BUSINESS SURVEY

REACH conducted a survey of neighborhood businesses and received responses from approximately 12 businesses throughout the study area including the Market St corridor, Northeast Boulevard and Todds Lane. Business owners described some assets and challenges operating in the neighborhood.

Strengths:

• Location with good highway access which offers logistical advantages.

• Several of the businesses remarked that they had long-standing relationships with other businesses.

• Many older businesses were located there when the area was a strong manufacturing hub, newer businesses chose the location because of incentives and available land for their operations.

Challenges:

• Difficulty in attracting employees to the area because of the perception that the neighborhood is unsafe.

• Lack of retail amenities and commercial vitality.

• Need for a well-trained employee base.

• Many felt that area youth were not interested in trades.

Resources Needed:

• More technical support.

• Access to capital and funding for expansion.

• Assistance with marketing.

What should improve:

• More local jobs – need skilled labor force for high tech manufacturing.

• Reduce criminal activity and gun violence.

• Improve the image of the area through marketing and branding.

• Improved mobility - more bike lanes, address traffic patterns.

• Access to quality foods.

Several of the companies interviewed shared their historical ties and commitment to the neighborhood’s resurgence.

“My Father, Charles A. Allen and his partner, Jack Hare started with a small used car lot in 1964. Since then, the business has grown to employ 22 people and is an asset to the community. There are three generations of family working here. Many of our clients are repeat customers from three generations. We look forward to still serving this community and be a stakeholder and partner.”

“My grandfather built our current facility in 1949 when this area was considered ‘out in the country’. We have seen the rise and fall of the area and look forward to its rebirth.”

“Our firm is responsible for the development of Eastlake Village, which we continue to own and operate, in partnership with the Wilmington Housing Authority. We provide housing for more than 1000 low- and moderate-income families and seniors in the City of Wilmington. We take pride in our long-term commitment to the community and rely upon longheld relationships.”