DOVER, Del.- The Dover Air Force Base (DAFB) plays a vital role in national defense, but in order to maintain those defense operations, what goes on in the area surrounding the base is just as important.
That's why Delaware's Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has teamed up with state and local agencies to conduct the DAFB Compatible Use Study.
DelDOT held a public workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 5-7 p.m. to provide an overview of the study and get feedback from Dover neighbors.
The study began in October of 2021 with the help of a federal grant.
DelDOT officials say it's important for the public to know what is going on behind DAFB gates and in the communities surrounding them.
The purpose of the study is to look at the five mile radius surrounding DAFB and consider how growth and development in the area can be done in a way that benefits both the community and the base itself.
State and local agencies such as Delaware's Department of National Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization are also playing a role in the process.
The public workshop gives community members an opportunity to learn what developments have been made up to date and what could happen in the future.
"Whether it's residential or business those are all things that we want to make sure that are done in a way that supports the Air Force Base but also that doesn't decrease the quality of life here in Kent County," said C.R. McLeod of DelDOT.
As the study moves into its final phases, officials say it's necessary to incorporate public feedback into the report.
The Principal Planner in Dover, Dawn Melson-Williams, says there is a lot that goes into land use consideration surrounding the base.
"From a planning perspective there are certain things that you don't want to have in the way of an airplane taking off or landing," said Melson-Williams. "Things that are too tall, things that could be explosive in nature or even natural elements like a water body brings in birds, and birds and planes don't mix."
DelDOT encourages community members to attend public workshops in person. However, a zoom link is always provided. If you missed the workshop, it will not be the last one before the completion of the Compatible Use Study. There will also be a public comment period open regarding the study until Dec. 28.
Public comments can be made on DelDOT's website: https://deldot.gov/projects/Studies/dafb/
DelDOT hopes to complete the study, and release a final report, by March of 2023.
