ELLENDALE, Del. - The town of Ellendale is on the verge of a major economic shift as town leaders consider a program aimed at revitalizing its downtown.
Town leaders are weighing whether to apply for Delaware’s Downtown Development District program, a state initiative designed to encourage investment in local communities through grants and financial incentives.
The move could bring new businesses and funding to the town, an area people say has potential for growth while still maintaining the town’s small-town charm.
"I would like to see more businesses, something to do, some shopping maybe, an attraction or two," said Kimberly Thompson, a local resident. "I’m not wanting to see a development moving in. This is just happening everywhere. And I’d like to see Ellendale stay a small town."
If approved, the program would make certain development projects eligible for state-backed grants and other incentives, potentially attracting new businesses and investors.
Still, not everyone is convinced the town is ready for that level of growth.
"I really think we need more police force," said Carole Tomlin, another local resident. "The state police come in at night and monitor, but we all know our one officer, he could probably use some help."
Tomlin added that while new housing developments suggest growth is already underway, it comes with trade-offs.
"I think that they’re building a lot of houses, so we can use stuff like that," she said. "At the same time, I kind of like not having all the traffic around. But there’s not too much right in Ellendale."
The Ellendale Town Council is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, at the Ellendale fire department.