HISTORIC PRESERVATION

 Introduction   

Kent County has significant historic resources important to its sense of place and quality of life.  Open space, rural crossroad communities, urban areas and towns, waterways, natural areas, transportation corridors, and buildings cover the landscape of Kent County.  The beauty, variety, and significance of the older buildings and communities shape and enrich our lives. In Kent County, the cultural heritage is closely tied to both the land and water. Archaeological evidence shows this interaction for prehistoric activities of Native Americans and early historic settlements. The rich soil, favorable climate, and transportation facilities aided in the development of the inland areas emphasizing agriculture as an integral component to the livelihood of many Kent Countians.  Along the Delaware Bay, and the St. Jones, Leipsic, Murderkill, and Mispillion Rivers, small communities developed as landings or shipping ports for products to larger markets. Travel by road, water, or rail brought people, buildings, and goods together.    

Many different types of buildings in size, shape, and form were built for activities. Methods of construction ranged from log to brick and wood frame.  Residents continually added to, remodeled, and built new dwellings.  A typical agricultural complex or farm consists of a dwelling with domestic and agricultural outbuildings needed for storage, shelter, and processing.  In rural communities and towns, people built churches, cemeteries, schools, civic buildings, stores and other commercial buildings. At these significant rural crossroads and within towns, commercial centers developed where visitors were drawn to the opportunity to buy, sell, and trade merchandise.  Civic affairs could be handled at the local town hall or courthouse and entertainment provided at the theater, grange hall, or other social meeting place. Other buildings were constructed specifically for industry such as the processing of lumber, grain and produce, and other manufacturing work.  In maritime communities, lighthouses and navigational aides guided activities on the water.  The waterman’s way of life brought local design into ships and other vessels, processing facilities, seasonal housing, and tools. Native American, African American, Amish, and Mennonite communities reflect other cultural groups in the county. 

Today, Kent Countians continue to add new buildings and alter the landscape with additional infrastructure.  Some of the ideas of development have changed; new growth typically takes the form of clusters of houses on curvilinear streets in subdivisions and single-family houses on small parcels of land. Earlier development saw towns with grid pattern streets and farms with large acreage.  Commercial development of today may include large areas of impervious surface to accommodate parking.  The mix of urban and rural spaces still exists but expanding modern development, both residential and commercial, is threatening many resources.  Threats include loss of open space (natural areas and agricultural land), deterioration of existing building stock through neglect and lack of use, and increasing demands for infrastructure. 

From prehistoric archaeological sites to agricultural complexes, simple dwellings to elegant mansions, stores to factories and lighthouses to bridges, a variety of resources help document the heritage of Kent County. These below-ground and above-ground resources are important to contemporary Kent County as a record of the County's history and patterns of development.  They also serve as an irreplaceable architectural amenity.   The County as a whole enjoys its rural and small town character and its architectural resources. There is growing evidence that aesthetic regulations can preserve and enhance these resources.  Maintaining such resources will contribute to the County's quality of life and serve as a source of economic growth through increased tourism.   

Ideally, the County's commitment to historic preservation should recognize and implement programs and activities that emphasize the appropriate stewardship of historic resources including the encouragement of productive private actions affecting historic sites. Some of these initiatives are the National Register of Historic Places program; restoration/rehabilitation, adaptive use projects; and the utilization of tax incentives.  To the extent that the County can provide a climate conducive to preservation, either through specific actions such as the Kent County Historic Preservation ordinance or as part of a general policy, private preservation efforts can be enhanced immeasurably.   

Identification, Evaluation, and Registration of Historic Resources 

Wherever possible, the County is responsible for undertaking Cultural Resource Surveys according to the criteria and standards set by the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. The Delaware State Historic Preservation Office maintains the Delaware Cultural Resource Survey.  This is a systematic inventory of Delaware’s buildings, structures, sites, and objects over 50 years old. Each property is assigned a Cultural Resource Survey (CRS) number. Since January 1996, 214 additional properties were surveyed and assigned CRS numbers.  Numerous updates regarding the status of previously surveyed sites were completed.   The County Historic Preservation Program, other state agencies, consultants, and SHPO staff as a result of projects, reviews, and grant-funded survey projects supply this survey information. 

Information from the Delaware Cultural Resource Survey can be utilized as a basis for local planning, including the development of historic contexts and property types and the determination of local priorities for identification, evaluation, registration and treatment.  The County should integrate the results of the survey with the County comprehensive land use plan in such a way as to relate historic resources to land use priorities, including growth management controls. The results of the survey in terms of a range of building types, materials, and other structural characteristics shall be incorporated into recommendations for changes in housing and building codes appropriate to the maintenance of historic structures.  

The Delaware State Historic Preservation Office will enter all Cultural Resource Survey data from County surveys into the Cultural Resource Information Management System (CRIMS) and will regularly provide localities with updated files as available.  

