Nesbitt Court redevelopment stalled

WILMINGTON–Nesbitt Court was built back in the 1930’s as one of the premiere housing developments in Wilmington. Now the Wilmington Housing Authority has to make a decision on what to do with the dilapidated property.

In March, the state Housing Finance Agency denied an investor’s request for a tax credit, to help him front the money to rebuild Nesbitt Court. Housing Authority Commissioner Bo Dean says the credit was declined because of Hess oil tanks directly across the street from Nesbitt Court. Dean plans to bring the request before the state again for reevaluation. He says with the state of the economy, providing affordable housing in Wilmington is critical.

“When you’re trying to support children, when you look at the cost of health care, when you look at the cost of gas, some people don’t understand the full story,” Dean said. “But those that do certainly are advocates and understand the need for affordable housing.”

If WHA’s request is denied again, there is the option of selling the property to a developer. The housing authority could use the money to expand or improve current housing developments. As for those that see Nesbitt court as an eyesore, Dean has this message: “The community just has to hang in there with us.”