Library will be positive for Del. 9 community

There has been much talk lately about New Castle County’s plan to build a state-of-the-art “innovation center” on Del. 9 in New Castle, albeit most of it negative.

I’d like to talk about the positive aspects of this proposal, which I feel far exceed any negative attention thus far. While Del. 9 may be the first exit into Delaware from New Jersey, it seems it’s often been last on the priority list. This area, extending from Southbridge in Wilmington to Old New Castle and west to Dupont Highway, has long been a place of proud homeowners who are in a struggle to keep society’s ills from their doorstep.

It appears this area is finally getting the attention it deserves, as a place that can be redeveloped and revitalized. A soon to be released economic development plan will focus heavily on the Del. 9 and U.S. 13 corridor and the County Police’s T.A.P.S. program has made significant progress in reducing crime. Our Code Department continues to cite and fix unsightly and blighted properties and earlier this year, the county was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh for community revitalization efforts along the Del. 9 corridor in an effort to create affordable housing opportunities and promote home ownership. We are making progress and the addition of a community anchor, such as this library will be, will help exponentially in these efforts.

It cannot be disputed that education is paramount to gaining meaningful employment and leading a fruitful life. Without the ability to read at a level commensurate with their age, a child can quickly fall behind and fall through the cracks of our education system. Introducing students to reading at a young age, and making it easier for them to practice their literacy, will help our young people to better receive a meaningful education.

This library will not just be a place for books, however. It will be a place for people of all ages, backgrounds and education levels to come and find meaningful tools to help them achieve their goals. Whether it is a man from Wilmington Manor looking to write a resume and apply for jobs online, or a senior citizen from Holloway Terrace who wants to learn how to video chat with their grandchildren, this library will be a place for them to come and expand their horizons in small ways that will make a big difference in their lives. In addition to an expansive book selection, the library will include early childhood and adult literacy programs, helping people of all ages improve their reading and comprehension.

It will include a job center that will offer those who are unemployed or under-employed the opportunity for training and career counseling. It will provide senior citizens, who are oftentimes left out when it comes to new technology, the chance to learn about and utilize all the new tools being made today. The surrounding community’s input will also play a big role in the type of programs we offer.

I believe the time has come for this area’s renewal. While some may see the Del. 9 and U.S. 13 corridor as a desert of despair, I see it as a future economic oasis. This library will be a community anchor and an important step to revitalize the area and lift the spirits of the people. I anticipate this turnaround to be a model for redevelopment and one that can be replicated throughout the state. I applaud the administration’s diligence and leadership on this project and I hope we can keep the politics and negativity out of the discussion and focus on providing excellent services to the communities we serve.

The Rev. Christopher Bullock is president of New Castle County Council.