contiguous to city boundaries. The city was barred from annexation when DuPont was buying land to build the Experimental Station due to some chicanery between the city and the county I think.

well if i was the city i would send the canby park area and elsmere and the bellefonte area and edgemoor letters saying that they just been annexed and see what they do lol, but seriously the city should promote its self offering discounts on utilities and other supply lines to make people wanna join the city, but thanks for clearin that up for me

[ryukyova]

That Columbus Inn rendering is a joke right? Did you notice the Inn tucked in the the middle of the condo structure? this is the perhaps the most embarrassing thing proposed in Wilmington since the amusement park like (wait that’s demeaning to all amusement parks) casinos in the river Christina or maybe the ridiculous structure proposed over I-95 a few years back. What is too bad is that if you wanted some examples of descent “traditional” mid-rise apartment buildings there are a few to look at along Delaware Avenue. I’d rather they copy a good existing building brick for brick than create new ill-conceived, badly proportioned traditional schlock. Once again Wilmington is thinking forward…straight to the 18th century!

[mglan80]

^I didn't even notice the Inn in the center of the ground floor. That's absurd. There is no need for superfluous architectural "accents." Can't there be satisfaction with understated class and dignity? The rounding of the windows on the top level are a good example, the "porch," pediment, and unsightly cantelevered balanconies are not. The general shape and massing of the building isn't bad, though; just the site placement and the "details." Then again, the project is being developed by locals who wouldn't know tasteful architecture from a nice brick building with a clock and lots of dormers. Hopefully, there'll be revisions.

[DEBOI302]

seems as if wilmington is slowing down a tad bit, is there any new proposals coming about in wilmington?

[DE-Builder]

WSFS office tower signals comeback
Bank overcomes financial problems and adds 15-story building to city
By MAUREEN MILFORD, The News Journal

Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2007

The $90 million WSFS Bank Center at 500 Delaware Ave. in Wilmington includes space that law firms, the U.S. Postal Service and PureBread Deli have leased. (Buy photo)

The News Journal/BOB HERBERT

WILMINGTON -- In recent decades, ceremonies for downtown real estate projects -- from parking garages to office towers -- inevitably include speeches about the bricks-and-mortar rebirth of the state's largest city.

But Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., veered down a different path Tuesday as part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new WSFS Bank Center at 500 Delaware Ave. The former governor highlighted the amazing comeback of a financial institution.

Castle was governor in the early 1990s when he got word that WSFS had "substantial financial problems" so severe the institution might not survive. That's when Marvin N. "Skip" Schoenhals was brought in. Today, Schoenhals is chairman, president and chief executive of WSFS Bank and WSFS Financial Corp.

"Skip, I give you -- for the revitalization of WSFS -- a round of applause," Castle said before a crowd of about 250 people, including many of the state's movers and shakers in the public and private sectors.

For many in Wilmington, there's no greater symbol of the bank's revival than the new $90 million office tower in which WSFS is a minority, passive owner. The fact that the structure was built on ground WSFS took back from a real estate developer (in lieu of a foreclosure) after the commercial real estate market crashed in the early 1990s is all the more proof.

The 15-story building, developed by WSFS in partnership with Buccini/ Pollin Group Inc. in Wilmington, will give the bank significantly higher visibility than it has enjoyed in recent decades at its five-story home at 838 N. Market St. It has been at Ninth and Market streets since 1885.

While the current building, built in 1920 in a Greek Revival design, is one of the city's architectural gems, its prominence has diminished as the city skyline has grown taller and expanded north up Market Street and northwest from Rodney Square.

Mark A. Turner, WSFS chief operating officer, said the older building had outlived its functional life and had become too small to serve the bank's customers. Although Schoenhals said he had considered the possibility of a new headquarters building years ago, the growth of the bank in the past five years speeded up the timetable.

The new 371,000-square-foot slender glass tower will allow WSFS to put its name in lights on the skyline. Two green-and-black WSFS Bank signs will be displayed on the building, one facing south and one facing north. Both signs are visible from I-95.

