We are all on journeys. Some are transportation-related, and some are more metaphoric. I’ve been on the latter type since June 2021. This journey has been to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Part of that journey has been increasing my activity level, hence creating a transportation-related journey. So, I park further from work, and I find reasons to walk somewhere instead of driving where practical (walk home for lunch, etc.). I’ve noted before that my dog and I enjoy the Community Trail, and typically on Saturday and Sunday, we walk the three miles out and three miles back between Fourth Street and Watson Road.

Recently, my dog has been a bit laid up and isn’t hoofing it with me. This has allowed me to check out different routes. I’ve been walking downtown more and more. Now, we all know Dover enjoys a vibrant downtown, and we also know that walking through a space offers a new and different perspective than driving through it. Walking downtown, you notice the nooks and crannies. You notice that between Ham Street and Silver Street, there is very little vacant space. You see the changes that have occurred over the past few years (enhanced use of outdoor space by merchants/restaurants), and the continued evolution/cycle that is occurring. Yes, we’ve had businesses close, but much of that has been that the time to retire, etc., has come about, not that the businesses are no longer valued. We are seeing a refresh in many spaces; new businesses coming to Dover and an expansion of where they are occurring.

The highest demand for commercial space has long been Central Avenue between Third Street and Washington Street, with the strongest focus being around the Central Avenue bridge. Main Street, Washington Street, and Central Avenue, below Hale Street, have long had commercial uses but were not focus areas. This is changing. We see demand through the full corridor. We see space that was off the beaten path being utilized. Peirce Street is seeing growth and redevelopment, Third Street is seeing a rebirth with the building constructed upon the former parking lot, the expansion underway between Chestnut and Grove Streets, and the planned rebirth of 42-44 Third Street promises more. Will the old courthouse redevelopment bring new life to Second and First Street? All good things to explore.

As I walk the downtown area, I am reminded that in the past, what some might consider the “Upper Square” was actually called “Franklin Square.” It was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin and Franklin Street, which is now Central Avenue north of Chapel Street, and was a center point of commerce. That coupled with the “Central Square,” sometimes referred to as “Lower Square” at Washington Street, Central and Henry Law Avenue, was the mid-point of Central Avenue, which ran from Franklin Square to “Tuttle Square,” at Central and Silver Streets, where Central Avenue became Pleasant Street.

One last thought on squares, recently, the city facilitated a marker in honor of General Lafayette, who visited Dover and stayed at the Hale House in 1825. The marker was dedicated on Sept.13 at the Hale or Lafayette House (another location with more than one name), across from City Hall. Check it out if you get a chance, it is an interesting link between Dover, U.S. History, and the world at large. What does this have to do with squares? Well, the junction of Portland Avenue and Main Street is Lafayette Square.

Enjoy your journey, and remember to look at the nooks and crannies as you travel.

Enjoy,

Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives