Despite the Wilmington Planning Commission not recommending rezoning for the proposed Bancroft Parkway Redevelopment, one city councilman is confident this project will move forward.
The Planning Commission voted 4-1 against recommending rezoning last week, but Councilman Chris Johnson is still backing the project.
"I'm still supportive of this plan. I have an open line with this developer, and they are open to addressing any concerns. There were concerns about deed restrictions, and with the height of the building would actually be. The developers are certainly still at the table and further modifications could be made, but all in all this is a huge investment in Wilmington. No taxpayer dollars requested or asked for," said Johnson.
Johnson is confident Wilmington City Council will eventually approve the project despite needing a supermajority of votes to pass the measure.
A supermajority – in this case 75% of council – is needed because the Planning Commission voted against the proposal.
The original proposal had 12 stories but Johnson says the developer is amenable to adjusting the size of the building, and it won’t be anywhere near what many fear.
"Four stories, six stories, maybe eight depends on how they do the final design, but nowhere near 15 stores and I get it. Today's day at age there's not a trust in government. I get it, but I can tell you, under good authority. There's nothing to it," said Johnson.
Johnson notes the project has backing from leaders such as Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay and New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry.
He expects a Council vote this fall and notes the project – if approved – will add needed housing with up to 180 units, and show Wilmington is open for business.
