Downtown Millsboro Committee Meeting - August 13, 2026

The Downtown Millsboro Committee convened on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 12:45 PM. Members present included Councilperson DeSova, Ron O'Neill (presiding), Assistant Town Manager Ashley, and Town Manager Jamie Burke. The committee discussed goals and objectives for the downtown area, including code enforcement, property maintenance, downtown organization, signage, and the Downtown Development District (DDD) application.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Code Enforcement and Property Maintenance ("Broken Windows Theory"): Councilperson DeSova raised concerns about dilapidated properties downtown, citing rat holes and boarded-up buildings. The committee discussed the need for stricter code enforcement, possibly a vacant property registration ordinance, and architectural review standards. Town Manager Jamie Burke noted that existing international property maintenance codes apply but enforcement may be lacking. The idea of a facade grant program was also mentioned.
• Downtown Millsboro Partnership (Main Street Organization): The committee discussed increasing involvement in the downtown Millsboro partnership, a Main Street program. They considered forming a board of local business owners and property owners to drive downtown vision and events, separate from the Chamber of Commerce. Staff suggested first defining the group's mission and goals before approaching businesses.
• Downtown Development District (DDD) Application Update: Jamie Burke reported that Millsboro was selected as one of five finalists out of 13 applicants for the DDD designation. A presentation was made to state cabinet secretaries. The final three towns will be announced before the September cabinet meeting. The theater was highlighted as the key project, with emphasis on its potential to spur investment, housing, and arts access. Millsboro and Selbyville are the only Sussex County towns remaining.
• Gateway and Signage Improvements: The committee discussed improving the bridge area as a gateway, including potential sculptural elements (a mill wheel) and better signage. Concerns about attaching anything to the bridge were noted, but embankment options were suggested. A desire for cohesive, attractive signage downtown was expressed, including standardized sign posts, pictorial signs, and a consistent font/logo for the town. A simple "Millsboro Welcomes You" sign was favored.
• Council Goals Alignment: The committee reviewed existing council goals related to downtown: RFP for town-owned properties, theater dialogue, parking feasibility near railroad tracks, and festive events. These were discussed as potential committee goals to support.
• Park and Dredging Collaboration: Members noted the opportunity to collaborate with the parks committee and leverage dredging efforts (with Army Corps of Engineers involvement) to enhance the park and connect it to downtown.

Key Outcomes

• The committee tabled the approval of past meeting minutes until the next meeting (motion passed).
• The committee will meet monthly going forward; a chairperson will be appointed at the next meeting (agenda item).
• Members were assigned homework: each to draft a mission statement for the committee to be discussed at the next meeting.
• Staff will research code enforcement options, vacant property registration policies, and signage design/ cost estimates. A field walk downtown to assess signage needs was suggested.
• The committee will continue to support the DDD application and await final selection.
• No formal votes were taken on substantive policy changes; discussions were preliminary.