Dear District 8 residents,
Here's my May-June newsletter.
What's important to you as a Wilmington resident? Please fill out my 2-minute survey.
In case you missed them, here's my January-February and March-April neighborhood newsletters.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have a question or concern. I'm here to help.
Sincerely,
Nathan Field
Nrfield@wilmingtonde.gov
302-530-6626
Facebook:@FieldforDistrict8
MAKING STAPLER PARK BETTER THAN EVER - MAY 22nd VOLUNTEER PROJECT
Stapler Park is a hidden gem. It's time to make it better than ever. What do you want to see?
Some suggestions so far include:
(1) Improving drainage in playground area
(2) Better looking trash cans
(3) Updated basketball court
(4) Replace pathways
(5) Remulch tree areas
(6) Repaint fences
(7) Sustained cleaning of playground equipment
(8) Restore missing plaque marking historic trees
Please follow Friends of Stapler Park, a group of neighbors dedicated to maintaining our amazing local asset, created by Lani Star Schweiger.
A community cleanup to repaint the fence and remulch is scheduled for Saturday May 22nd from 10am to noon.
Please email me if you can join us. We need your help.
NEW (EARLY STAGE) PLANS FOR GIBRALTAR MANSION
There will be an introductory presentation at the Highlands Community Association meeting on May 19th followed by a series of community meetings.
Click here more information on how to attend.
PROGRESS IN BUILDING A MORE WALKABLE WILMINGTON
New Crosswalks at Van Buren and Pennsylvania Avenue
For decades, seniors at Rodney Court, Ingleside and Luther Towers have had to walk blocks out of their way or to cross at unsafe intersections.
Working with Rep. Gerald Brady, DELDOT and Public Works, we were able to get in three crosswalks at the Van Buren & PA Avenue intersection providing much safer access for seniors to get to the CVS pharmacy.
Developing a Comprehensive Plan for Lovering Avenue at Broom & Rodney In coordination with the WPD Traffic Department, I am studying two specific intersections, Lovering Avenue at Broom and Rodney. We are watching the impact of the I95 Viaduct project on traditional traffic patterns. With the new data that will emerge in coming months we will then be able to adopt wholistic traffic safety measures for Lovering Avenue.
Experimental Weekend Closing of South Park Drive To try out something new to promote walkability, the City will be making South Park Drive between Lovering Avenue and Van Buren Street available to walkers and bikers only. Here's a good article explaining the idea behind the closure.
SUNDAY MAY 30TH - THE 153 YEAR MEMORIAL DAY TRADITION CONTINUES
One of Wilmington's most impressive traditions is the City's Memorial Day Parade. Every year since 1871, residents have gathered at the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Delaware Avenue to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
This year will be no different, but with a march instead of a parade down the traditional route, followed by the ceremony at the Monument at 6:30.
Remember to wear a mask to comply with State of Delaware Covid regulations.
LIMITING DISRUPTION TO HAPPY VALLEY RESIDENTS
To make sure that DELDOT understands the concerns of Happy Valley residents given the noise and disruption from the I95 Viaduct project, on May 4th I organized a community meeting. In attendance were DELDOT officials, project managers from Kiewit Construction and about 20 neighbors.
It was a frank but constructive discussion. We came out of it with several actionable follow ups that I'm working to implement immediately that will help the neighborhood.
8TH DISTRICT SPRING SOCIAL EVENTS
Sadly, the 100 year old Flower Market will be cancelled for the 2nd straight year due to Covid.
There is some good news. The organizers will instead hold a Fall Festival in Rockford Park this October. The Delaware Art Museum will resume it's popular Thursday evening Happy Hour series, starting May 27th through September 16th.
Several new articles on developments at the Pennsylvania Avenue and Union Intersection:
Be sure to check out, the Park Cafe, a tribute to Wawaset Park, at 2510 W. 5th St.
FISHING IN COOL SPRING PARK - ENDANGERS COMMUNITY ASSET
Although signs clearly state "No Fishing permitted," it is an ongoing problem. The reason is because the fish stock is artificial. Removing even a few of the bigger fish can have significant consequences. For example, in 2016, the City was forced to spend $300,000 to drain the pond due to overbreeding of goldfish.
If you see anyone fishing, please immediately call the Non-Emergency hotline (302-654-5151). The Police will send someone over to explain the importance of not fishing in the pond.
EXTENDED DEADLINE - SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Each Council member has $4,000 of scholarship money to distribute. To be eligible you must be enrolled at a college or trade school next academic year and be a resident of the 8th District.
To apply, please send an essay along with your resume answering the following question:
If you were Mayor, what is your top idea for making Wilmington a better city? How would you make sure your idea works?
It must be at least 250 words to be considered and should be emailed to Nrfield@wilmingtonde.gov no later than June 1st.
DELMARVA GAS MAIN REPAIR PROJECT
The project to replace the gas main continues throughout the City. Here is a block-by-block schedule:
If you have any concerns about the impact of construction as relates to your property, please get in touch and we can address the issue with DELMARVA.
FINALLY, DONT FORGET TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS
Well said by the St. Ann's 2nd graders. Muzzi has been open every day for the last 6 months keeping this 40 Acres icon open. It's not easy to make money at 50% capacity so please don't forget to show your support. Traditional diners such as Angelo's are a key part of what makes Wilmington such a great place to live.