June- August City Council Update

Dear constituents, Here's my Summer update to keep you highly informed about key issues impacting your neighborhoods.

A big focus is a progress report on Trolley Square area revitalization plus information about a major rezoning proposal adjacent to Bancroft Parkway. There are also a large number of fun social events happening throughout the summer.

Please call or email at any time if I can be of assistance. I'm here to help. Sincerely,

Nathan Field Nrfield@wilmingtonde.gov Instagram/Facebook: Fielddistrict8 Cell: 530-6626

P.S. If you want to be added to the mailing list to receive future newsletters by regular mail, home delivery or email please email or text me and I will do so.

Dining on Delaware in Full Swing!

First Friday of every month through October (except for July 10th - the 2nd Friday).

The June Dining on Delaware was fantastic and exactly what we are aiming for. We had several hundred people hanging out in the street, listening to live music, checking out the vendors and catching up with friends. I had a great time with my fellow Council member Latisha Bracy chatting with our State Representative Nnamdi Chukwuocha over dinner at Kelly's Logan House about initiatives Nnamdi is leading in Dover on our District's behalf.

Trolley Square Revitalization Progress Report

This is one of my major focuses on 2026. We have to make sure the commercial area reaches its full potential - and I think we are making fairly decent progress:

#1 - Planters in Place - all 4 corners of Delaware Ave at Dupont: This was an idea that came out of the April 21st Revitalization Forum. Thanks to Blair Tkacz for being the key organizer. Thanks also to Julia and Ann from the Delaware Center for Horticulture for providing training on how to take care of them. Making the most central, most high visibility intersection as attractive, welcoming and appealing as possible is critical to the long-term fate of all the businesses in Trolley Square. Idea is to prove the concept and ability to execute it, here - this planting season. And perhaps if successful expand next year to other intersections.

#2 - Meeting with AG's Team, Mayor and Police Chief:

Along with representatives from the Trolley Square and 40 Acres Civic Associations, I recently met the Attorney General's Office to convey the neighborhood's concerns about quality-of-life impacting crimes. Meeting attendees strongly protested against a perceived "normalization" by law enforcement of so-called 'small' crimes such as shoplifting, open drinking and marijuana smoking etc. I believe these concerns are now being taken seriously.

#3 - New Public Bike Rack Coming: Thanks to Carl C. for noting the lack of bike parking options. A new rack has been ordered for Delaware Avenue and Dupont and to be imminently installed. This will add new options for people to come to and from without using a car.

#4 - Major Vacancy at 1624 Delaware about to be filled:

I recently met with the owners of Bardea Restaurant. They are planning to open up a bagel/pizza shop (concept seems somewhat evolving) at this central location.

This is the most high-profile vacancy in Trolley Square. Filling it with a good new business will have major psychological impact. #5 - Next Revitalization Forum - September:

What do you think? What else can we be doing to improve the Central commercial area?

Addressing Dangerous Driving

I am constantly receiving complaints (as are other council members throughout the City) about dangerous driving violations that endanger public safety, from speeding, to running to stop signs, to parking in crosswalks. The solution comes down to more effective enforcement. I can say that the WPD has recently reorganized the Traffic Police Unit, adding more officers, and are taking these complaints seriously (when they hear them). So if you are seeing something happening on your street, make sure to document it so the Traffic Police can effectively address it.

Proposed Rezoning at 11th and Bancroft As mentioned in my last newsletter, there is a proposal for a rezoning at 11th and Bancroft Parkway to allow for a 200-unit apartment building. I am following the proposal very closely. As always, I will keep residents informed of any next steps as soon as I get the information.

For any proposed rezoning there are two basic steps: City Planning Commission for an evaluation and general recommendation for or against (which meets 3rd Tuesday of each month) and then City Council for meetings and ultimately a binding vote. This proposal may go before the City Planning Commission on either Tuesday August 18th or September 15th but not before.

Upcoming Social and Fun Activities in and Around the 8th District

Brandywine Park Farmer's Market - every Saturday 9am to 12noon Delaware Art Museum Thursday Happy Hour

Howard Pytle Studio - open to public first Friday of every month with live music Trolley Square Run Club - every Tuesday night meeting at Kelly's Logan House The Screening Room at 1313 - A hidden city gem of independent and foreign films. Monday night concerts at Rockford Park:

Other Updates

Gallucio's - nothing new to report. I have not heard of any new developments since September of 2025.

Karma's Korner - coming late August or September to the intersection of Lovering and Scott.

Delaware Avenue Online Walking Tour - Fall 2026

Focus will be on 15 or so properties (or sites of former properties) with interesting history from W&B Cemetery to Rockford Tower from 1700s through about 1945. For a preview, check out FieldDistrict8 on Facebook for the story of one of them, 1401 Delaware Avenue - site of the first ever Presidential visit ever to Delaware.

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