A bank branch opened in the WSFS Bank Center in early January. Plans call for the bank's headquarters to move from Ninth and Market streets at the end of March. The bank branch in the Market Street building will be relocated across the street to 833 N. Market St.

The historic bank building will be sold to Buccini/Pollin. Christopher Buccini, a partner in the development company, said he is working hard to make the structure work as a boutique hotel.

"It's part of our big vision for Market Street," he said.

While WSFS is a major occupant in the WSFS Bank Center, with slightly more than 60,000 square feet of office space and a roughly 3,700-square-foot bank branch on the ground floor, the tower is a multitenant structure. Another key tenant is the law firm of Morris James LLP, which relocated to the building in November from 222 Delaware Ave.

In December, the law firm of Ashby & Geddes moved to the building, also from 222 Delaware Ave.

On the street level, the building has leased space to the Postal Service for a 9,000-square-foot post office branch. The Rodney Square Station, as it is known, had been located on Rodney Square since 1937. It moved its retail and delivery service to the WSFS Bank Center at the end of January.

PureBread Deli, which leased 3,000 square feet of space on the ground level, is expected to open in March.

Contact Maureen Milford at 324-2881 or mmilford@delawareonline.com.

Post a Comment View All Comments

[DE-Builder]

Columbus Inn condo plan tabled again
Mayor seeks time for talks with area residents
By ADAM TAYLOR, The News Journal

Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2007
WILMINGTON -- For the second straight month, the city Planning Commission delayed approving an out-of-town developer's plan to close the landmark Columbus Inn and build a 10-story condominium tower on the property.

Tuesday's tabling was granted at the request of Mayor James M. Baker, who wants Ocean Atlantic Associates, a Rehoboth Beach development company, to discuss the plan with neighborhood residents who have said they feel the plan was shoved down their throats.

The developers have the right to build a 10-story building, but need the planning commission's approval because city law requires it if condominiums are part of a new development.

"They have the right to build it, but I think 10 stories is too high," Baker said. "Hopefully, the residents can convince the developers to agree to a more modest height than what is currently being proposed."

That is not likely, said Pam Scott, an attorney for the developers.

"My understanding from my clients is that it's as low as it's going to go," she said.

Last month, the commission tabled approving the subdivision plan until traffic studies could be analyzed. Tuesday, the commission said the traffic studies indicated the impact in the immediate area would be minimal.

The $30 million project calls for 60 condos with two levels of underground parking.

While the tabling is technically indefinite, Baker's chief of staff, William S. Montgomery, who also is a member of the Planning Commission, said he'd like the negotiations between the developers and residents to take place before the commission's March meeting.

Scott said her clients want construction to start this summer.

Coverdale Road resident Harry Haon said he's hopeful the developers will agree to build a smaller tower.

"I think the commission's message this month is for the community to have their input into the project be considered in good faith," he said.

City Council members Paul Ignudo, Loretta Walsh and Campbell Hay said Tuesday that the developers have not been forthright with the community so far. For example, Hay said, in earlier community meetings the developers said that a much smaller building was planned.

"You can't tell the neighbors one thing at a meeting, file a completely different plan with City Hall and then call yourself a good neighbor," he said.

Scott said the developers have listened to community concerns. The closing of the restaurant, she said, was done to appease residents' concerns about traffic and parking.

But the three council members said they don't believe that. They said the majority of the residents would have preferred a plan that would have included keeping the restaurant open.

The original stone section of the Columbus Inn building dates to 1789.

Contact Adam Taylor at 324-2787 or ataylor@delawareonline.com

[DE-Builder]

It's a mystery as to why cranes don't block out the sun in Wilmington. Delaware consistanly ranks in the top five of business friendly states in all catagories(tax rates, fairness of adjudication, simplicity of regulation) etc while NY, PA and NJ rank at the bottom. If the city and state Econ dev. offices were not completly incompetent :yuck: , there would be a traffic jamb of incoming companies.

[Joey D]

By the way, haven't seen this thread in years, haha.

If anyone hasn't already noticed, there is a sign at 2nd and Frenchish streets with a picture of 2 Christina Center (or whatever it was called.)

Apparently they are busy preleasing and are getting ready for development despite the glut in office space (?)