When evaluating historic resources, the County shall use National Register criteria, but may also use locally established criteria when evaluating local historic resources for designation and protection.  The County also shall use the Historic Context Master Reference and Summary to undertake preliminary evaluation of historic resources.  The procedures for evaluation and listing in the National Register of Historic Places are stipulated in 36 CFR 60.  The nomination process includes local and state approvals by the Historic Preservation Commission, the State Review Board for Historic Preservation, and State Historic Preservation Officer. All National Register nominations must be prepared in conformance with National Register Bulletin #16 and associated publications.   

In Kent County, there are 8,596 acres listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places with a total of 2,147 contributing resources. Here is a summary of the 132 sites and 17 districts within Kent County listed in the National Register of Historic Places: 

KENT COUNTY NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES 

INDIVIDUAL SITES

  16 Archaeology Sites

    4 Structures (schooners and lighthouses)

  21 Public buildings - local, state or federal government or non-profit owned

  15 Churches

  76 Private buildings

DISTRICTS

10 Districts in Incorporated Areas (Towns)

                Camden Historic District

                Dover Green Historic District

                Felton Historic District

                Frederica Historic District

                J.H. Wilkerson & Son Brickworks

                Kenton Historic District

                North Milford Historic District

                Smyrna Historic District

                Victorian Dover Historic District

                Wyoming Historic District

7 Districts in Rural Areas

                Bannister Hall and Baynard House

                Byfield Historic District

                Coombe Historic District

                Duck Creek Village Historic District

                Little Creek Hundred Rural Historic District

                Lower St. Jones Neck Historic District

                Raymond Neck Historic District

Since 1996, the following properties located in Kent County have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places:

            Bethel M.P. Church, Andrewville

            Todd’s Chapel near Greenwood

            Woodside Methodist Episcopal Church, Woodside

Treating and Preserving Historic Resources   

Actions and initiatives emphasizing the stewardship of historic resources of Kent County have occurred as the result of governments, state agencies, non-profit organizations, and private citizens.  The County has continued a Historic Preservation Program with the Historic Preservation Planner position within the Department of Planning Services, Planning Division.  This position, which provides technical assistance to the County staff and public, is funded through a matching grant program with the Historic Preservation Fund Grant administered by the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office.  The Historic Preservation Program incorporates historic resources data into the implementation of Kent County land use and development activities.  Other activities provide information about historic preservation issues; identify and develop resources protection strategies; develop public awareness for preservation issues and tax act projects; and coordinate environmental review tasks related to historic resources. 

One of the “Preservation Actions” outlined in the 1996 Kent County Comprehensive Plan Update recommended incentives to focus on the treatment of historic resources. One specific program in the form of a tax credit was developed and instituted. In September 1999, the Kent County Levy Court adopted an Ordinance creating the Tax Credit Program for Historic Properties in Kent County.   This program offers a county tax credit for historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places based on preservation, rehabilitation, and/or restoration projects involving exterior improvements to the architectural facades of buildings.   

At the county level, additional comprehensive land use zoning and subdivision regulations should be developed to implement goals for historic preservation.  Recent amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance of the Kent County Code have addressed issues such as zoning of agricultural lands, signage, telecommunication towers, and bed & breakfast establishments.  These land use regulations changed with these amendments have a visual impact on the landscape and encourage the redevelopment or rehabilitation of existing properties.            

The adoption of the 1991 Kent County Zoning Ordinance outlined the formation of the Kent County Historic Preservation Commission. This Commission is not currently appointed.  In a letter dated November 22, 2000, the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs continues to recommend the creation of the commission as a step toward more fully implementing the preservation component of the county’s comprehensive plan. The Kent County Historic Preservation Commission powers and duties are stipulated in the Kent County Historic Preservation Regulations found in Kent County Code, Volume II, Article XXV, §205-377. The County may then take the actions necessary to qualify for Certified Local Government status.   

At the state level, several agencies administer programs related to historic preservation activities.  The Delaware State Historic Preservation Office is the office focused specifically on historic resources and recently completed their own comprehensive plan update entitled The Future of Our Past: An Update for the Years 2001-2005.   This document outlines a series of five goals with desired outcomes and actions.  Goal IV specifically focuses on the involvement of local government in preservation activities. 

As of July 2001, the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Program has protected 66,804 acres of land in Agricultural Preservation Districts in Kent County with 35,184 acres of land permanently protected through the Purchase of Development Rights.  Many of these properties include historic dwellings and agricultural outbuildings, as well as archaeological sites.  Other land protection activities are part of the Open Space Program, federal and state wildlife areas and state parks.  Economic initiatives have focused on downtown areas of several towns through the Delaware Main Street Program.  Main Street communities in Kent County include Dover and Smyrna. The Department of Transportation, working with an Advisory Board, is developing the guidelines for a scenic byway program known as the Delaware Scenic and Historic Highways Program. 

