Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are enjoying the nicer weather and are ready for Spring.
Here is my March-April neighborhood newsletter giving you an update on the latest news in and around the 8th District.
Sincerely,
Nathan Field 8th District Councilman Nrfield@wilmingtonde.gov Cell phone: 530-6626 Instagram/Facebook: Fielddistrict8 PS - If you want to be added to the email or mailing list to receive future neighborhood updates, please send a text, call or email.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF THE "ORIGINAL MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE," 8TH DISTRICT RESIDENT PETE ROMANO
Pete's group aims to rebuild the Wilmington live Music scene which has struggled in the post-Covid times. See this recent profile in Out and About Magazine. I am proud to have recently helped "OMAD" get a grant from the City using left over Covid-relief funds set aside for reviving activities that were hurt during the pandemic. My chat with Pete about their plans for Wilmington: NF: In the Out and About article, you described the Wilmington music scene as characterized by “periods of momentum powered by clubs specializing in local, original music with proper stages and sound equipment {which have} been followed by periods of dwindling options.” Where is the Scene today? PR: We face two big challenges.
First, the 800 pound gorilla! There’s currently hardly anywhere to go.
In the span of a year and a half, in 2021 through 2023 we lost the Jackson Inn (on Lancaster Avenue), the Oddity Bar and 1984 on Greenhill Avenue. You had a trifecta of great places all nearby.
Keep in mind, what made those three spots so great for a local music scene is they were fairly isolated from residential blocks, meaning rocking out at night was less of an issue. In an urban setting, that's something you have to consider.
The second is that there seems to still be a post-Covid lull in people getting out and about.
For a number of reasons, it is harder to get people to come out to attend events, shows etc. You have to work much harder to draw people to see shows than before the Pandemic.
NF: What can OMAD do to get people out to concerts again?
Marketing and promotion. We have to spread the word and let people know what’s going on.
NF: Reminds me of the “55 Hours” that used to be published in the News Journal, 15 or so years ago, to let people know what was happening on a given weekend. Seeing everything in one central place, that's how so many people found out what would be happening..... Yes! We put up a newsletter on our website to highlight upcoming events. Music fans can sign up by clicking here.
Another cool thing is the "Koh Show Live Stream" every Monday night on Facebook. They pick two local bands to promote each episode.
We also were able to successfully register a 501 C3, a non profit, so we can officially raise money to build up the music scene.
NF: Thinking big, what are you aiming for in the very near term, and let's say 3 to 5 years down the road?
PR: Aside from the marketing and promotion I mentioned above, in the next year, it’s hosting “Porch jams.” If you look at NYC and Philly, the concept of “porch jams” are hugely popular. They are a great way to build a local Music scene and to brings neighbors together. We plan on doing one this year, on my block on Rodney Street.
And over the longer term, it’s to find a home in city limits. A a space lots of music related activities can happen, where its live shows, recording etc. A true, organic center for live music, here in Wilmington.
OTHER FUN SOCIAL EVENTS IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS
New exhibit at Delaware Art Museum: Read more details here.
Trolley Retro Run 5K - April 27th
Kaleigh Lynch has done a fantastic job building the weekly running social meetup from scratch (every Tuesday night in front of Logan House)
Too many good concerts to name individually - Delaware Symphony Orchestra , Opera Delaware and WIlmington Music School The Screening Room at 1313 is a city hidden gem featuring tons of outstanding movies that aren't shown in regular theaters. This one looks very interesting and I may go see this on Saturday:
Mayor John Carney Town Hall - March 26th - 6:30 @ Johnson Elementary School. Mayor Carney will host an open meeting to discuss issues of importance to residents.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES Last week, the City Council voted 8 to 0 to initiate a 90 day moratorium on the State of Delaware issuing retail marijuana licenses to any City of Wilmington locations, running well into June. This moratorium gives the new Carney administration time to put forward its proposal for where or if commercial marijuana sales should be allowed in the City.
FRUSTRATED WITH THE REASSESSMENT PROCESS?
Here is a link to the information needed if you want to appeal.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES Bancroft Bridge DNREC says that their contractor is still on track for a summer opening. I took a walk the other day and the crews were very hard at work, so there is clearly a light at the end of the tunnel. New Apartment building at 1021 Gilpin Avenue The builder, Berger Residential of Malvern, PA says the plan is to start construction this summer, according to all original plans.
Mara Homes applies for Rezoning at 1934 Rising Sun Lane
Latest on Gibraltar? The City continues to focus on improving the facade of the mansion. Longer term, the City, Preservation Delaware and the Land Bank are developing a property plan and fundraising plan for both the house and the gardens.
PS - If you want to be added to the email or mailing list to receive future neighborhood updates, please send a text, call or email
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