What's the lowdown, MGlan, and btw when do you move into the new WSFS HQ?

[DE-Builder]

Joey D

I'm not sure there is a "Glut" of office space in wilmington.

When Bank of America swallowed MBNA, the fear was that BoA would put one or more of MBNA's downtown buildings on the market. That seems to have passed and development plans that were on hold seem to be rolling forward again.

Buccinni Pollin is moving forward with their Justison Landing project which included a couple hundred thousand square feet of office space in 4&5 story buildings alond with residential and retail.

[xzmattzx]

The sign is at 2nd and King as well.

It will be nice to fill up that parking lot with a skyscraper.

Joe, check your inbox on SSC.

[mglan80]

There was never really a glut in the Wilmington market, just a potential glut. The new space has been coming online at a pretty even pace, and is being obsorbed. 500 Delaware Ave. is edging closer to 80% leased once a few more leases are finalized, and 444 King Street is doing ok. Justison Landing is building at least one of the smaller office buildings on West Street, which is probably about 60,000-70,000 sq. ft. I still don't think 2 Christina Centre will go up until late 2008 or early 2009.

In other news, the Columbus Inn condominium "tower" recieved its site approval last night. The neighbors are mourning the "destruction" of their neighborhood.

ps - we move on Friday

[DE-Builder]

also O'Neill got aproval for the Bancroft mill condos.

Mglan, how did the move go? did you get a good view in your new office?

[Joey D]

Maybe glut in office space was a bit strong, but you have to admit there is a bit of an unhealthy office supply ratio in Wilmington yet to add another large building on speculation.

I would love to see it built though, don't get me wrong.

I never appreciated how cheap Delaware was until the past few months :(

Makes me long for home every time I pay something, or get paid.

[DEBOI302]

i saw that sign earlier today for the 2 christina centre. is it going to be the new tallest building in wilmington?. because the sign says "taking wilmington to new heights", so it makes it sound as if the building will be the tallest, will it.

[xzmattzx]

I don't see 2 Christina Center being any taller than JP Morgan Chase' other two buildings there. I think the slogan is referring to the cutting-edge design that is usually seen only in very large cities.

[mglan80]

An update on lower Market: the Lippencott project is back on track and work is being done to renovate almost the entire 300 block on the Parcels side. Good news for the neighborhood.

By the way, the view's pretty good from the 12th floor at 500 Del. Ave.

[Joey D]

An update on lower Market: the Lippencott project is back on track and work is being done to renovate almost the entire 300 block on the Parcels side. Good news for the neighborhood.

By the way, the view's pretty good from the 12th floor at 500 Del. Ave.

Quit slacking, then

Take some pictures!

[DEBOI302]

did the city buy that land to south of christina landing? i hope they'll develop that whole southern edge of the city into a thriving south wilmington. is hak's and the "gold's club" considered wilmington, unincorporated land or new castle? if unincorporated isn't wilmington allowed to annex the land?

[DE-Builder]

rumor has it that Bucini Pollin has bought or optioned most of the realestate south of the river. Plans include a supermarket.

I don't know if thier plans extend as far south as Haks.

[DE-Builder]

a quik check shows Hak's being about 400 yards south of the city line.

[DEBOI302]

rumor has it that Bucini Pollin has bought or optioned most of the realestate south of the river. Plans include a supermarket.

I don't know if thier plans extend as far south as Haks.oh alright thanks. i just know the people living in justison landing when it is built don't want to see junkyards our there right window lol. i think that would be a ripe area for condo's lined up that part of the river. it would remind you something of what the Padre's are doing, building condo's around there ballpark. wow imagine that condo's overlooking Frawley Stadium thats a good idea.

[DE-Builder]

As I remember, the junkyards are almost invisible from the top of the towers at Justison's landing.
A surpising number of trees screen out the view of the junkyards and the steel yard across from Haks is far enough away to be indistinct. you can see the cranes, bu tnot the dirty details.

