A Vision for Dover: Sustainable, Responsible Development That Preserves Our Character
As Dover continues to grow, we face important choices about what kind of community we want to be. Growth and development are inevitable, but how we manage that growth will define the future of our city. At the Greater Dover Republican Committee, we believe in a vision of sustainable, responsible development—development that works for our citizens, not just outside interests or politically connected developers.
Preserving Dover’s Unique Character
Dover is a special place. From our historic downtown and vibrant neighborhoods to our tight-knit communities, we are proud of what makes our city unique. As development proposals increase, we must not lose sight of our identity. Overdevelopment without foresight risks turning Dover into something unrecognizable—overcrowded, overtaxed, and overwhelmed.
Responsible development means preserving our character. It means supporting growth that respects our history, reflects our values, and complements the charm and scale of our city—not erasing it.
Managing Costs and Infrastructure
Growth has a price. More development often means higher demand on schools, roads, utilities, and emergency services. If mismanaged, that cost gets passed along to you—the taxpayers. The result? Rising property taxes, strained infrastructure, and services that can’t keep up.
That’s why fiscal responsibility must go hand-in-hand with development. Every new project should be thoroughly reviewed not only for its impact on traffic and the environment but for its long-term effect on city budgets and local services. We need leadership that prioritizes smart planning, not rubber-stamped approvals.
Shielding Our City from Corruption and Backroom Deals
In too many places, development is driven by who you know—not what’s best for the community. Dover cannot afford to follow that path. When decisions are made behind closed doors or without proper oversight, citizens lose trust—and special interests win.
We call for transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in all development decisions. That means full public disclosure, open meetings, and fair processes that put Dover residents first—not developers with political connections.
A Smarter Way Forward
We support policies that:
• Encourage local ownership and small business growth instead of giant, impersonal developments
• Require impact studies before major projects are approved
• Protect residential neighborhoods from incompatible overdevelopment
• Involve community input early and often
• Hold developers to high standards of quality and accountability
We can grow without selling out. We can build without breaking what makes Dover special. We can welcome the future without abandoning the past.
At the Greater Dover Republican Committee, we’re committed to responsible leadership that safeguards the integrity of our community, protects taxpayers, and ensures that development serves all of us—not just a privileged few.
Join us in shaping a smarter, more sustainable Dover.