(SEAFORD, Del.) - A plan to add some life to Seaford finally has a plan of action.
In downtown Seaford there isn't much going on today.
From the looks -- both business and people are scarce.
Richard Sparenberg says that's how he remembers it in all of his seven years living in town.
"I'd like to see a few other things, like maybe a bakery....or maybe a brew pub. Something along those lines," he said.
Well today economic sunshine is beaming bright on Seaford.
Dozens huddled for the groundbreaking of one of the town's newest editions.
It's called the residences at river place. It's a two-building 72-aparment complex that will sit along the Nanticoke River.
"Without the help from the top in Delaware, I doubt this project would have gotten off the ground," said David Perlmeutter, the projects devoloper.
Perlmeutter says a $671,000 grant from governor Markell's downtown district program made the difference in attracting investors.
Delaware State officials said about $6 million in state grant money was able leverage $114 million dollars in investment in Seaford, Dover and Wilmington.
The state legislature has already set aside $8.5 million for a second round of the program this fiscal year.
And he could not wait to show us what else is in the works.
The big machinery was there and so were the big investments in Seaford. When the two apartment buildings are finished, a third one will be built. As well as a new modernized office building that will be used by the Nanticoke hospital.
"All of Seaford is going to benefit from this project."
Mayor David Genshaw couldn't be more thrilled with these new developments in a downtown looking for new life.
Including a new public pier for the folks who love to fish over here.
Richard is thinking this may be the key to a new -- maybe better -- Seaford.
"I think it's a very bright future for this area."
The first phase of the project is expected to be done in August.