[DE-Builder]

Mglan80,

have you taken any photo's from the roof of your new building?
today is nice and clear :)

[DE-Builder]

Agencies give final OK for wind farm
Delmarva, Bluewater to begin negotiations for offshore turbines
By AARON NATHANS, The News Journal

Posted Wednesday, May 23, 2007
DOVER -- Environmentalists exchanged high-fives on Tuesday after four Delaware agencies ordered Delmarva Power to negotiate to buy power from a proposed offshore wind farm -- the first in the United States.

Negotiations begin Thursday between Delmarva and Bluewater Wind to see if they can strike a long-term agreement to harness the wind over the Atlantic Ocean for Delmarva's standard offer service customers.

Delmarva also will negotiate with NRG Energy and Conectiv Energy to buy backup electricity, to pitch in on peak demand days, from a proposed natural gas-fired power plant in Sussex County. The agencies, gathering for a Public Service Commission meeting Tuesday, suggested NRG's Indian River site in Millsboro.

Bluewater says its wind farm would provide pollution-free, stably priced electricity for decades. The parties will consider placing scores of wind turbines, perhaps as many as 200, 7.2 miles off Bethany Beach or 12.5 miles off Rehoboth Beach. The turbines would be 406 feet tall, with the top 150 feet being the thin, spinning blades.

It would be the first wind farm built off the coast of this country. States such as Massachusetts and New York are debating the technology, and there are numerous offshore wind farms in Europe.

John Hughes, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, noted that he lives in Rehoboth Beach and looks forward to seeing wind turbines on the horizon on days when the haze lifts.

"I can't wait to look out there. I'm gonna love 'em," said Hughes, who voted for the directive. "Little Delaware, of all the states on the East Coast, chose wind power."

The decision comes a year after Delmarva's residential ratepayers took a 59 percent rate increase. Lawmakers told the state agencies to see whether building a new homegrown source of power would help stabilize prices without unleashing large amounts of new pollution. Over the past year, the prospects of wind power gained momentum with a public wary of the environmental effects of a coal-fired plant.

In a sense, Tuesday's decision marks a defeat for NRG, which had proposed building a large coal gasification plant at its Indian River facility. The company advertised it as a cleaner replacement for some of its existing generation units.

But NRG won a consolation prize: The agencies gave it the inside track to back up the wind farm with a small natural gas plant. Conectiv Energy remains a contender for the backup power, but language passed Tuesday said NRG's site could be a good fit for the backup facility. The agencies also said they hoped NRG would convert its older coal-fired plants to cleaner natural gas.

NRG spokeswoman Lori Neuman, in an e-mail, said: "We are pleased that the state agencies sought to clarify that the gas firming plant in Sussex County is a necessary component of the solution adopted." NRG looks forward to beginning discussions with Delmarva this week, she said.

The parties suggested negotiations conclude within 30 to 60 days, with some flexibility.

Delmarva Power President Gary Stockbridge came under criticism several weeks ago for his vow not to negotiate. On Tuesday, he sounded more conciliatory.

"We will negotiate in good faith with all the parties," he said, adding he will try to get the best price for his customers, as well as buying an appropriate amount of power.

Delmarva has long argued it doesn't need to lock its customers into buying power from a new in-state source.

Stockbridge noted that Delmarva's residential and small-business customers will bear the brunt of the costs for the new power plants. He said he hoped to find a way to spread any cost increases over all of Delaware's power customers.

Bluewater officials insist ratepayers will save money over the long term with wind power.

Two weeks ago, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner appeared lukewarm on wind and said NRG's coal gasification proposal could still have a role. But in the end, she didn't stop the wind-natural gas "hybrid" proposal from moving forward. Two of the agencies that signed on are under her jurisdiction: the Office of Management and Budget and DNREC.

The fourth agency, Controller General Russell Larson, reports to the legislative leadership. At Larson's request, the agencies deleted a line in the order that would have allowed the wind farm to stand on its own, without a natural gas backup.

But Bluewater Wind officials worried such a change could mean that if negotiations for a backup facility break down, it would stall the wind farm proposal. Agency heads agreed to revisit alternative solutions if negotiations end in stalemate.

All four agencies must approve any agreement.

"It's a very important day," said Bluewater Wind spokesman Jim Lanard.

