Mayor Mike Purzycki announced that the City of Wilmington has begun a year-long planning initiative, supported by a nearly $200,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to address the potential re-use of contaminated, underutilized, and vacant brownfield sites in the northeast area of the city.
The study, part of an effort to bring reinvestment to the neighborhood, will also identify specific opportunities for growth and revitalization along the Brandywine River.
Two city-owned waterfront sites at the center of this undertaking are the former Diamond State Salvage property and the Wilmington Maintenance Yard, both located along the Brandywine River, between the 16th Street Bridge and Northeast Boulevard.
“What happens from this point forward is intended to bring about positive change to the northeast part of our city,” said Mayor Purzycki. “This is the first of step in the community and government coming together to envision great things happening for our neighborhoods and along a previously neglected part of Wilmington’s other riverfront.”
The U.S. EPA Area-Wide Brownfields Plan is being prepared by Stromberg/Garrigan & Associates (SGA). It will be guided by previous planning efforts for the area, which will be consolidated into an implementation-focused strategy with an expected completion in Spring 2019.
Purzycki invited residents to an open house, which will be held on Wednesday, May 9, from 6-7 p.m., followed by a Community Workshop from 7-8:30 p.m., both at the Achievement Center located at 38 Vandever Avenue.
During the Open House, SGA will present an overview of the project, including infrastructure findings and existing conditions of the project area. The Workshop that follows will be an opportunity for community members to discuss their vision, concerns, and potential opportunities for neighborhood revitalization. Input received from this Community Workshop will be used to inform the preparation of the Draft Recommendations that will be presented for community review and comment at a follow-up workshop to be held this coming fall.
These events are free and open to the public, and interested community members are encouraged to attend. A final Action Plan is scheduled to be released early next year.
A Steering Committee comprised 16 individuals selected by Purzycki, City Council and the City Planning Department held its initial meeting on March 9, 2018.
The Committee members represent stakeholders in the project area, including business owners, property owners, institutions, community centers, residents and government officials.
There are also a number of project partners who will be lending their technical assistance.
