By Mike Finney

DOVER — Bobby Wilson sees a wide divide between the Downtown Dover Partnership’s revitalization efforts and what he witnesses taking place in the city.

So, he has a plan to close it.

The owner of U.S. Veteran Builders & Associates outlined his vision to improve the area for local businesses and residents at City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting at City Hall on Jan. 13.

Mr. Wilson and Deniera Gibson of the Delaware Department of Labor shared information about — and a funding request for — the proposed “Booted and Suited” Career Academy pilot program. The project would employ veterans and individuals with past transgressions to assist merchants and downtown visitors, as well as serve as eyes on the streets.

“My office is at 32 W. Loockerman St., and I have used Narcan eight times to bring an individual back from death, and it’s just sad,” Mr. Wilson said. “Right there on the main drag of Loockerman Street, (near) the Downtown Dover Partnership. It’s happened right in front of their door.”

Ms. Gibson talked about similar downtown challenges.

“We have concerns about safety and visibility, cleanliness and beautification,” she said, “and we have a population of residents — especially justice-involved individuals and veterans — who want to work but struggle to access stable employment.”

She also described multiple instances of violence over the past few months alone, which have led to deaths and serious injuries.

“These are incidents that affect safety, perception and everyday life in downtown Dover,” she noted. “I want to make it clear that, when people return to communities without structure, opportunity or purpose, the outcomes are very predictable: recidivism, unemployment and continued strain on city resources.”

“Booted and Suited” would address all these topics at once, Ms. Gibson continued, not through punishment but via training, accountability and service.

Further, she said, the effort would train ambassadors who can increase positive visibility, deter opportunistic crime and strengthen connections between citizens and first responders.

Mr. Wilson labeled the initiative “Capital City Rising.”

He approached City Council because he is seeking $50,000 for the program’s first four months of personnel costs, plus another $15,000 for supplies and uniforms.

The organization would operate out of his West Loockerman Street building, and its members would offer locations and hours of area businesses and handouts about upcoming events, plus coordinate a lost and found, and serve as safety escorts to downtown locations.

They would also have foot and bike patrols to monitor, but not intervene into, situations that could become problematic. They would call 911 if incidents develop into emergencies.

“Booted and Suited” employees would also collect trash from streets, remove graffiti and keep roads and sidewalks clear.

Following the presentation, Council President Fred Neil and Councilman Dr. Roy Sudler Jr. expressed support but recommended that Mr. Wilson attempt to procure additional funding, then bring his funding requests back to council. No vote was taken on the matter.

Staff writer Mike Finney can be reached at 302-741-8230 or mfinney@iniusa.org.