Bluewater hopes to start building the wind farm in two years, after further environmental studies and the necessary permits are acquired. Construction is expected to take several years.

Jeremy Firestone, University of Delaware assistant professor of marine policy, said state leaders should be commended.

"Delaware is hopefully the bellwether for the nation. This hopefully heralds the switch from fossil fuels to renewables," he said.

Firestone said it made sense to build any backup plant at NRG's Indian River facility, because it's already an industrial site in Sussex County.

After the meeting, wind power advocate Lisa Pertzoff of the League of Women Voters shared her delight.

"I'm just so relieved it's going forward," she said. "I feel like I've been reading a giant thriller."

[DEBOI302]

i think that a cool idea first in the US. now delaware will get to be on t.v again, we're never on t.v for anything good.

[DE-Builder]

The movie "Fight Club" takes place in delaware.

And we were the home of some super secret goverment agency in a tv spy show... "The Imposter"? the guy who could learn to do anything, be a doctor, a racecar driver, etc.

the windmills should be good for b-reel for the news and tv shows.
we should also get an eppisode or two of "Mega Machines" and "Dirty Jobs"

[DEBOI302]

i heard the city in fight club is wilmington, but i dont think they ever filmed any of it actually here?

but yea speaking of the cable shows we could even get on extreme engineering

[DE-Builder]

no filming here that I know of, and they don't actually say wilmington in the movie, but they do talk about going to clamont, marcus hook and dover to recruit new members/ check up on clubs there.

[DEBOI302]

someone once posted on here or SSC that the banks here wouldnt let the film makers shoot here because it would give us a bad name? lol thats what i heard i dont know if its true

[Joey D]

From what I understand, they sought permission from the city government to film it in Wilmington, and the government turned them down due to them not wanting copycats (as if that would be bad for Wilmington?)

Thanks alot Sills.

[HOME in D-ware]

Now I do not know why the activity on this thread has dropped off but I do know that activity on the development scene in Wilmington is still on track.

There are developments that are nearing completion, new ones that have really taken shape, and big things proposed. Things are moving over at SSC and I don't want readers here on SSP to think that Wilmington has just stopped.

News on Developments
1) River Tower has been topped out, most of the glass work is complete, further exterior work is climbing upward, interior work has started. Garage is pretty much done.

2) Renaissance Centre is mostly finished on the exterior and the interior is coming along.

3) Barclays Building and garage are very close to completion. Still some interior work.

4) Garage at 9th St. between Shipley and Orange has broken ground.

5) Ships Tavern garage is fairly complete. Ground floor retail is still at work.

6) Columbus Inn Condo, Rockford Falls Condos, and Gibraltar offices were getting somewhere but things have cooled some.

7) There are condos going up near Brandywine Park. Topped out and exterior is coming along.

8) Lot at 14th and Washington has been approved for mid-rise condos.

9) There is work on several Market St. buildings into retail and condos.

10) City continues to refresh run-down neighborhoods with new housing.

11) 2 Chistina Centre is looking for tenants so construction may begin.

12) Justison Landing is really coming out of the ground. One building is almost topped out and another isn't far behind. Some retail tenants have signed.

13) City is looking at taking 62 properties on the south side of the Chistina River and transforming them into commercial, residential, and retail.

This is a call to the other Wilmington forumers to make a presence and help in updating the construction taking place in our city. We must keep our image up here on SSP.

[rusummer1]

WHERE IS EVERYBODY its been almost 2 months since the last post is this thread dead??????!???!?!?!

[delawhere]

What is the latest on 2 Chrisina Centre? I drove by the site the other day and saw the sign. Will it ever get off the ground? What is going on West of the new Renaissance Center? Will the facades of the buildings be saved or will they be totally demolished. I expect a big announcement about an addition to Christiana Care's Wilmington Hospital in the coming weeks.

[SoseistheHood]

dd

[Joey D]

Bravo

:worship:

I hate to say it, but this is the Wilmington I know. Except for Riverside. I drove into Riverside when I was a young driver by mistake and got numbered by some people, they kicked my car and threw bottles at me as I sped away. At least in Southbridge they just told me to "Get the fuck outta here white boi!"

It's too bad there aren't many pictures of Southbridge or the bucket before they knocked them down. They were morbidly interesting. Did you happen to get any more pictures of Westside, particularly hilltop or 4th Street? I grew up there, and I kinda miss watching people fight and get busted by the cops out my window like when I was a kid.

Either way, great set of photos ;)

[David L. Finger]

Sorry to intrude, but this is a call to the photographers who have posted the wonderful photos on this site. I am seeking a dynamic photo of the Wilmington skyline to put on my firm's website. If any of you have anything you think would be suitable, please show me and let me know what your fee would be to license the photo. Respond to dfinger@delawgroup.com. Thanks.

[Empire Builder]

Hey gang - I saw some new construction next to the Barclay's building as I was driving on 95 yesterday - looks pretty big - any ideas?

[zapata2119]

I have no idea what it is to tell you the truth i wish i had the time to go and take pics though

I also want to note the new construction in Claymont called the darley green project a big map is here: http://www.claymontrenaissance.org/rv-map.html but there is more info on the darley green project tab.

[zapata2119]

that new building down near barclay and aaa is called the star building i don't know what's going in there though

[Legendof302]

Bravo

:worship:

I hate to say it, but this is the Wilmington I know. Except for Riverside. I drove into Riverside when I was a young driver by mistake and got numbered by some people, they kicked my car and threw bottles at me as I sped away. At least in Southbridge they just told me to "Get the fuck outta here white boi!"

It's too bad there aren't many pictures of Southbridge or the bucket before they knocked them down. They were morbidly interesting. Did you happen to get any more pictures of Westside, particularly hilltop or 4th Street? I grew up there, and I kinda miss watching people fight and get busted by the cops out my window like when I was a kid.Either way, great set of photos ;)

Well the "Projects" in Riverside and South Bridge are still there till this day, I seen them with my own eyes this week,,,

Its 2011 people and what has really been done to help the city of Wilmington?

Live from Google Maps...

So I just tried using google maps a few days ago. My friend had put me on http://earth.google.com but i had never really checked it out like that before. Its crazy how http://maps.google.com/ can take you anywhere, which is great for Navigation but terrible for Privacy and almost some 1984 Big Brother stuff. Anyway in light of The Royal Wedding yesterday, which the media just had to put in the face of all Americans that watch TV almost saying "Yes Kings & Queens still rule you all". Today I will make a post to bring out awareness of the opposite of Royalty which can only be endless Poverty. If you feel the need to bring awareness to any of your local areas that need the most help just on google maps and hit the ( PrntScr ) button on your keyboard to save a pic to your computer so you can post a trouble spot in Delaware.

There are Hood's all over this country but you will see in the pics that some are alot worse then others. Some factors to include are Decay, Drug Spots (no posting pics its not the same as snitching), Infrastructure (failure), Murder Rate, Ect. It could be anywhere from Trailer Parks, Ghettos, The Slum or just areas that lost manufacturing jobs and the town went under in only a few years.

I was out here and just wanted to show yall & City-Data.com what it is like...

Wilmington Delaware (The place to be somebody)
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/24806172_95dc09cf69-2.jpg



(Riverside) Dont test your luck trying to make it thru "the bucket" day or night...

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/ahhh.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/tttheblockk.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/riversideeeeee.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/RIIIIIVERSIDE.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/oneway.pngOne Way + Gun Way = Death Trap 8)
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/riversissssdddeeee.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/thenodorrwindow.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/BOWERSSTREETRIVER.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/mmmmmooooorrrreeeerrrrriivvverr.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/thebhood.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/BUUCKKETT.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/theriverrr.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/theriverrrside.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/RIVVVERSAIDE.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/riversideeeee.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/thebucket2.png

(South Bridge)

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/regsouthbridge.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/thesouthbridge-1.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/SOUTTHBRIDGE.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/SOUTHBRRRIGE.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/southbridge.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/moresouthbridge-1.png

Market Street

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/crestviewapts.png

Wild West Side :oops:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/wwwestide.png
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee193/JKELLY302/westsidenickel.png