January 8th District Newsletter

Hi Constituents and Neighbors, Happy New! I wish you a great start to 2026. To keep you updated on my work on your behalf, here's my January newsletter.

Please as always don't hesitate to call or email me if you have an issue or an idea.

Sincerely,

Nathan Field 8th District City Councilman Nrfield@wilmngtonde.gov 302-530-6626 Facebook/Instagram: FieldDistrict8 To receive additional updates follow FIeldDistrict8 on Facebook or Instagram.

Trolley Square Revival - my major 2026 Focus

prime location yet vacant for 3+ years

Trolley Square isn't what it used to be. Or could be. I'm worried about the number of business closings and even more the long-term vacancies.

The Sun-tan place above has been closed for 3 years. Walgreens has been shuttered for two. The realtor I spoke with say there are no leads on new tenants. WSFS just shut their branch.

To be fair, yes, some of this is due to the general rise of online shopping which is hurting traditional storefronts everywhere. Yet every time I drive through a South Jersey main street, I get so frustrated. I notice at least one antique store, a music equipment store, a record store, and other types of interesting small retail that makes people want to come and visit.

So the economics aren't impossible if Jersey towns can do it despite significantly higher taxes and other costs. Reviving the Trolley Square commercial area is one of my top goals for 2026.

I am forming an action-oriented committee focused on driving commercial revival and beautification in Trolley Square/ Delaware Avenue and looking for volunteers. Please contact me if you want to participate.

Old Town Hall Back in Action

I'm excited that Wilmington will be reviving the use of Old Town Hall for at least one formal governmental use per year as part of the America 250 events.

Old Town Hall was the site of all decisions made in Wilmington from the 1700s through 1920 and is perfectly preserved thanks to civic minded members of the Dupont family a century ago. The way I see it, when cities have perfectly preserved, usable 18th century historic assets like this, you need to use them, not just as wedding venues, or museums, but in interesting ways like having current meetings there to generate ongoing civic pride and interest in the city. After all, that's what makes us unique as an original American town/city, compared to much larger but much newer cities like Miami, Las Vegas or Phoenix.

Widener and Incyte Eye Move to Downtown Campus:

These two big employers as anchor non-residential tenants downtown would be a major coup for Wilmington. It seems we are getting closer:

I predict it would lead to a 9am to 5pm foot traffic buzz downtown that was lost when (A) Dupont moved to the suburbs and (B) MBNA moved away and (C) the courts/legal work and related filings became almost exclusively digital. 1,000 or more people or more being there in person every day for work would mean a level of day-time energy that hasn't happened downtown in quite a while.

New Stapler Park Playground is Open It was a long 3+ year grind and I want to recognize the unofficial “Working group” of 8th District residents that played an absolutely critical role in making this project happen, consisting of Lani Star Schweiger, Pat Burns, Allison Farley, Meredith Keller, Lenny Sophrin and Bud Freel.

It was a longer process than first hoped. Turns out that brand new playgrounds of this size are much more technically complicated and far more expensive than first assumed. But thanks to State Reps. Gerald Brady, Bud Freel and Nnamdi Chukwuocha and especially Mayor John Carney the money was found and the playground is now in place, providing a great place for kids to play for the next several decades.

What will happen to Gallucio's?

The restaurant closed abruptly in November and the building was sold to a new owner. Ryan Cormier of the News Journal has good coverage:

A quick or easy tear down definitely will not be happening on my watch.

As many have noted, Galluccio's is in a historic preservation district and there are clear rules that govern this. Here is my quote in the article:

"Wilmington City Councilman Nathan Field, who represents the Forty Acres neighborhood, told Delaware Online/The News Journal he would be involved in the process as the future of the property is determined. "It's a very distinctive part of the neighborhood landscape. I mean, how many buildings in Wilmington have been there for 150 years? Not many," he said. "So I will be heavily engaged and do whatever I can to make sure that the historic spirit of that corner of the city is preserved."

Gibraltar The "Land Bank," the current owner of the property, has shelved a plan to give the property to a new foundation after listening to strong feedback from the community. Instead, they are pursuing other uses. Have you been to the Art Museum lately? One more reason to visit:

In December the Museum reopened a redesigned museum store. The renovated space, now called mARkeT, is an evolving creative hub featuring a wide array of artful and giftable merchandise. Featured sections include works by local makers, creative kids toys, art supplies, books, home decor, jewelry, and more!  Support the Museum and shop local by buying your next gift at mARkET. It's open during regular Museum hours — no admission required to shop!

New Legislative Focus - Notice Requirement for Races I am focusing on adding a notice requirement for 5k races. The races are great but it has become a regular occurrence where entire streets are shut down without any notice and neighbors told they can't come or go until the runners pass. This is not reasonable or acceptable and needs to change.

If you want to be added to the mailing list to receive future newsletters by post or email (Nrfield@wilmingtonde.gov) call or text me at 302-530-6626.