Dear Constituents, I hope you are ready for Spring. I know I can't wait.
Here's my March-April newsletter to keep you in the loop about what's happening in and around the 8th District. Can you help me learn more about what's important to you by taking a two minute survey on resident concerns?
And as always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have an issue you'd like to discuss.
Sincerely,
Nathan Field
8th District City Councilman
Cell: 302-530-6626 Facebook/Instagram: Fielddistrict8
Email: Nrfield@wilmingtonde.gov
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.
Ensuring a Smooth Transition for Seniors at Luther Towers I During Rehab Project
A New York company specializing in affordable housing recently took over the management of the building.
They are conducting major renovations to improve the rooms. This will require the temporary relocation of residents to a nearby hotel, when their individual room is being fixed up. I have been in close contact with Luther I residents and the new owner. I am working to make sure that disruptions are as minimal as possible. If you live in Luther Towers and have questions, please call me at 302-530-6626
Warm Welcome to Wilmington's New Independent Bookstore Recently I visited the new independent bookstore Huxley and Hiro at 419 N. Market St for the first time and was incredibly impressed. Read more by clicking here.
I highly recommend visiting for several reasons:
(1) The browsing experience - the layout and store vibe make you want to linger
(2) Local focus - Huge collection of Delaware related books
(3) Selection - so many interesting books, on so many different topics
(4) Lots of interesting book store related events planned
And if you make it to Huxley and Hiro, I strongly recommend the two independent movie theaters located downtown - Theatre N and The Screening Room at 1313.
Neighbors and Developer Reach Compromise Re New Apartment at 1021 Gilpin
When the details of this planned project (130 units) were announced, many nearby neighbors and I were very concerned about the impact - especially on overflow parking in an already congested neighborhood.
I met at least four times with a group of the most impacted neighbors and the neighborhood civic association. We came up with a common set of neighborhood positions and worked with the Builder to reach a compromise. On January 21st, the City Zoning Board approved a variance to build a 130 unit building with 130 parking spots (which is more than the 90 parking spots that was required by law). In addition, the builder agreed to a series of specific requests from neighbors to limit impact. These were incorporated into the legal variance documents for the project. Construction is planned for 2025.
8th District Essay Contest Each year City Council members have a small amount of money to distribute as scholarships. My goal is to promote greater engagement and inclusion in City of Wilmington civic affairs of local high school and college students who I believe often have fresh and innovative ideas that are sometimes overlooked.
To be eligible for an 8th District scholarship, you must (A) reside in the 8th City Council District, (B) plan to attend some form of schooling (vocational or college) next year, and (C) write a short essay (up to 250 words, more if desired) answering this question:
If you were Mayor of Wilmington, what is your best idea for improving the City and how would you implement it?
Email your essay to me at Nrfield@wilmingtonde.gov no later than May 1st. See the essays of two previous winners here and here.
March and April Social Events in and Around the 8th District
Art Loop - Friday March 1st
Howard Pyle studio now includes live music at each Art Loop and Blue Streak Gallery hosts another show in 40 Acres:
Olmsted Hike - March 23rd @ Brandywine Park "This walking tour will celebrate Olmsted’s influence on Brandywine Park. Join our park naturalist as they will lead an invigorating walkthrough Brandywine Park highlighting specific sites that relate to Olmsted’s vision for greening urban areas. Free, pre-registration is required by March 22 at noon. Call the park office to register at 302.577.1164" Read more details here.
Every Tuesday - Tap House Beer Runners + Weekly Running and Social Club.
New in town? Looking to meet new people while exercising? Meets every Tuesday night at 6:30 in front of Trolley Square Tap House for a run followed by socializing at the Tap House. And on Saturday April 20th, the group is holding their second annual 5k. Delaware Center for Horticulture- Low Cost Tree Sale - April 13th "Get a head start on your Arbor Day celebration by joining us for a low-cost tree sale in the Delaware Center for Horticulture Courtyard. Trees will be available on a pay-what-you-wish scale with a recommendation of $10 per tree."
New Exhibit at the Delaware Art Museum
If you are new in town I highly recommend a visit to the Art Museum. There is something for everyone no matter what you are interested in.
Construction Updates
Bancroft Mills Bridge The State of Delaware is still aiming for this schedule - hoping to begin work this work, with completion in April of 2025 assuming that the bid process is completed by this coming April.
The City Reopens Park Drive to Vehicle Traffic
Many people had proposed the idea of keeping it closed to make it a pedestrian only street.
However, Public Works and the Mayor's Office made the final decision to reopen it to vehicle traffic as it was before the closure, based on its utility as a Transporation thruway to downtown and I95.
Uplighting at Soldiers and Sailors Monument to be completed by mid-March
The construction began on January 6th, for this project which will add new stature to the iconic tribute to Soldiers and Sailors from the Union Army who lost their lives in the Civil War.
Fixing Overly Bright Lights From the Mayor's Office: "the new 2700k neighborhood lights have been ordered. Delivery, according to Delmarva, will be four months. As soon as they arrive spring of 2024, Delmarva has promised that lights throughout the neighborhoods will be changed. We will keep the brighter lights in the city parks and along most streets."
Gibraltar / 16th and Greenhill Street Vacation Update
In late December the City directly negotiated a deal with the Seller to purchase the mansion for $900,000. There are no plans for any commercial development at the Mansion and the gardens are permanently protected and maintained by the State of Delaware and will stay exactly as is.
In addition to the $900,00 cash, the City agreed to vacate the lower half of the street bed of the 2500 block of W.16th St and give it to the seller (see red lot below) to likely build a new house.
The "Street vacation" is subject to approval by City Council. If City Council doesn't approve this within six months, the City will be required to pay $350,000 additional cash to the Seller of Gibraltar.
This is the timeframe for the approval process by City Council as outlined in City Code:
March 19th – City Planning Commission
Finance Committee – April 15th
Final City Council Vote – May 2nd
PS - If you want to be added to the email or mailing list to receive future updates, please send a text, call or email.