Dover Taskforce Approves $197,600 in Opioid Prevention Grants; Planning Commission Set for Fox Hall Drive Hearing
The Dover Taskforce approved four opioid use disorder prevention projects totaling $197,600 and denied one proposal seeking $101,725, according to meeting records. The approved grants cover youth prevention media, recovery engagement, community awareness, and a women's recovery scholarship program.
Opioid Prevention Grant Awards
The taskforce approved the following projects:
- **Carry Their Light Youth Opioid Prevention Media & Education Initiative** — $50,000 — Approved
- **Downtown Dover Recovery Engagement & Stabilization Initiative** (NorthNode Group Counseling) — $30,000 — Approved
- **The Healing Lens Project: Dover Youth Opioid Prevention & Community Awareness Initiative** — $67,600 — Approved
- **House of Refuge Recovery Scholarship Program** (Women of Value) — $50,000 — Approved
One proposal was denied: the DE Recovery Advocacy Program (Firm Foundation) for $101,725.
The taskforce also approved prior meeting minutes.
Fox Hall Drive Annexation and Rezoning
The Development Advisory Committee met July 8 to review two applications forwarded to the Planning Commission for public hearings on July 20.
The first seeks annexation and rezoning of a 1.6390-acre parcel at 102 Fox Hall Drive from RS-1 to R-20 under Ordinance #2026-13. The second requests abandonment of a portion of Liberty Street — approximately 319.45 feet long and 0.4405 acres — between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North and South.
Public comment was not accepted at the DAC meeting; comments will be allowed at the Planning Commission hearing. City Council review of the annexation request is scheduled for August 10.
City Council Zoning and Utility Items
City Council agendas from July 13 list a public hearing on Proposed Ordinance #2026-10, which would amend zoning regulations for manufacturing and industrial zones regarding Clean Hydrogen. The council was also set to consider corrected Electric, Water, and Wastewater Rates and Tariffs, a subdivision waiver request for lands of Wyoming LCC and Functional Properties LLC at Jefferson Terrace Extended, and Proposed Ordinance #2026-05 amending rules on throwing or kicking objects and playing games in public places.
Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed in the record.
Dual Employment Policy and Opioid Funding Item Removed
The Council Committee of the Whole agenda for July 14 listed a proposed Dual Employment Policy presented by HR Director Naomi Poole, with staff recommending approval. The agenda notes that the Delaware Opioid Settlement Commission Funding Disbursement item was removed from the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee agenda.
District reports from First, Second, Third, Fourth, and At-Large districts were also scheduled.
Board of Adjustment Variance Request
The Board of Adjustment held a public hearing July 15 on Variance Application #V-26-04 for 131 Rosemary Road, seeking to increase front-yard fence height to six feet. The board also adopted minutes from its June 17 meeting. The next Board of Adjustment meeting is scheduled for August 19 at 9:00 AM.
Vacant Building Registration Fee Appeals
The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals considered two appeals July 15 under the 2009 Property Maintenance Code: one from Denise Mittens for 558 North American Avenue Ext. and one from Lauren Good for 236 North Governors Avenue. Both involve vacant building registration fees.
Historic District Commission Reviews ADA Ramp
The Historic District Commission reviewed a revised application (HI-24-07) for a 160-foot ADA ramp at the west entrance of Legislative Hall, located at 411 Legislative Avenue, along with summaries of 2025 and 2026 applications and architectural certifications.
Coming Up
- **July 20** — Planning Commission public hearings on the 102 Fox Hall Drive annexation/rezoning and Liberty Street abandonment, plus annual officer nominations and a resolution honoring William L. Witham Jr.
- **July 21** — Alderman's Court Ad Hoc Committee hears a guest presentation by Alderman's Court 40 Clerk Terri Conover; public comment limited to three minutes.
- **July 21** — Human Relations Commission meets; next meeting set for October 20.
- **July 23** — Code Board of Appeals considers an appeal by Ying Chu of a citation and fines for 172 Stoney Drive under the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code.
- **July 27** — City Council discusses the proposed Dual Employment Policy, final reading of Ordinance #2026-05 on street conduct, a quarterly Capital Investment Plan review, the quarterly revenue report as of June 30, and appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Code Board of Appeals, and Ethics Commission.