Xerxes Wilson

The News Journal

Delaware City residents voted Thursday to extend municipal borders to include the site of a 325-acre residential and retail project being built near the deteriorating Fort DuPont.

Leading up to the vote, city officials hailed the annexation of the property surrounding the former military post as a monumental moment in the town's history.

A redevelopment corporation set up by the state recently began work on a decades-long redevelopment effort that includes plans for a 150-slip marina, restaurant, hotel and as many as 500 residential units being developed on the land. Town officials have visions of hosting large festivals and creating the premier waterfront destination north of the Delaware beaches.

Officials argued annexation would allow the city to reap the tax-revenue benefits of the redevelopment effort that is being funded by both state and private money. It also provides the opportunity to nearly double the city's current population of 1,700 if all the discussed residential units in the redevelopment are built and occupied.

Others raised concerns the redevelopment would require more city police and code enforcement officers and put a strain on the small town's finances.

STORY: Fort DuPont annexation plan riles Delaware City



Voters also elected three members to City Council Tuesday.

Incumbent Megan Titus retained her seat. Paul D. Fitzwater, III and Natalie Green were also elected to two-year terms on the five-seat council.

Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com. Follow @Ber_Xerxes on Twitter.