- Subdivision request involves annexation and rezoning of about 40 acres
- Bank is planned at site of vacant gas station and convenience store on Route 13.
- Retail store proposed next to Royal Farms on South Saulsbury Road.
A 40-acre residential development, a 234,000 square-foot warehouse, a retail store and a bank are among recent construction projects proposed in Dover.
A long-vacant gas station and convenience store will be the site for a new Chase Bank at 837 N. DuPont Highway (northbound Route 13) at Leipsic Road, in front of Home Depot.
Racquel Oden, head of Chase network expansion, said the site was attractive because of its corner location on the highway, close to Delaware State University.
Chase has nine branches in Delaware with a 10th scheduled to open in Rehoboth in the fall. The Dover bank will be the company’s 11th branch in the state.
“Bringing more branches to Delaware gives residents expanded access to our products, digital tools, and tailored in-branch experiences, like financial advice.” said Oden. “We’re proud to help more households and local businesses meet their financial needs and build a stronger financial future.”
The estimated opening date is Jan. 30, 2024. The branch will have about seven employees to start.
More Dover building proposals:Three developments to watch: bank, car wash and commercial center planned
Residential subdivision
A 40-acre residential development is proposed as part of three annexation requests on the north side of West Denny’s Road, west of Carlisle Drive, on the northwest side of the city.
The plan is to combine the three contiguous properties. The first is about 27.5 acres zoned agricultural residential, owned by George L. Craig Jr. and Deborah J. Craig. The second is about 10.5 acres zoned multi-family residential, owned by Robert G. Keller and Gloria K. Keller. The third is about 2 acres zoned agricultural residential, owned by Bruce A. Burkett.
The proposed zoning for the entire 40 acres is medium-density residential which allows single-family detached dwellings, duplexes, townhouses and garden apartments with a maximum of eight units per acre, said Dawn Melson-Williams, Dover principal planner.
The proposal was introduced at the Dec. 19 Dover Planning Commission meeting. The commission’s recommendation for annexation and rezoning will be sent to city council with a public hearing scheduled for Jan. 9. If council approves the annexation and rezoning, the next step for the applicant would be submitting a site development plan and/or subdivision plan for review by the Planning Commission and another public hearing.
More development news:Why Delaware leaders are turning their eyes and wallets to this run-down shopping center
Warehouse
The proposed warehouse on Commerce Way received conditional approval from the Planning Commission Dec. 19. This project doesn’t go to city council because the property is zoned industrial park manufacturing which lists “warehouse” as a permitted use, provided it meets certain requirements, Melson-Williams said.
Owners H & M Properties LLC and Commerce Way Dover DE LLC plan to build a 234,000 square-foot warehouse on about 23 acres on the northwest side of Commerce Way, north of West North Street.
A technical plan review will be needed from agencies including the city planning department, public works department, state fire marshal’s office and Kent Conservation District to ensure compliance with all code provisions. If all agencies approve the plan, the applicant may apply for building permits to start site work and construction.
Retail store
Next to Royal Farms on South Saulsbury Road, a retail store is planned on a vacant lot north of West North Street. The name of the store isn’t listed in the application.
There was originally a bank proposed for this site in 2011, but it wasn’t built and the plan expired, Melson-Williams said.
The new project received conditional approval from the Planning Commission Dec. 19 and doesn’t need to go to city council because it’s already in a limited central commercial zone.
Owner West Dover Roadway LLC is planning a 9,100 square-foot, one-story store.
The next step is the final technical plan review with city, county and state agencies. If approved, the owner may apply for building permits.
Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate and development stories. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com.
