Wilmington Considered Land Code Changes for Day Center

City officials may amend zoning rules that would impact the planned relocation of the Living Hope Day Center.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a city block with a brick commercial building and surrounding residential housing, representing urban zoning. — Wilmington city officials are considering land code amendments that could block the Living Hope Day Center from relocating to a former bar on 10th Street. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Wilmington is weighing potential land code amendments that could block the relocation of the Living Hope Day Center to a former bar on 10th Street. Residents have raised safety concerns regarding the center, which serves as a nonprofit street outreach program.

Why it matters

The center must relocate from its current home at First Baptist Church to allow for renovations, sparking tension over its proposed placement near schools. City staff intends to present code changes to the Planning Commission to address neighborhood complaints.

The proposed site at 19 S. 10th Street is a 5,000-square-foot facility formerly occupied by Sorrow Drowner. Residents estimate the center could lead to a 7% negative impact on neighborhood property values.

The players

Living Hope Day Center

This is a nonprofit street outreach program that provides services to vulnerable residents.

Christine and Tony Perez

These individuals are the founders of the street outreach program.

First Baptist Church

This local house of worship has hosted the day center since 2023.

The details

The nonprofit program currently operates from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Wednesday. While the center could move to the location by-right under current urban mixed-use zoning, pending amendments could change that status.

The street outreach program was started by Christine and Tony Perez in 2020.
Living Hope Day Center opened at First Baptist Church in 2023.
The bar Sorrow Drowner closed in May 2025.
City Council met to discuss the center's plans on September 22, 2026.
The Planning Commission will review potential land code amendments in October 2026.

Market Landscape

This dispute over land use highlights the tension between community development and existing urban mixed-use zoning classifications. Proposed code changes would shift the competitive landscape for non-profit facilities seeking prime locations in urban centers.

Local residents near 10th and Dock streets may see changes in neighborhood land-use policy depending on the upcoming commission review. The outcome will directly determine whether the nonprofit can proceed with its relocation to the currently vacant commercial building.

The takeaway

The conflict underscores how essential nonprofit services must navigate evolving municipal codes and community opposition. Organizations planning relocations should proactively engage with planning departments to understand potential zoning shifts before finalizing leases.

What happens next

The Planning Commission is scheduled to meet in October 2026 to review the proposed land code amendments that could prohibit the day center from operating at the 19 S. 10th Street location.