In 2019, the City of Wilmington received an EPA Brownfields Community Assessment grant. The purpose of the grant was to refine the vision for the Northeast initially developed as part of a 2019 Area-Wide Grant, develop cleanup recommendations, and redevelop key brownfield sites to meet the community’s goals. The grants focused on the Northeast community from the Brandywine River to Vandever Avenue between N. Market Street and Northeast Boulevard.
The former Diamond State Salvage site is the focal point of this vision. This City-owned site along the river is envisioned to become part of a “living shoreline,” a natural area that increases the flood resistance of the community while providing recreation space for residents, access to the river, and a bike and pedestrian trail. The vision incorporates the preferred placement for a new 12th Street connector as part of the resilience infrastructure. While community feedback was received during the planning process, continuous input will be needed as projects and plans advance and funding becomes available to address community priorities.