On February 2, 2001, the State Historic Tax Credit Act, a state income tax credit program based on the cost of rehabilitation of historic properties was signed into law.  Application guidelines and process will be forthcoming.  It is anticipated that this tax credit program will provide added financial benefits and encourage the revitalization of many properties and communities. 

The results of the initiatives of non-profit organizations and private citizens can be seen in rehabilitation and adaptive use projects throughout Kent County.

Kent County Comprehensive Plan Update 2001 Process 

From September 2000 to November 2000, the Kent County Department of Planning Services conducted twelve workshops throughout Kent County.  At the workshops, a tabletop display entitled “Taking Kent County’s Heritage into the Future” provided photographs and text noting historic resources and preservation programs. Staff provided various handout materials and asked participants to complete a survey on a variety of land use issues, including several questions pertaining to historic preservation.  The entire survey results can be found at <http://www.smartmap.com/kent_co/comp_plan/survey.html>.   From the 182 survey respondents on the issue of the preservation of historic buildings, the following results were tallied: 71 extremely important, 75 important, 20 no opinion, 11 not important and 5 not an issue.  From the 187 survey respondents on the issue of Historic Preservation in Land Use Regulations, the following results were tallied: 51 extremely important, 86 important, 35 no opinion, 12 not important and 3 not an issue. In addition to survey results, many workshops participants also wrote comments.  

Kent County Historic Preservation Objectives   

Under the pressures of development, many historic resources are in danger of being degraded or lost. A final component, therefore, in implementing the Historic Preservation element of the 2002 Kent County Comprehensive Plan Update is to strengthen the County's stewardship of significant historic resources. The following objectives and actions address these issues. 

·        Strengthen the County's historic preservation program to ensure that Kent County's historic and cultural legacy will continue to help shape and define the unique character of the County.

·        Exercise stewardship of our cultural resources.

·        Celebrate cultural heritage as a means of creating and nurturing a sense of local identity.

·        Recognize the role that our geographical setting, the land and the water, has played in our cultural heritage. Support initiatives that sustain and enhance historical and cultural resources and their appropriate settings for the benefit of current and future generations while accommodating planned growth.

·        Support the identification of historic resources associated with historic patterns of residential, agricultural, industrial, maritime and transportation activities.

·        Ensure the compatibility of new development and discourage the destruction of sound, older buildings, particularly in communities with cohesive character.

Kent County Historic Preservation Recommendations  

The following recommendations incorporate suggestions provided by the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office and follow the goals outlined in the statewide Comprehensive Plan for Historic Preservation.  The Kent County Levy Court will consider all recommendations when rendering land use decisions and directing land use policy for Kent County. 

·      Review the possible establishment of a Kent County Historic Preservation Commission providing appropriate staff and funding levels to carry out the duties pursuant to Kent County Code, Article XXV. 

·      Initiate process and complete application for approval of Certified Local Government status. 

·      Continue appropriate stewardship of those historic resources in county ownership including protection, preservation, and interpretation of these sites. 

·      Identify growth areas and critical areas with important archaeological sites, historic landscapes, and farmlands with important historic buildings; encourage the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings; and help to define and consider in planning what is important and appropriate to each community to preserve for general livability. 

·      Identify cultural groups focusing on the status of historic resources and impacts of development activities to provide information for preservation and planning activities 

·      Promote County incentives and remove disincentives for historic preservation, and improve protection for historic properties including:   

-         Explore the possibility of enacting additional plans and ordinances that protect, preserve, and restore important cultural and historic resources within the County. 

-         Provide a series of recommendations to municipal officials, groups, and citizens outlining more effective regulatory measures for community preservation management and provide language which can be added to existing zoning ordinances and building codes   

·      Continue to identify, evaluate, and update cultural resource surveys and provide survey data in a variety of formats including electronic media.  

·      Continue to identify and nominate eligible properties and districts to the National Register of Historic Places.  

·      Provide adequate programs for the documentation of threatened sites and structures and for the publicizing of strategies and incentives that would encourage rehabilitation and adaptive use of threatened resources.  

·      Provide sources of information on the County's historic places and heritage to: 

-         Encourage heritage tourism by publicizing historic resources and cultural activities within the County.  

-         Convey to Kent County residents the value and community benefits of historic

-         preservation by helping citizens gain an understanding and awareness of what is

-         historically important about each community or area of the County.

The writing of this chapter has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, as part of a grant to the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office.  However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior or the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office.  The Historic Preservation Program received Federal financial assistance from the Nation Park Service.  Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in a federally assisted program or activity.  If you believe you have been discriminated against by this recipient of Federal assistance, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240.